Conceding two poor goals in the first half in a rather scrappy but open game meant that Charlton could only manage a 2-2 draw at home to Plymouth Argyle at The Valley this afternoon. As with last week the result meant two points lost. Nevertheless, Charlton were able to sneak into the play off places at 6th and do have a game on hand on teams above them.
Alan Curbishley said before the game that was a big game for Charlton as they could lay down a marker. Afterwards he said that Charlton could be pleased at coming back from 1-2 down. The goal from Marcus Maddison was certainly the best of the game.
Lee Bowyer said that he thought it was a good game with two different types of play. His concern was that two soft goals were given away again. He thought that Aneke and Williams did not look themselves, although they had trained well in the week.
'We're not at the peak, but we're not far off. We need to nail down that clean sheet. I see us moving in the right direction and it coming together.'
Plymouth showed intent and Charlton had to snuff out an early attack. After some good movement by the Addicks, Plymouth were given space on their left. No one followed the runner and Jephcott, Argyle's leading scorer, put in a scuffed shot that crept under Maddison. The visitors were 1-0 ahead and it came out of nothing.
Steve ('he'll never let you down') Brown commented that Charlton's build up play was good, but they needed to be quicker.
After Watson gave the ball away, there had to be a last minute tackle at the expense of a Plymouth corner. Steve Brown said that it was too easy for the Pilgrims.
A Plymouth free kick led to a Plymouth corner, but Amos collected comfortably.
Pratley conceded a free kick, but Aneke was able to clear. Nevertheless, Plymouth were getting the better of Charlton. Washington drew a save. Around twenty minutes Charlton delivered their first period of sustained pressure. However, Plymouth were able to follow a strategy of defend and counter attack.
On 31 minutes Charlton won their first corner. Aneke caused problems and Gunter showed good anticipation to make it 1-1 from two yards out.
Plymouth looked dejected, but they were soon back in the game. A rather generous free kick was given to Plymouth for a foul by Pearce on Jephcott, although Curbs said afterwards it was a silly foul by an experienced player. The ensuing goal for Plymouth by Jephcott was worse than the first one with no marking.
Amos had to claim a corner in the two minutes added on. A fierce shot from Maatsen, who had a good game, hit the crossbar.
HT: 1-2
Charlton still looked open in the middle of the park. Aimson received a yellow card for a handball, but it was outside the box. The Aneke free kick went into the wall.
Aneke received a yellow card for a foul. Charlton needed to showed more composure, they were rushing too much. On 64 minutes Maddison and Morgan came on for Watson and Williams. Morgan didn't get very involved.
Two minutes later Maddison got past his man and with the ball on his left foot made it 2-2 with an excellent goal. It was singled out for praise on The Football League Show. It was noted that they had been showing goals like that from him for five years and now he was starting to do it for Charlton.
Maatsen rode out two challenges on a run leading to two subsequent yellow cards for Edwards and Macleod. The latter injured himself and had to be taken off.
Forster-Caskey was not able to make use of a Charlton free kick to score. On 78 minutes Bogle replaced Aneke. In a last throw on 87 minutes Smyth came on for Washington. Amos fumbled the ball and only got it at the second attempt.
The five minutes added on saw a strong Argyle finish and Amos had to save from the impressive Camara.
Bowyer said it was going to be crazy at the end of the season. Curbs said there could be three or even four games a week and the squad was vital.
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