Adam Idah entered the match from the bench and went on to net two goals, helping Swansea cap off their campaign with a 3-1 victory on home turf against Charlton. The Irish forward was brought on in the 65th minute and, within a nine‑minute window, found the back of the net twice, sandwiching a leveller from Miles Leaburn for the visitors. Later, fellow substitute Leo Walta added a spectacular free‑kick in the 88th minute – his inaugural goal for the Swans – sealing a win that ensured Swansea finished 11th for the second year running, albeit with three extra points compared with the previous season.
Charlton, on the other hand, endured a disappointing finish, managing just a single win in their final nine fixtures and slipping to 19th in the Championship – their highest position in eleven years after gaining promotion from League One last term. With nothing at stake for either side on the final day, the opening exchanges were lackluster and low‑intensity. The match may also mark the last appearance in a Swansea shirt for striker Zan Vipotnik, who has already racked up 23 league goals to become the division’s top scorer and has attracted interest from a host of 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 half. It looked like the kind of opportunity Vipotnik has been creating all season, but his shot lacked the necessary power and Charlton keeper Thomas Kaminski managed to palm the ball away.
Swansea had already thought they were ahead when Josh Tymon calmly slotted the ball past Kaminski after a sharp pass from Ben Cabango, but the goal was disallowed for off‑side. Charlton spent most of the first half subdued, though they threatened to take the lead after about thirty minutes when Lloyd Jones sent in a right‑wing cross that Harry Clarke headed across the goal. Harvey Knibbs failed to get sufficient power on the follow‑up, and Lyndon Dykes saw his subsequent effort blocked, leaving the scoreline untouched at the break. The second half began with Swansea pushing harder for an opening goal.
Kaminski appeared in danger of being beaten, but a hurried effort from Liam Cullen was diverted away by Jones. It was not until the 74th minute that Idah finally broke the deadlock. After a period of sustained pressure inside the Charlton penalty area, Key delivered a cross that Idah met with a low, first‑time strike from roughly 12 yards, sending the ball past Kaminski. Only five minutes later, Charlton restored parity when Swansea’s defenders failed to clear a corner and Miles Leaburn rose to meet a Sonny Carey delivery, heading the ball powerfully into the net.
The Swans, however, quickly regained momentum. Thomas Woodward sent in a left‑wing cross, and Idah unleashed a ferocious shot that deflected off MacAulay Gillesphey, finding the back of the net for his second of the night and putting Swansea back in front at 2‑1 in the 82nd minute. The drama was not over. In the 88th minute, Finland international Leo Walta curled a superb free‑kick into the top corner, sealing a third goal and confirming the three points for Swansea.
After the final whistle, manager Vitor Matos praised Idah’s impact: "We knew we could rely on Adam after his injury lay‑off. He brings physicality, presence, and a great work‑rate.
He’s adapting to our style, pressing more aggressively, and his scoring record is impressive. With a proper pre‑season and his integration, he will be a massive player for us." Regarding Vipotnik’s future, Matos added, "I’m not sure how many times he waved goodbye – maybe once, twice, or three – but I waved too, and I know I’ll be here. It was a nice way to finish the season. I’m confident with everything, and having Vipi back gives me even more confidence." Charlton manager Nathan Jones reflected on his side’s performance: "We weren’t aggressive early on and looked tired.
As soon as we lost possession, it felt like we could concede. This group works hard every day, but we’re behind other teams in talent, quality, and man‑for‑man battles. We have to improve on every level." The match also highlighted the broader context of the Championship’s competitive landscape. Swansea’s steady mid‑table finish, coupled with a modest points increase, suggests a degree of stability under Matos, while Charlton’s struggle to string together wins underscores the challenges newly promoted clubs face in maintaining consistency.
Both teams will now turn their attention to the off‑season, with Swansea looking to build on Idah’s late‑season heroics and Vipotnik’s goal‑scoring prowess, and Charlton aiming to address the gaps in depth and intensity that have cost them crucial points. For fans eager to stay engaged, the Sky Sports app offers live coverage, and the EFL can be streamed via Sky’s NOW service. Additionally, a £250,000 prize pool is up for grabs with the Super 6 competition, which remains free to enter until the deadline at 3 pm on Saturday.