Wembley or bust – Charlton Athletic’s Championship dreams on the line in huge League One play-off semi-final decider

Charlton Athletic fans will either be planning a trip to Wembley by the end of tomorrow night or knowing that they will be playing the likes of Doncaster, Port Vale, Bradford and Stevenage next season.

That is the prize at stake in the League One play-off semi-final second leg at The Valley.

If the Addicks can do the business in SE7, after drawing the first leg 0-0 at Wycombe Wanderers, then they will face either Stockport County ot Leyton Orient, who are in action tonight.

If anything shows the importance of what is on the line, it is that Charlton are two wins away from facing Ipswich, Southampton and Leicester with the return of a South London derby against Millwall also probably of some interest.

It is huge for the club too. Extra TV exposure in the Championship and also increased attendances. Not to mention just one promotion away from the Premier League.

But first comes 90 minutes – plus stoppage time, potentially extra time and even penalties – to secure passage through to the national stadium.

So does Josh Edwards think the play-offs are brutal, in terms of being able to snuff out dreams and aspirations in the blink of an eye?

“Yeah, it is brutal – but it is where every footballer wants to be,” the Scottish defender told the South London Press. “If you go up through the play-offs it is something that is going to stick with you for the rest of your life.

“It is a memory that you’re making and the play-offs are probably one of the best spectacles in football. Everyone loves them. I remember my last season up in Scotland we finished and I was tuning into the English play-offs and watching them because there is always drama in these games.

“I’m the exact same. I can’t wait to play. Yeah, there is obviously that wee bit of pressure – if you lose the season is over – but at the same time the reward is going to Wembley in a play-off final.

“It is exactly what you’re after as a football player.”

Charlton manager Nathan Jones admitted after Sunday’s stalemate in Buckinghamshire that it was a positive result, adding: “You’ve got to win a game at home to get to Wembley. It is not all you’ve got to do – because Wycombe are a very good side – but I think we’d have taken that.”

Asked about his manager’s comment, Edwards said: “One hundred per cent. I think anybody would have taken one home game to go to get to Wembley, so the gaffer is spot on.

“We’ve been great at home this year. We’ve not lost here – the last one was December. So we’ve had a great run of form there. We have won the majority of games as well, so if there is any place to finish the job it would be The Valley, wouldn’t it?”

And how about stepping up for a penalty if the contest goes all the way?

“I’ve never taken one before but I’m more than happy to step up if I’m needed,” said Edwards. “I’d imagine it will be up to the gaffer and the staff to decide. If they tell me they want me to take one then 100 per cent I will step up and have a go.”

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS