If not magic, there was certainly love in the air during Charlton Athletic’s Checkatrade Trophy fixture against AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday evening.
The ninety minutes provided plenty of action and drama, with four goals equally shared out between the two sides before the Wombles claimed victory in a penalty shootout.
However, it was at half-time that lifelong Charlton Athletic supporter Keiron Hollister decided the time was right to ‘pop the question’ and ask girlfriend, and AFC Wimbledon supporter, Lauren, to marry him.
Keiron said: “I contacted the Club in the week prior to the game about the idea and if it was actually possible. I’ve been a lifelong Charlton Athletic supporter and season-ticket holder for eleven years, whereas Lauren is an avid AFC Wimbledon fan, so I didn’t think there was a better opportunity.
“She actually thought we were going to do a penalty shootout on the pitch at half-time, and her only response was “I’m still wearing my AFC Wimbledon shirt’ - keeping with her Womble mentality.”
A wonderful idea, but did the story have a happy ending? Of course it did.
“Lauren looked a little shocked and admitted she had no idea, but she said yes and we’re both over the moon with it all,"
He added: “There are no plans on a wedding just yet, but we’re thinking of some time in 2019 - I’m happy I got the chance to do it at Charlton Athletic, and I think Lauren was quite impressed with everything as well.”
Courtesy of Charlton Athletic, the whole evening was captured on video… congratulations both Keiron and Lauren.