Holmes hat trick can't save Charlton from defeat

An impressive Ricky Holmes hat trick could not save Charlton from a 4-3 defeat by Shrewsbury Town at Greenhous Meadow tonight.

After going 1-0 behind, the Addicks were 2-1 ahead at half time, but two home side goals in quick succession put the Shrews 3-2 ahead. Charlton then equalised, but fell behind.

The Addicks seemed to be unable to deal with Shrewsbury counter attacks.

On 13 seconds Novak drew a good save from Leutwiler in the Shrews goal. Good play by Botaka saw Holmes on target from a tight angle. Aribo played in Botaka whose good effort was saved at the expense of a corner. A home corner saw Rudd beaten to the punch, but the ball went over.

On 12 minutes Dodds created Shrewsbury's opener out of nothing. He was given too much space on the edge of the box.

Magennis then made use of a Botaka cross and Leutwiler had to make a great save clawing the ball from under the bar. With Shrewsbury counter attacking, Rudd had to make two saves before a shot was blocked.

Magennis fed Novak who turned provider for Holmes who put a great shot into the top right-hand corner to make it 1-1. Following a handball, Charlton won a free kick on the edge of the D and Holmes put a powerful shot into the top corner of the net.

HT: 1-2

A Teixeira header from a Charlton corner was cleared off the line. A Holmes cross was turned behind. From a Holmes cross, Teixeira headed straight at the keeper.

A long ball came over the top and a Roberts shot across goal was not dealt with by Rudd: 2-2. Shrewsbury countered from a Charlton corner and Whalley made it 3-2. Rudd saved from Roberts.

Jackson got a yellow card for a foul. Rudd made a good save from Yates. Rudd saved from Whalley's long range effort. Shrewsbury had two corners in succession, but Rudd punched the ball away.

On 69 minutes Botaka and Magennis were replaced by Ahearne-Grant and Watt. Holmes made use of an Ahearne-Grant cross to make it 3-3. Holmes has scored five goals against Shrewsbury this season.

Novak put a Holmes cross over. A Novak back heel was saved. Shrewsbury counter attacked and made it 4-3 through Dodds. After that Charlton lost momentum and struggled to get the ball. DaSilva replaced Jackson. Aribo and Watt got yellow cards.

In time added on, the keeper just got to a ball from Holmes. Rudd save from Whalley to avoid further humiliation.

Karl Robinson was busy looking in the index of his book of excuses for '4-3 defeats'. 351 Addicks witnessed this shambles.