Bauer scores stoppage time winner to secure Charlton’s promotion to the Championship
Naby Sarr scored an early own goal before Ben Purrington equalised for Lee Bowyer's side at Wembley
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PATRICK BAUER scored the most important goal of his career in the fourth minute of stoppage time to win promotion for Charlton.
The game was deadlocked at 1-1 and heading into extra-time when the skipper pounced from close range with virtually the last kick.
It completed a great comeback after they went behind following one of the worst errors seen in a Wembley final.
Naby Sarr picked the ball up under no pressure on the left flank in his own half and played the ball back to keeper Dillon Phillips.
Yet, incredibly, the Addicks No1 completely missed the ball as he tried to control and it rolled into the net.
Yes, the defender played the ball blind and slightly wayward – but he really should have comfortably dealt with it.
So bizarre that even Sunderland did not know how to celebrate.
Phillips and Sarr – having initially remonstrated – shook hands a few minutes later to indicate that they had to pick themselves up.
And Phillips redeemed himself somewhat by making a brilliant low save to his left to turn around the post a Grant Leadbitter shot from distance.
It was just what Phillips needed so quickly after his costly error.
But Ben Purrington saved his blushes by levelling after 35 minutes – tapping in a wonderful centre from Lyle Taylor.
In truth it was what Charlton deserved on their first trip back to Wembley since 1998 – when they beat Sunderland in a play-off for the Premier League – while Sunderland have now lost seven Wembley finals in a row.
Charlton boss Lee Bowyer celebrated his first promotion as manager.
And he said: "It asn’t sunk in yet. All I’m seeing is all these proud people. I’m so proud of my players.
"They just keep going and going. I said it in the semi-finals they give me everything. A unique group of players. This crowd to bring this all together it has been some season.
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"This is probably the proudest moment of my whole career - I’m delighted for this football club."
Hero Bauer said: “Unbelievable. I don’t know what to say. We were working so hard for all the season and now we have done it. We scored in the last minute and it’s unbelievable.
"The boys were excellent all season. Big respect to Lee Bowyer for getting this squad together and we are so happy!"
