It was party time at The Valley on Saturday for the League One winners even before kick-off, but mid-table Pools led at the break thanks to Peter Hartley's opener before the champions got back on level terms in the 70th minute through Danny Hollands.
Substitute Danny Haynes put the Addicks in front with a 78th-minute header and Yann Kermorgant extended their advantage three minutes later with a fine finish from an acute angle. There was still time for Gary Liddle's deflected 86th-minute shot to pull it back to 3-2 but Charlton held on to take their points tally for the season to 101 before being presented with the League One trophy at the final whistle.
"I just didn't want us to go out with a whimper," said Powell. "I think the occasion got to them in the first half, all the build up and the whole pre-match from when we went out on the pitch, it's not our usual routine.
"Obviously it was a bit different, and we like our routine, we like the way we prepare and I think it got to them a little bit.
"But I thought the second half was outstanding by both teams. Hartlepool played their part and it is always hard for a team coming here knowing we are going to get the trophy and it is going to be a real party atmosphere."
