Charlton in Dreamland

The report from The Times this morning on last night's game (click to enlarge):

Godden delivers Wembley final

He was derided as a poor quality replacement for Alfie May at the beginning of the season, but Matty Godden secured a Wembley final for Charlton at The Valley this evening.

Matty Godden's goal nine minutes from time sent Charlton into the League One play-off final as they edged past Wycombe at The Valley.  In a second leg almost as tepid as the first leg, the tie was settled by Godden's 22nd goal of the season.

A long ball into the Wycombe penalty area was turned towards goal by Lloyd Jones and fell kindly for Godden to poke home from close range.

Charlton will now play Leyton Orient in the final at Wembley on Sunday, 25 May with the Addicks aiming to return to the Championship for the first time since 2021.

It was another night of few chances but Charlton, who finished a point and a place above Wycombe in the table, finally found a goal as attention began to turn to extra time.

Macaulay Gillesphey floated a ball from just inside his own half into the Wycombe box and Jones beat Adam Reach to it and steered towards goal with his right boot.

Franco Ravizzoli, who replaced the unwell Will Norris in goal, was a little hesitant to come off his line and could only block Jones' touch towards goal. It bounced into the path of Godden who chested down and turned into an empty net.

Jones had earlier squandered by far the best chance of the whole tie as, six minutes before the break, he totally miscued a free header from six yards out, diverting Godden's cross from the right fully 20 yards wide of the right-hand post.

Charlton went close again after the break as Thierry Small cut inside from the right but curled his left-foot shot just wide of the left-hand post.

Wycombe were second best and failed to fashion a clear-cut chance but did go close twice as the game wore on.

First Garath McCleary took Fred Onyedinma's cross but his shot was superbly blocked by Kayne Ramsay for Charlton before the rebound fell for Xavier Simons, whose shot was also blocked by Ramsay.

At full-time Addicks boss Nathan Jones was close to tears as thousands of Charlton fans spilled onto the pitch to celebrate.    He says that relief was his main emotion: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-overwhelmed-with-relief-as-charlton-athletic-secure-league-one-play-off-final-place/

Godden: we must forget the 4-0

Like many footballers, Matty Godden uses golf to relax.   Life is different now he is back home.  He is prepared to take penalties for Charlton in the play offs if necessary.   He rightly emphasises that we must get the 4-0 victory at Wycombe out of our minds: tomorrow will be a completely different game.  https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/golf-is-a-switch-off-from-football-matty-godden-an-ice-cool-performer-on-football-pitch-and-the-fairway/

CAS Trust also warn against complacency: https://www.castrust.org/2025/05/back-to-wycombe/

Our record in the play offs has been quite mixed.   The defeat on penalties by Swindon at The Valley still hurts, but I had blotted the defeat to Shropshire's finest out of my mind: https://www.castrust.org/2025/05/a-brief-history-of-time-in-the-play-offs/

Jones and Godden on coming through adversity

Moaners were hoping for his early dismissal, but Nathan Jones defends the way in which he brought success to Charlton by sticking with his squad: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-jones-on-key-to-coming-through-adversity-this-season-to-land-play-off-place/

Matty Godden was derided as a poor replacement for Alfie May at the beginning of the season but here he talks about how he has battled through his career, including a spell in non-league: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/ive-worked-my-n-off-charltons-matty-godden-on-non-league-career-rebuild-and-rooting-for-coventry-city-play-off-success/

Over at our sister site special guest correspondent Nigel Pooter has been looking at the finances of Crystal Palace: https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.com/2025/05/can-eagles-soar-even-higher.html

Jones is full of Fullah

Nathan Jones was rightly delighted with Ibrahim Fullah's debut at The Valley on Saturday and sees it as reflecting the strength of the Academy as a whole: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/it-has-a-wonderful-feel-charlton-boss-on-handing-debut-to-ibrahim-fullah/

Alex Mitchell and Matty Gooden are both named in the final Sky Bet League One Team of the Week.

