Charlton take lead back to The Valley

Lyle Taylor scored his 10th goal in 11 games. How much we owe him.

Charlton took a 2-1 lead back to The Valley after the first leg of their play off final against Doncaster Rovers this afternoon in front of a crowd of 11,140, including 3,688 Addicks. Doncaster started well and were looking for an early goal, but then two goals in two minutes from Taylor and Aribo put Charlton ahead before the break.

Charlton had to defend more in the second half as they tried to hold on to their lead, although Taylor nearly made it 3-0.

However, the Addicks were tiring in the last ten minutes and Donny got a goal back on 87 minutes.

Bauer, Sarr, Aribo and Taylor were excellent throughout, as was Morgan until he was substituted.

As Richard Cawley has pointed out, The Valley has been a stronghold for Charlton since October so we can be optimistic without being over confident.

Donny started on the front foot and were determined not to give Charlton an inch in midfield. Parker but the ball in the net with a cool finish, but was judged to have fouled a defender. Charlton showed good composure and were good on the break. However, overall, it was rather scrappy in the early exchanges.

Donny threatened with the evergreen Coppinger who put a shot across the front of goal. The tireless Taylor had to track back to defend. However, Charlton withstood the onslaught from the home side.

On 17 minutes Purrington put in a cross, but Aribo's shot was blocked. Parker headed wide Charlton's best chance up to that point in the game, making use of a great ball in from The Cat.

A long range shot from Coppinger saw Phillips save at full stretch. The corner was dealt with. Bauer was booked for a foul on Maquis. It seemed a bit soft, but it was really the result of his attention to the centre forward throughout the game to that point. It was just one foul too many.

Donny had a chance to go ahead when they hit the bar from an Andrew free kick. The keeper saved well from Taylor. On 31 minutes Charlton had their first corner of the game. A brilliant ball from the excellent Morgan found Cullen at the far post clearly onside and Taylor was able to put the ball in the net.

On 34 minutes Charlton tore the Doncaster defence to shreds. Aribo picked his spot well and Marosi could only manage a weak touch as the ball went into the net to make it 0-2.

The Addickted broke into a chant of 'Marquis, what's the score?' Lee Bowyer was a smiling supremo on the touchline. Marosi managed to tip over an effort from Morgan. The Addickted serenaded Maquis what a chorus of 'You're just a s*** Andy Carroll.

Half time: Donny 0, Addicks 2

Coppinger was taken off at half time for Rowe. Cullen had to clear off the line from a Donny corner with Maquis threatening. The start of the second half was quieter than the first half.

A Donny free kick on the edge of the box hit the wall and deflected for a corner which was headed wide. However, Charlton were under a bit of pressure.

On 61 minutes a superb and disappointed Morgan was taken off, but Pratley was needed for his physical presence and to provide a stronger defensive shield. On 65 minutes Parker, who had worked hard, was replaced by Pearce. Blogger Hungry Ted commente, 'Got to say it, Parker’s endless running off the ball pulled their defence all over the place. May not get the credit he deserves without the goals to his name, but played a huge part today.' Apparently, he came off because he had cramp.

Bielik moved into the defensive midfield position. However, it was still three at the back for Charlton.

On 74 minutes Aribo set up Cullen but his header was tipped round the post. On 86 minutes Aribo put in a good cross and the goal was gaping, but it was just over Taylor's head.

On 87 minutes Donny scored through Blair, a scrambled goal that took advantage of a deflected cross. There were fears that Charlton would concede a second late goal, but Bauer cleared a Donny corner. Two minutes into time added on Leeds loan player Wilks volleyed over. Charlton won a late corner to ease the pressure.

There was a tunnel jump by Lyle Taylor to celebrate the success of the boys in yellow and blue.

Serene supremo Lee Bowyer said that he was happy to back to The Valley with a lead, adding that the Doncaster goal was rather fortuitous: Satisfied