Injury hit Charlton hold on for point

With two injuries in the first half hour, Charlton held on for a 0-0 draw against Millwall at The Valley today. The early loss of Josh Magennis was a particular blow. It was a poor quality game, watched by an official 15,315 of whom 3,169 supported the visitors. Local blogger Darryl Chamberlain called it south-east London's 'El Crapico.'

The returning Rudd was in goal, Solly was back and Page replaced the departed Fox at left back. Magennis was up front on his own.

On 8 minutes Gregory was one on one with Rudd. He had beaten Bauer for pace and tried to lob the advancing Rudd but the ball went wide. Magennis fell awkwardly on his ankle and had to be stretchered off, but returned to the dugout in the second half wearing a big protective boot. He was replaced by Tony Watt, who had already received a big cheer from the Covered End as he warmed up. He advanced and got past two players to win the Addicks a corner.

Byrne tried his luck from twenty yards, but it was held by Archer in the Millwall goal. Watt cleared with a good header from a Millwall corner. Page, who had made an impressive start, went down holding his ankle and had to hobble off. Chelsea loanee Jay Dasilva came on and Chicksen moved to left back.

Thomson was booked for a foul on Byrne. Archer tipped away a volley from Byrne. Tex was booked for a soft foul on Morison who made the most of it. Dasilva's low cross was too close to Archer. Chicksen was fouled, but the Charlton free kick was cleared, Shaun Williams received a yellow card for tripping Konsa.

HT: 0-0

Charlton had lacked a cutting edge without Magennis and Millwall had more chances in the second half. Rudd did well to get to the ball before Gregory. Watt was booked for a high challenge. Bauer got the ball in the net from a Charlton corner, but it was ruled out for a foul on the keeper, a decision that infuriated Karl Robinson. Tex cleared away a Millwall free kick.

In the latter part of the half, Charlton were under some pressure. They won a free kick after a foul on Watt, but Tex kicked it out of play. Holmes replaced the substitute Dasilva. A dubious Millwall corner (it was clear that Morison had put the ball out) was followed by a second. Solly was booked for a foul on Ferguson. From a free kick by the corner flag, Gregory put the ball inches wide.

Hapless referee Keith Stroud broke up a Charlton counter attack by standing in the way. He seemed unable to position himself properly. Gregory got a yellow card for kicking Rudd when he had the ball. In five minutes added on, a Bauer header was just kept out by Archer.

Following the full-time whistle, Teixeira was then red carded (a second yellow) for an off-the-ball incident for throwing the ball at Morison. He has tweeted an apology to fans, while hinting that he was provoked.

Possession was 65-35 in favour of Charlton, but they had just three shots on target to Millwall's two.

Millwall manager Neil Harris commented after the match on the Bauer disallowed goal: 'Ten years ago, it's a good goal. I was a striker, so I think if the goalkeeper's letting the ball go you should be able to challenge.'

The Football League Paper commented, 'Charlton have cause for optimism- Ezri Konsa's mature performance and accomplished debuts from Nathan Byrne and Jay Dasilva. They can feel hard done by with injuries and two disallowed goals.'

Charlton remain in 11th place.

Football League Paper player scores: Rudd, 7; Solly, 6; Bauer, 5; Texeira, 4; Page, 6 (Dasilva, 7); Crofts, 6; Byrne, 7; Konsa, 7; Aribo, 6; Chicksen, 5; Magennis, 6 (Watt 5).