By SCM Sports Reporter
TYREECE CAMPBELL was the hero under the lights at The Valley as his late moment of magic hauled Charlton Athletic seven points clear of the drop zone and left Stoke City’s season in a tailspin.
The 22-year-old starlet stepped off the bench to prove he is the brightest spark in SE7, latching onto a clever flick from Lyndon Dykes to slot home an 81st-minute winner that sent the home faithful into raptures.
It was a night where Charlton’s grit met Stoke’s lack of wit.
Despite the Potters hogging a massive 64% of possession, they looked about as dangerous as a blunt pencil in the final third.
The game seemed destined for a stalemate until boss Nathan Jones turned to his bench. In the 81st minute, a long ball was expertly cushioned by the towering Dykes.
Stoke defender Ashley Phillips—on loan from Spurs—misjudged the flight, allowing Campbell to pounce.
The youngster didn’t blink, dancing past Tommy Simkin in the Stoke goal and firing into the bottom corner. It was his third of the campaign and undoubtedly his most important.
For Addicks boss Nathan Jones, the victory tasted extra sweet.
Facing the club that sacked him in 2019, Jones couldn’t hide his delight at the final whistle, even getting involved in a post-match “chat” with Stoke coach Ryan Shawcross.
”If Tyreece realises how good he is, the kid can go all the way,” Jones beamed. “He moves like a Premier League player. He’s got the power, the pace, and tonight, he had the clinical edge we needed.”
While Charlton look up, Stoke are looking over their shoulders. Mark Robins’ men have now gone six games without a win.
They lost Bosun Lawal to a hamstring injury before the break, and despite the efforts of Steven N’Zonzi in the middle of the park, they managed just two shots on target all night.
For the Addicks, this was more than just three points—it was a statement that they belong in this division. With Campbell in this form, the Valley is finally finding its voice again.
