PORTSMOUTH, England (Interstat) — In a dramatic conclusion defying statistical projections, Portsmouth opened its English Football League Championship campaign with a 2-1 victory over Charlton Athletic on Monday at Fratton Park.

The match, which appeared destined for a draw, erupted with three goals in a chaotic final sequence of second-half stoppage time, delivering a thrilling start to the season for the home supporters.

Portsmouth controlled long stretches of the match but struggled to break down a resolute Charlton defense. The decisive breakthrough finally came in the 69th minute. Defender Regan Poole provided the assist, sending in a delivery that midfielder Conor Shaughnessy converted to give Portsmouth a 1-0 lead.

Charlton Athletic, which had offered little in attack for much of the contest, found a stunning equalizer deep into added time. In the sixth minute of stoppage time, substitute Amari’i Bell set up fellow substitute Harvey Knibbs, who scored to seemingly salvage a point for the visitors at 1-1.

The celebration was short-lived. From the ensuing restart, Portsmouth drove forward and secured a winner just two minutes later, in the 98th minute. Another substitute, Joe Rankin-Costello, played provider, finding midfielder Yang Minhyeok for a goal that sent Fratton Park into a frenzy and secured all three points for Pompey.

The frantic finish overturned the pre-match projection from Interstat’s game simulator, which had forecast a 1-1 draw. The firm’s ELO rating system had given Portsmouth an 80.7 percent probability to win.

The physical contest saw four yellow cards issued. Charlton’s Bell was cautioned in the 59th minute, followed by teammate Rankin-Costello in the 61st. Portsmouth’s Poole received a yellow in the 74th minute, and defender Ibane Bowat was booked in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

With the result, Portsmouth begins its season with a victory, moving its Championship record to one win and no losses. Charlton Athletic starts with a defeat, its record at no wins and one loss. The records in all competitions are identical for both sides following this season-opening fixture.

The victory provides early momentum for Portsmouth under the lights at Fratton Park, while Charlton Athletic will rue the collapse in the dying moments that turned a hard-earned draw into a season-opening defeat.