By the time Oxford United's win at Preston North End on Friday trimmed Charlton Athletic's cushion over the relegation zone to six points, there was already a nervous tinge to the weekend.
Yet, a bright red robin in my garden on match morning hinted at better omens – and so it proved at The Valley.
Nathan Jones had urged focus on Charlton's own business, rather than the league table, and his side did exactly that.
Birmingham City tried to unsettle the Addicks by switching ends before kick‑off, but the ploy backfired spectacularly when Charlie Kelman fired home to seal a huge 1–0 victory.
It had only been four minutes since he had entered the field of play – bish, bash, bosh.
Charlton's backline was immense as they conducted a disciplined, full‑blooded defensive performance to ensure the club's 12th clean sheet of the campaign.
Injuries to Reece Burke and Collins Sichenje had forced a reshuffle, but the likes of Lloyd Jones (pictured above) rose to the occasion, adding another towering display worthy of his third consecutive player of the month award while behind them Will Mannion commanded his box with assurance.
The Blues' squad is packed with quality, boasting the likes of Demarai Gray and Jay Stansfield, but were reduced to a single effort on target as manager Chris Davies cut a subdued figure on his 100th game in charge.
For a side that stormed League One with 111 points last season and recently put together an eight-match unbeaten league run, this was a firm reminder that Charlton can go toe-to-toe with quality Championship teams.
The win underlines the resilience and unity shaping Jones' side and, more importantly, puts the Addicks nine points clear of danger.
Our manager was drained after the game and so was I, along with all Charlton connections. However, I could go into the evening with renewed vigour and post-match jubilation.
A midweek trip to high‑flying Middlesbrough now awaits and their 4-0 away win at Queens Park Rangers looks ominous for us, but this victory felt like a statement: Charlton are here to compete, and they're doing it with nerve, graft, and belief.
