Will Imps be able to pull off a trick?

I had this forecast as a 2-1 win for Charlton in the Badger League at the start of the season and given our defensive strength it could well be 2-0.

The Imps have not been able to emulate the late charge towards the play-offs they pulled off last year and sitting 12th, they seem likely to stay around that area. Michael Skubala’s side are 10 points behind the play-off spots but a hefty 14 above the bottom three.   They are also mid-table in the form table.

Away from home they have won just five times, drawn six and lost nine. 

Last week they lost just 1-0 at Wycombe, having parked their combine harvesters in front of the goal, but eventually made a defensive error that let the Kazakhs in.  I expect we will see more of that at The Valley tomorrow, parking the agricultural equipment in front of the goal.   However, the likes of Campbell should be able to find a way through.

Charm merchant Lincoln captain Paudie O'Connor was shown a straight red a few minutes before the end of the game after lashing out at Joe Low.   

One must always be careful of reading results off the table, but I am reasonably confident that Fortress Valley will be rocking after 98 minutes tomorrow.

CAS Trust note that they have made little impact on top six teams: https://www.castrust.org/2025/04/charlton-face-lincoln-on-final-stretch-to-promotion-summit/

Leaburn out for rest of season

Miles Leaburn is out injured for rest of season.  It is not quite clear whether this includes any play offs, so perhaps he might have an opportunity to come off the bench at Wembley and score the winner: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-striker-miles-leaburn-to-miss-rest-of-league-one-campaign/

The best and the worst at Charlton

The latest Four Four Two has a 'best and worst at Charlton' feature written by 'lifelong Addick Paddy Pamment'.   (Who he?  Ed)

He does, reasonably enough, seem to be a bit fixated on the Curbs Premier League era.   Personally I  would have found room for some players from the 1950s and also given Lennie Lawrence an honourable mention.   But you can draw up your own lists.

Jones won't take any risks with Jones

Moaners complained about the exclusion of Lloyd Jones from the squad at Mansfield and the inclusion of Tom McIntyre in his kilt.  In fact McIntyre had a good game and Nathan Jones has explained that he does not want to take any risks with his namesake: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-not-prepared-to-take-any-risks-with-key-performer/

Charlton fans chanted 'Nathan Jones' Red Army' at the end of the tricky Mansfield game.

Tough match and a 'massive victory'

Mansfield made it difficult for Charlton tonight in a tough match on the old Nottinghamshire coalfield, but the Addicks claimed all three points with a 2-1 win.  Steve Brown, never one to praise easily, hailed it as a 'massive victory'.   Mansfield had a tight defence and were capable of disrupting Charlton.

Nevertheless, a key contribution was made by players derided as 'useless' by moaners earlier in the season: Matt Godden, Tyreece Campbell and Claus Aneke.   Godden was seen earlier in the season as an inadequate replacement for Alfie May, Campbell was often scapegoated and Aneke was supposed to be  a crock.

Conor Coventry put in a real shift and displayed some skill.   A calf injury kept Lloyd Jones out.   Tom McIntyre did a good job of replacing him.

Godden opened the scoring in the first half with the home side equalising on 40 minutes.  Mansfield had a tight defence, but  Tyreece Campbell then put Charlton ahead on 71 minutes.  Campbell was applauded by the Addickted after he had to be taken off following a knock.

Mansfield then threw every piece of discarded mining equipment they could find at Charlton, but the Addicks stayed firm.  In the five minutes added on an under pressure Aneke put in a strong shot from distance which the keeper had to tip over the bar, giving Charlton two corners.

Charlton were impressive for the first half-hour and almost went ahead after two minutes, Thierry Small heading a good chance wide from Tyreece Campbell's cross.  Christy Pym was down well to save from Macaulay Gillesphey after 13 minutes.

But in the 22nd minute Louis Reed's loose pass at the back intended for his keeper rolled straight to Matty Godden who made no mistake in tucking away his gift.

Stags went up a gear and after Reed had drilled inches wide in the 29th minute they were level after 40 minutes.  Baily Cargill's cross was headed out to Matty Craig who smashed an unstoppable rising finish home from 16 yards off the underside of the bar.

Soon after, Will Mannion had to get down to deny Caylan Vickers as Stags ended the half on a high.

Josh Edwards saw his shot blocked on the line on the hour after a scramble from a corner.  But Charlton noses were in front again with 16 minutes to go as Tennai Watson found Campbell to his right and he beat Stephen McLaughlin before tucking a low 15-yard finish inside the near post.

Charlton defended well under late pressure before Pym saved superbly from a powerful Chuks Aneke shot in added time.

It was also a win for Mrs Brown as with hubby off in the wastes of Notts she was able to load the dishwasher without complaints about the left side not being utilised.

Wycombe Wanderers could only manage a 0-0 draw at home to Shrewsbury, but Stockport beat Stevenage 3-0.   Huddersfield lost 1-0 at Lincoln and Bolton made it into the top six.