admin“Watch; “Heartbreak for Oxford! Charlton Snatch Stoppage-Time Penalty to Crush Dream of Fourth Straight Championship Win
Charlie Kelman’s dramatic stoppage-time penalty secured Charlton a 1-1 draw at the Kassam Stadium, denying Oxford a fourth consecutive Championship victory as they fight to avoid relegation.
Kelman, coming off the bench, calmly converted the penalty in the third minute of added time after goalkeeper Jamie Cumming fouled Lloyd Jones while rushing to collect a free-kick.
Earlier, Cameron Brannagan had put Oxford ahead in the 57th minute from the penalty spot — Oxford’s first penalty in nearly two years. Kayne Ramsay had brought down Will Lankshear, and Brannagan confidently slotted the spot-kick right-footed into the bottom-left corner, beyond Will Mannion’s dive.
Oxford made one enforced change, with Myles Peart-Harris missing out after picking up a knock in their midweek 1-0 win over Blackburn.
Charlton manager Nathan Jones rotated his squad, making five changes from the side that had beaten second-placed Middlesbrough, resting key players including matchwinner Conor Coady, Miles Leaburn, and Kelman.
The game started brightly, with Charlton dominating possession in the opening 20 minutes. Greg Docherty tested Cumming with a low angled shot, while Yunus Konak’s skillful play helped Oxford fashion an early chance, though Lloyd Jones intercepted Aidomo Emakhu’s effort.
Charlton, boosted by their surprise victory at Middlesbrough that took them to 48 points and close to safety, played with freedom in the first half.
Oxford began to assert themselves as the match progressed. Stan Mills’ influence grew after he was fouled just outside the box, with Jamie Donley curling the resulting free-kick over the bar. Moments later, Mills delivered a dangerous cross from the right, and Amari’i Bell’s attempted clearance narrowly missed his own goalpost.
In the second half, Michal Helik flicked a header over the bar following Lankshear’s nod-on from Brannagan’s long diagonal ball. Conor Coventry later headed wide from a Charlton long throw, before Oxford increased the pressure. When Lankshear was fouled in the box by Ramsay, Oxford were awarded a penalty to the delight of the home crowd.
Lankshear came close to doubling the lead four minutes later with a delicate chip over Mannion, only for Lloyd Jones to clear off the line.
Oxford appeared poised to take another crucial three points, but Charlton had other plans. They capitalized on Cumming’s late mistake to snatch a point, leaving the visitors frustrated in their fight for survival.
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