Adam Idah entered the match from the bench and went on to net two goals, helping Swansea wrap up their campaign with a 3-1 victory against Charlton at home. The Irish international was brought on in the 65th minute and, within a span of nine minutes, found the back of the net twice, sandwiching a goal from Miles Leaburn that had briefly levelled the scores for the visitors. Later in the game, fellow substitute Leo Walta added a spectacular free‑kick in the 88th minute – his first goal for the Swans – sealing the win and confirming Swansea’s eleventh‑place finish for a second year running, albeit with three more points than the previous season. Charlton’s defeat meant they managed only a single win in their final nine fixtures, yet their 19th‑place finish in the Championship represents the highest league position the club has achieved in eleven years, following promotion from League One last term.
With neither side having anything to play for on the final matchday, the opening exchanges were lackluster and low‑intensity. The game could also turn out to be the last appearance in a Swansea shirt for striker Zan Vipotnik, who has already amassed 23 league goals this season, making him the division’s top scorer and attracting interest from several European clubs. Vipotnik’s only clear chance before the break came when Josh Key delivered a cut‑back from the right flank midway through the first half. It looked like a typical Vipotnik strike, but his shot lacked the necessary power and Charlton keeper Thomas Kaminski was able to palm the ball away.
By that point Swansea had already found the net, but a goal from Josh Tymon – a composed finish after a sharp pass from Ben Cabango – was ruled out for off‑side. Charlton spent most of the first half on the back foot, but they created a fleeting opportunity after about thirty minutes. Lloyd Jones sent in a right‑wing cross that was headed across the goal line by Harry Clarke; however, Harvey Knibbs could not generate enough force on the decisive touch, and a follow‑up attempt by Lyndon Dykes was blocked. The half‑hour mark passed without a goal, and the teams entered the break level at 0‑0.
The Swans attempted to inject more energy into the second half, pressing higher and forcing Kaminski into several uncomfortable moments. Yet it was not until the 74th minute that Swansea finally broke the deadlock.
Idah was introduced for Liam Cullen, and a few minutes later Josh Key delivered a low cross into the box. Idah struck first time, a powerful 12‑yard effort that flew past Kaminski, giving the home side a 1‑0 lead.
Charlton responded quickly. After a corner, Swansea’s defenders seemed to lose concentration, allowing Miles Leaburn to rise above the crowd and head home a firm finish from a Sonny Carey delivery, restoring parity at 1‑1. Swansea, however, did not stay subdued for long.
Thomas Woodward sent in a left‑wing cross, and Idah unleashed a ferocious shot that deflected off MacAulay Gillesphey, slipping past Kaminski to make it 2‑1 in the 82nd minute. The final blow came from Finland international Leo Walta, who curled a superb free‑kick into the top corner in the 88th minute, sealing a 3‑1 win and cementing the three‑point gain.
After the match, Swansea’s manager Vitor Matos praised Idah’s contribution: “We knew we could rely on Adam after his injury lay‑off. He brings physicality, presence and a willingness to press. He’s adapting to our style, getting more involved without the ball and showing great energy. I’m delighted with his scoring record and confident he will be a key player for us moving forward.” Regarding Vipotnik’s future, Matos added, “I’m not sure how many times he waved goodbye – once, twice, maybe three – but I know I’ll still be here.
It was a nice way to finish the season, and I remain confident with Vipi back in the squad.” Charlton’s manager Nathan Jones reflected on his side’s performance: “We weren’t aggressive early on and looked tired. When we lost possession we were vulnerable.
This group works hard every day, but we are behind other teams in talent, quality and individual ability. We need to improve on every level.” The match also highlighted the competitive nature of the Championship’s lower half, where teams like Charlton strive to consolidate after recent promotions. Despite the disappointment of a solitary win in the final nine games, finishing 19th marks a respectable achievement for a side still adjusting to the higher tier.
Swansea’s season, meanwhile, shows signs of steady progress. Securing the same league position as the previous year but adding three points suggests incremental improvement, and the emergence of young talents such as Idah and Walta bodes well for the club’s future ambitions. In other news, a £250,000 prize is available through the Super 6 competition, free to enter until 3 pm on Saturday.