Harvey Knibbs struck a dramatic stoppage-time winner to give Charlton Athletic a deserved 1-0 victory over Watford at The Valley, marking the Addicks’ first Championship match in over five years with three points.

The 24-year-old forward, signed from Reading just last week, reacted quickest in the box to side-foot home from close range after Lloyd Jones headed Conor Coventry’s corner into his path. The goal sent the home crowd into raptures and sealed a dream start to life back in the second tier.

Charlton began brightly, with Watford goalkeeper Egil Selvik denying Jones from eight yards inside the opening three minutes. Rob Apter — lively throughout — went close soon after, firing narrowly past the far post.

Jones again threatened before half-time, forcing another fine save from Selvik with a header from Apter’s floated free-kick. Watford, under new manager Paulo Pezzolano, struggled to create clear chances, though Mamadou Doumbia delivered a dangerous cross early in the second half that evaded everyone in the six-yard box.

The visitors rode their luck when Jeremy Ngakia appeared to foul inside his own penalty area, but no spot-kick was given. Charlton kept pushing as Charlie Kelman and Sonny Carey both tested Selvik, while Apter remained a constant threat, curling a late effort just wide.

Watford’s best opportunity came when Hector Kyprianou headed over from an Ngakia cross, but their lack of cutting edge proved costly. Deep into added time, substitute Nestory Irankunda had a penalty appeal waved away before Knibbs delivered the decisive blow.

The victory gives Charlton the perfect start on their Championship return, while Watford’s new era under Pezzolano begins with a disappointing defeat.

Final Score: Charlton Athletic 1–0 Watford
Goal: Knibbs (90+ minutes)