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The League One play-off final was delayed for eight minutes due to technical difficulties amongst the officials.

Play was halted in the second half as Charlton looked to hold on to their 1-0 lead over Leyton Orient at Wembley.

Referee Kitchen had issues with his headset as a lengthy delay was required to fix it
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Referee Kitchen had issues with his headset as a lengthy delay was required to fix itCredit: Getty
Players tried to make the most of the stoppage as they took on fluids
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Players tried to make the most of the stoppage as they took on fluidsCredit: Getty
Orient's players made sure to keep active during the delay
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Orient's players made sure to keep active during the delayCredit: Sky Sports

The stoppage came at an inopportune time for the O's as they were in the ascendancy in pursuit of the equaliser.

Players kept themselves busy by knocking a ball around amongst themselves while Orient boss Richie Wellens made a dash down the tunnel during the delay.

Referee Andrew Kitchen also headed down the tunnel as he attempted to fix his headset.

However, the tens of thousands of supporters at Wembley were left in the dark regarding the reason for the delay.

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Unfortunately for Orient, they failed to make the most of the break in play or the 11 minutes of added time as Charlton held on for the 1-0 win to secure promotion to the Championship.

Macaulay Gillesphey's stunning free-kick in the first half proved to be the difference between the two sides.

It secured the Addicks a return to the second tier after a five-year hiatus.

The win was also the dream scenario for Charlton boss Nathan Jones in his first play-off final as a manager.

As for the O's, they are now winless in their last four trips to Wembley, a run which spans a painful 95 years.

Charlton will now become the third London-based club in the Championship next term alongside Millwall and Queens Park Rangers.

Charlton are a Championship club once more after five years in League One
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Charlton are a Championship club once more after five years in League OneCredit: Getty

Speaking after the match, Addicks skipper Greg Docherty hailed his team's resilience and defensive prowess when they needed it most.

"I went through every emotion in that game," Docherty told talkSPORT.

"Probably not our best, but today we showed how resilient we are as a team. Over the three playoff legs, three clean sheets, which I think is an unbelievable feat against Orient and Wycombe, two really strong teams.

"Will's (Mannion) came and claimed some corners, but apart from that, we felt solid.

"I have so much in the team and the manager and the staff, there's so much belief in us. I just knew today would be our day."

Docherty also conceded it was not a game for the neutral, but he couldn't care less given what was at stake.

Docherty skippered his side back to the Championship
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Docherty skippered his side back to the ChampionshipCredit: Getty

"We said this during the week, with Spurs and Manchester United," Docherty said.

"It was an awful game, but who cares? They're celebrating and we're celebrating.

"Since Christmas, we've been so good at getting over the line. We'll get better and I think we'll be suited to the Championship."

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