Charlton Athletic Player Ratings: 'Hero' 10/10 but 'error-prone' 6 as Leyton Orient beaten at Wembley

Charlton Athletic turned in a huge performance under the arch at Wembley Stadium to run out 1-0 winners against London rivals Leyton Orient in the League One play-off final.

The Addicks went into the fixture as favourites but it was a tightly fought affair between the two sides. In the end, it was one moment of brilliance that separated the two sides and booked Charlton Athletic a place in the Championship for next season.

That moment came from an unlikely source. Centre-back Macaulay Gillesphey scored from a well-placed free-kick after 31 minutes, although Orient shot-stopper Josh Keeley will feel he should have got a stronger fist to that set play. Here’s how the Charlton Athletic players rated.

Charlton Athletic player ratings

GK - Will Mannion, 8

Another clean sheet for the goalkeeper but a quiet day in the office. Leyton Orient didn’t muster a single shot on target despite periods of dominance in the second half.

LWB - Josh Edwards, 7

Perhaps a little frazzled at times by the occasion but it’s been a meteoric rise for the full-back. Can hold his head very high with his efforts this afternoon and this season.

CB - Macaulay Gillesphey, 10

A deserved full marks for the centre-back, who has been a titan throughout the play-off campaign. Robust at the back and was the player to find a moment of magic to change the game with his first-half free kick. A hero.

CB - Lloyd Jones, 9

What a campaign it’s been for Jones. Today epitomised what makes the defender so important to this team, getting big blocks and challenges right at pivotal moments. Will excel in the Championship next term.

CB - Kayne Ramsay, 9

Another of the backline who turned in a big performance. Covered a lot of ground today and dominant physically. Looked very up for the occasion.

RWB - Thierry Small, 7

Didn’t get a whole load of chances to get running down that flank today but grew in impetus after the break. Some of his balls into the box lacked a usual accuracy.

CM - Greg Docherty, 7

One of the quieter Addicks players but watched over proceedings in midfield like a hawk. A calm head throughout and needed presence.

CM - Conor Coventry, 8

Coventry’s best work came in defensively this afternoon. Mopped up well in front of the centre-backs and diligent when filling in to help out the defence. Saw a deflected shot almost dip under the bar in the second half.

Middlesbrough loanee struggles but Addicks youth product causes problems

CM - Alex Gilbert, 6

Had to come off when he did with 68 minutes on the clock. Gilbert was eye-catching in the first half against Wycombe Wanderers at The Valley but error prone at Wembley Stadium. His rash challenge on the edge of the box led to a dangerous Leyton Orient free-kick before his sub - thankfully that foul wasn’t made a yard closer to the Addicks goal.

ST - Tyreece Campbell, 9

The tricky forward can often lack an end product but he makes up for that with his hard work. A constant thorn in Leyton Orient’s side at Wembley Stadium, defenders had to be careful when hacking at his nimble legs with VAR watching on. Won the free-kick which led to the goal and clearly a fan favourite.

ST - Matty Godden, 7

Industrious as ever, popping up all over the place but not finding any golden chances to get himself on the scoresheet today - offers so much more than his goals though.

SUB - Karoy Anderson (9), Tennai Watson (7), Chuks Aneke (7), Micah Mbick (6)

In other news, Ex Charlton Athletic and Newcastle United star with 278 Premier League appearances made free agent.