A 2-0 win over Doncaster at The Valley this afternoon saw Charlton go to eighth in League One, three points off the play off places. However, despite the clean sheet, it was not that convincing a win. We couldn't get a third goal, despite some chances, and we were dispossessed too easily. As the second half wore on, with Taylor replaced by an unimpressive Vetokele, we were increasingly forced back to defend in depth, giving some anxious moments against rather ordinary opponents. However, both the first half goals were excellent.
Both teams started the game quickly, and Charlton goalkeeper Jed Steer blocked Herbie Kane from close range after three minutes. Niall Mason, who returned from a one-match ban for Doncaster, shot wide after 10 minutes before the Addicks went ahead eight minutes later. Tom Anderson headed onto his own crossbar from a home corner and Aribo was quick to pounce on the loose ball from six yards out.
Charlton nearly doubled the lead in the 26th minute when Ahearne-Grant flicked a low cross by Aribo just wide but he did better seven minutes later when his header was too strong for goalkeeper Marko Marosi.
A free-kick from Jamie Ward hit the post on the stroke of half time. Aribo nearly doubled his own tally for the afternoon just after the hour-mark but he swiped his shot from outside the box off target.
A jobsworth confiscated my bottle of water when I entered the ground, the first time this has happened.
Supremo Lee Bowyer thought that the Addicks were 'outstanding', noting that what was important was the clean sheet and three points: Good reaction to Rochdale defeat
However, Lyle Taylor will not be fit enough to play at either Walsall or Mansfield: Some time on the sidelines
Darlington???
ReplyDeleteCorrected. Leamington played Darlington last week.
ReplyDeleteTo be fair to Charlton Saturday I think the reason they were forced back in the last quarter was because enforced substitutions through injuries meant they couldn't reinforce the midfield when their energy levels dropped. I thought overall they played very well.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good point, the second half was a relative disappointment but it may well be for the reason you suggest. I found the victory against Barnsley more convincing because it was against better opposition, rather than having an ex-Millwall lump from Lewisham wandering about up front to little effect for Donny.
ReplyDelete