Fourth win on a spin

Charlton beat Oxford 2-0 at The Valley tonight to give a fifth clean sheet and the fourth win on the spin.  It is 22 years since we have been that tight at the back.

Both goals were scored in the first half and the Addicks were reduced to ten men in the second when Inniss was sent off for a second yellow card.  However, they managed the game well to secure the three points.  It was Charlton's first league victory over Oxford this century, the last win was in 1998.

Charlton did not start well and an early Oxford free kick on the edge of the penalty area saw Amos make a good save at the second attempt.  The Addicks struggled to get a hold on the game, the midfield in particular were losing the battle.   Perhaps pre-match moaners who said it was a mistake to play Pratley and Watson together might have had a point.   Inniss had to clear from an Oxford corner.

I was just noting that in the first half hour Eastwood in the Oxford goal had not been tested once when Shinnie put in a good assist to Washington who provided a crisp delivery to make it 1-0.

Oxford were still finding pockets of space, but in the first minute of time added on Charlton won a free kick in a good position and a powerful delivery from Shinnie made it 2-0.

Half time: 2-0

Watson got a yellow card which meant that he will not be available for Portsmouth.  A corner was won by Smyth but the effort from Maatsen was wide.  An Oxford free kick in a dangerous position went over the bar. Inniss got a yellow card for a foul on Eastwood.

Taylor got a yellow card for a foul.  Oxford made a double substitution.   Inniss received his second yellow on 65 minutes and was sent off,  Gunter got a yellow card.   Amos had to make a save.

Bogle was taken out on the edge of the penalty area, but there was no yellow card for the cynical foul to Bowyer's fury.   The free kick came off the wall.

Purrington replaced the tiring Bogle on 87 minutes.   A great run by Shinnie drew a foul.  Moore got a yellow card.   Washington was replaced by Forster-Caskey in time added on and Charlton ran down the minutes.

My man of the match: Andrew Shinnie.

Charlton have moved into the play off positions in 6th place.

Seething supremo Lee Bowyer called for more consistency from officials: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/lee-bowyer-calls-for-more-consistency-from-officials-as-ryan-inniss-is-sent-off-during-win-over-oxford/