JONES DELIGHT WITH WIN AT SHEFFIELD UNITED.

Nathan Jones lauded his team’s resilience and quality following Charlton’s thrilling late 1-0 victory over Sheffield United on Saturday afternoon.

Tanto Olaofe scored in stoppage time to secure all three points at Bramall Lane, triggering ecstatic celebrations among the over 2,000 travelling Addicks who withstood the pouring rain. After the game, Jones stated, “I’m quite proud of that performance.

Coming to Bramall Lane is usually a big challenge in the Championship. They’re a fantastic team at this level, and with Chris Wilder back, it was an even bigger task. But I thought we were fantastic from beginning to end.”

Despite United’s superior possession, the Addicks produced the better opportunities in the first half, and Jones believed his players carried that confidence into the second stanza. He continued, “We knew we had to start well and not give them anything, so we did just that.

In the first half, we were the better team and had more clear opportunities. We didn’t quite demonstrate the quality to take the lead, but I felt we posed a genuine threat throughout. “In the second half, we looked like the stronger squad.

The game changers we got on board made a significant impact and provided us an extra push. We appeared the most likely to score, and happily, we got the goal we deserved.”

Olaofe’s goal came after superb build-up from Miles Leaburn and Harvey Knibbs, with James Bree sending the key cross for the striker to convert. “It’s very difficult not to lose your head when you score that late,” Jones told me.

“But we had to earn it. We defended excellently, worked relentlessly, and scoring in front of our fans in the end was a highlight.” James Bree and Reece Burke made their full debuts in the encounter, impressing Jones with their discipline and quality:

“They were absolutely brilliant, as were the entire back five. You need proper defenders when you come to a venue like this, and they rose to the occasion.”

Jones was also eager to acknowledge the contributions of his substitutes and backroom personnel. “The starters did their jobs brilliantly,” he explained.

“Then the game changers appeared and hoisted us again. I always consult my employees in these choices, and their participation was crucial today.

I’m proud of them and everyone in the club.” The Addicks manager singled out the travelling fans for special attention, saying they supported the club from start to finish.

He stated, “The crowd were wonderful. Bringing 2,000 people up here in the rain, after all of the travel challenges, demonstrates their dedication. We could hear them throughout the game, and to celebrate with them at the conclusion was fantastic.

“This team and the fans are developing a true rapport, which we are proud of. They’re a critical component of what we want to build here.”

The victory propels Charlton up the Championship table ahead of next weekend’s game against Blackburn Rovers at The Valley.

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