CHARLTON Athletic boss Nathan Jones felt his side’s dramatic 4-3 win at Southend United showed why the FA Cup is the best competition in the world.

Gassan Ahadme’s strike in the dying seconds of extra time saw the Addicks through to the second round.

And Jones admitted he was relieved to avoid an upset against their National League hosts.

“We should’ve gone through comfortably but as it was it was a wonderful, romantic cup tie that praise the lord we came out on the right side of,” said Jones.

“There’s masses of relief for us because it could’ve gone any way at the end.

“They showed great spirit, they fought and it was a really good cup tie.

“This is why this is as good as there is in the world.

“Yes you have the Champions League where everything is perfect and everyone is fluent but this is the best cup in the world.”

However, Jones admitted the match was less enjoyable having to watch on as manager.

“It was a great, great cup tie but when you’re manager you don’t want that,” said Jones.

“I’ll sit back and watch it and know that we’ve won but it was topsy, turvy.

“I’m sure it will be one of the first ones they show on Match of the Day tonight but for a manager who wants control and doesn’t want his heart-rate going through190 that wasn’t the type of game I wanted.”

But Jones was not surprised by how hard Southend were to beat.

“I know the people here and they’re well-coached,” said Jones.

“I knew it would be a tough test and luckily enough we had enough quality on the day to come out as winners but I don’t really like those games.