A resurgent Rotherham beat Charlton 4-2 at the New York Stadium today, leaving the Addicks 13th in the table. The Millers went 2-0 ahead early doors, but Miles Leaburn gave a glimmer of hope with a strike just before half time, only for the home side to score a third. Matt Godden scored a late goal ti keep the score line respectable.
Martyr to the cause Louis Mendez has commented: 'All over the place at the back today. Second came from the mistake from Jones, third from Small not reading a set-piece coming in and no one else dealing with it ahead of him either. '
I was hoping for at least a point today and Lloyd Jones is the last player I'd expect to make a serious mistake.
Charlton had not lost in the league since early December but were their own worst enemies in a sloppy performance. Two goals in the opening 15 minutes from Andre Green and Alex MacDonald left the Addicks facing an uphill struggle – a mountain they never looked like climbing.
The Millers took the first chance that came their way after the visitors failed to deal with Joe Powell's cross from the left. Wilks deflected the ball into the path of Green and he tucked home from close range with the help of the right-hand post.
Before Charlton knew it, they were 2-0 down after inviting Rotherham in to make it two attempts, two goals. Green turned provider, capitalising on a mistake by Alex Mitchell to get in behind the Charlton defence and feed MacDonald who finished with a shot across Maynard-Brewer.
Luke Berry had Charlton's first attempt on goal with a header that was comfortably saved by Dillon Phillips and the visitors' frustrations continued when Tyreece Campbell's penalty appeal was waved away following a tumble in the box.
Leaburn lifted the Addicks' spirits with a tidy finish from a low cross after Rotherham gifted back possession inside their own half – but Rotherham had the final word of the first period. Charlton failed to deal with a free-kick into the box and Jules took full advantage with a looping header at the second attempt. After the break Wilks put them 3-0 ahead.
Green's drive was well kept out by Maynard-Brewer after he was inexplicably played in by Charlton defender Mitchell and Rotherham peppered the visiting goal in the closing stages. Cohen Bramall forced Maynard-Brewer into a smart save before the Charlton keeper denied Wilks and Joe Powell lashed the rebound over the bar.
Godden's pinpoint finish denied Rotherham the chance to move into the top half on goal difference but the afternoon belonged to the upwardly mobile Millers.
Commiserations to the away faithful who made the trip.
Shell shocked supremo Nathan Jones admitted that he did not see his team's chaotic performance coming: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-after-charlton-athletics-heavy-defeat-at-rotherham-united-we-werent-us-today-the-goals-were-catastrophic/
Louis Mendez says that the lack of defensive solidity was the worst this season: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-rotherham-united-4-charlton-athletic-2-unbeaten-run-ends-in-spectacular-style/
Normal service resumed ....................
ReplyDeleteIt's the players who are on the pitch and collectively they are not good enough, indeed even the better individuals had mares today. More has to be spent on players, although it is difficult to get value in this window - but I would like to see the de facto ban on loans lifted.
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