Ben Garner expressed his immense pride after the Addicks secured their progression to the second round of the Carabao Cup with a dramatic triumph over Queens Park Rangers in SE7.
Tyler Roberts fired QPR ahead with an unstoppable curler 10 minutes from time, but academy graduate Aaron Henry slammed home a sublime half-volley to force a penalty shootout in front of the Covered End.
After Jayden Stockley had dispatched the opening penalty, Joe Wollacott denied Rs midfielder Stefan Johansen from 12 yards. Both sides converted the resulting penalties before Eoghan O'Connell stroked home to confirm the Addicks' place in Wednesday night's draw.
"The players are enjoying themselves and it's well deserved," said the Manager. "I thought we played really well. I'm really proud of the group tonight, especially the younger players that have come in and had a taste of it. It was disappointing to go 1-0 down because I didn't think we deserved to, so I'm really pleased to get that leveller and what a goal it was as well. It was a wonderful strike on the half-volley.
"It was really pleasing with the penalties as well. It was a great night and hopefully we get a good draw in the next round. We now push on to Saturday."
Garner was thrilled to see his Addicks side hold their own against Championship opposition, adding: "I thought first half we were really good. They improved after the break and changed their formation slightly. They had some good moments but we defended really well and restricted them.
"We created some really good opportunities ourselves and considering they didn't come and make wholesale changes, it was a really strong QPR team. We have to take a lot of confidence from that.
"We want that momentum early in the season, especially at home. It's a fantastic stadium with great support, as you've witnessed tonight, and that's a big strength of ours."