English football moved a step closer to a return to normality as the game began to welcome back crowds on Wednesday night.

Only six clubs in the English Football League were in a position to admit fans, and none could allow in more than 2,000, but the joy and relief within the game was obvious.

Supporters spoke of being "over the moon" and finding life's missing piece as they finally had the chance to watch their teams live again for the first time in nine months due to the pandemic.

"I'm glad they are back in. I wish they were a little more vocal. It was very, very quiet apart from some negative shouting."

Charlton fan Paul Field said: "It was a disappointing result but it is good to be back. It was a good experience. It terms of organisation the club couldn't have done any more.

"I've seen some of the post-match comments from the manager. That's disappointing. I think there needs to be a bit of understanding that it's not the same – 2,000 spread out in a 27,000-seat stadium is not the same as 20,000 in there."