Charlton finally seal Championship return as Leyton Orient’s 95-year curse continues
Macaulay Gillesphey's free-kick secured Charlton's return to the Championship as League One play-off winners.
The Addicks beat Leyton Orient 1-0 at Wembley Stadium thanks to the defender's first half strike.
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Nathan Jones' side will now play in the second-tier next season for the first time since relegation in 2020.
A tense final saw Gillesphey break the deadlock shortly after the half-hour mark.
The centre-back's perfectly placed free-kick from the edge of the box beat Josh Keeley in the Orient goal.
His strike saw Charlton take the lead into half-time before withstanding a second half barrage from their opponents.
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A strong start following the interval saw Charlie Kelman's deflected effort hit the crossbar.
Charlton fans were then forced to endure a tense ending to the match following an eight-minute delay due to technical issues with VAR.
During the pause in play, Orient boss Richie Wellens was seen walking down the tunnel whilst the officials worked to fix the issue.
The delay resulted in 11 minutes of added time at the end of the 90 minutes as Orient pushed for a winner.
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However, they could not find the goal which would have sent the match to extra-time.
Charlton are now set to play in the Championship again after a five-year hiatus.
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Their win also comes six years after another victory in the League One play-off final.
Under Lee Bowyer, the Addicks beat Sunderland 2-1 at Wembley in 2019 thanks to Patrick Bauer's stoppage time winner.
Speaking after the final whistle, Jones told Sky Sports: "This isn't relief, it's euphoria.
"We've had to battle, we didn't play well today, we just defended really, really well but those are the principles we instilled and to win a game here, keep a clean sheet, I'm so happy.
"This is a good Leyton Orient side and they've hardly had a chance on goal and that's down to us.
"I'm so proud of this club, I took a risk dropping two divisions but I knew we could build something and this is the first step."
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Match-winner Gillesphey added: "I fancied it as soon as it come up and when it went in, buzzing. A free-kick at Wembley to win, unbelievable.
"The squad's class. I'm sure the gaffer will make it even better next season. It's one big effort and we've done it."
Meanwhile, Orient's poor record at the Home of Football continues with play-off heartache.
The O's are now winless in their last four trips to Wembley, a run which spans 95 years.
Since beating Brentford and Southend at the venue in 1930, they have drawn once and lost three times on their subsequent trips.
Prior to Sunday, their most recent visit saw them beaten on penalties by Rotherham in the 2014 League One play-off final.
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In contrast, Charlton have extended an impressive record at Wembley, where they have won four consecutive matches.
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Their latest victory sees the Addicks complete the line-up for next season's Championship.
They will join beaten play-off finalists Sheffield United and will be one of three London clubs alongside Millwall and Queens Park Rangers.