Charlton fell to a deserved 2-0 defeat to Reading at the Select Car Leasing Stadium this afternoon. Both home goals came in the second half after a flat second half. Just two shots on target all afternoon told the story of Charlton's game.
Charlton are now 6th in the table. Nathan Jones is determined that next Saturday's game against Rotherham will go ahead regardless of international call ups.
With almost the last kick of the first half, the Addicks
should have taken the lead with the best chance of the half. Greg Docherty won
the ball high, and his cross found Luke Berry, but Pereira managed to somehow
palm his powerful effort away from inside the box.
Charlton started the second half like a side which had won
their previous three, peppering the goal and putting Pereira under serious
pressure. Docherty had the best chance when he controlled a cross on his chest
inside the box, only to volley his effort high over the bar.
Somewhat against the run of play, Reading took the lead on
the hour mark when Savage confidently strode through the midfield and unleashed
a rocket past Mannion in the net. The Addicks brought on super sub Chuks Aneke,
and he made a difference, pinning his opposite number and ensuring the defence
remained under pressure.
Charlton were particularly aggrieved to not win a penalty
for what could have been handball against Mbengue.
Adrian Akande should have doubled the advantage when he
dispossessed the goalkeeper, but superb defending ensured the chance went once
the 20-year-old had rounded the keeper. Reading need not have worried, however,
as a quick throw sent Akande clear and his cross found Smith, who flicked home
a second
