Charlton ended table topping Luton Town's 28-match unbeaten run with a convincing 3-1 victory at The Valley this afternoon. Charlton are now just one point behind Portsmouth and Sunderland although each of them has a game in hand.
Lyle Taylor struck twice as Charlton came from a goal down to beat the Hatters. Luton looked set to continue their run when Harry Cornick fired past goalkeeper Dillon Phillips and into the top corner to give them an early lead at The Valley. Luton could have put it beyond doubt with a second goal but for a superb save by Dillon Phillips.
Luton keeper James Shea was lucky to be shown just a yellow card when he wiped out an advancing Vetokele. Lee Bowyer thought that it was a reckless challenge that deserved a red card: Charlton ready to pounce
Taylor won the crossbar challenge just before the half-hour, but Charlton offered little else until the second half.
After the break, Taylor was pushed to the ground by Sonny Bradley and stepped up to calmly convert the equalising penalty. Luton manager Mick Harford complained that the penalty was a disgrace, but it looked like a clear foul to me.
Igor Vetokele then put the Addicks ahead, finishing low to the goalkeeper's right after Krystian Bielik had put him through on goal. Bielik was tireless throughout despite going down with injuries three times, eventually being substituted. He was able to carve open the Luton defence. Lee Bowyer said that he was suffering from cramp.
Within minutes, Vetokele turned provider, crossing for Taylor who struck the ball low past James Shea from six yards to seal the win.
Two minutes from time Luton charm merchant Andrew Shinnie was dismissed after picking up a second yellow card for a late challenge, having already been booked for a cynical first-half foul.
Congratulations to whoever came up with the 'Rodney Trotter' banner in the Covered End.
Report from Louis Mendez here: Top two hopes kept alive
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