Saturday’s attendance of 20,971 was the highest at the Valley for the last home regular League game of the season in 10 years.

Charlton to face Wycombe in play offs

Charlton will face Wycombe at home in the second leg of the play offs on May 15th after the Chairboys lost 1-3 at home to Stockport today.   The first leg will be in beechy Bucks next Sunday evening.  (The EFL has changed the date more than once). The out of form Chairboys have lost six of their last eight games.  Stockport will face in form Leyton Orient.

Charlton beat Burton 3-1 as I forecast at the start of the season.  A Brewers penalty gave an early scare and their fans literally went bananas as they did the conga in the Jimmy Seed.

Matt Godden scored two first half goals and Alex Mitchell made it three on 51 minutes in front of a crowd of 20,971.

The Addicks fell behind in the 13th minute, Mason Bennett converting from the penalty spot after Fabio Tavares was brought down by goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer.

Godden restored parity in the 24th minute, Charlton’s top scorer finished from the right of the penalty box with Burton keeper Max Crocombe making a bad call to stray from his line to try and reach Tennai Watson’s through ball.

Godden doubled his tally in the 34th minute, producing a sharp turn from Josh Edwards’ pass to beat Crocombe, who managed to get a hand to his low left-footed shot.

Alex Mitchell, whose poor back pass had led to the early penalty, made amends when he headed in Conor Coventry’s inswinging corner in the 51st minute to put Charlton 3-1 ahead.

Addicks debutant Ibrahim Fullah hit the right post from Karoy Anderson’s cutback.

Just as well the play off is now on Sunday evening, as I am getting married on Friday and my eldest is having her 25th wedding anniversary party on Saturday evening.

Analysis of the game by Louis Mendez emphasises the contribution of Matt Godden who was, of course, written off as useless by moaners earlier in the season: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-charlton-3-burton-albion-1

Charlton turn over the furniture

The Times said this morning that Charlton were a team coming into form at the right time and they demonstrated that with a 4-0 win over Wycombe Wanderers in beechy Bucks this afternoon.   The clean sheet was offset by the dismissal of Chuks Aneke in time added on for violent conduct.  Earlier Nathan Jones was booked for excessive celebration.

Charlton remain in 4th place.  Second placed Wrexham won at Blackpool and Charlton face what Steve Brown called a 'massive game' there next week.

The Addicks bossed Wycombe from start to finish and took an 11th-minute lead through Lloyd Jones' well-taken half volley past goalkeeper Will Norris.

It was 2-0 after 24 minutes thanks to a brilliant strike from Luke Berry, who fired home from 15 yards.

Wycombe rarely offered anything in attack, indeed it was 86 minutes before Will Mannion had to deal with a shot on target.  Richard Kone was starved of service and around the hour mark the game was wrapped up.

Norris slipped when receiving a back pass from Xavier Simons and Matt Godden tapped in Charlton's third in the 58th minute.

Four minutes later, moaners' target Karoy Anderson scored a header to send the 1,849 travelling fans into ecstasy.

With players such as Godden taken off, Charlton stepped off the gas in the closing phase of the game.

Conor Coventry had an excellent game in midfield and Macualy Gillesphey was outstanding.

His ears ringing from an angry phone call from the steppes, Wycombe's shell shocked supremo Mike Dodds rued the loss of their defensive record and said that Charlton had forced them into errors and were really aggressive on second balls: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/wycombe-boss-looking-to-conduct-autopsy-after-4-0-loss-to-charlton-athletic/

Nathan Jones says that he was very pleased with the level of performance: https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/national/25104962.nathan-jones-hails-outstanding-charlton-display-wallop-wycombe/

Charlton secure play off place

Matty Godden's 18th goal of the season helped Charlton secure their place in the League One play-offs with a 2-1 win over away draw specialists Northampton.

Luke Berry put the Addicks ahead in the ninth minute. The attacking midfielder struck a right-footed volley home after Northampton defender TJ Eyoma could only partially cut out Godden's cross.

Dara Costelloe equalised for the visitors soon after. The striker sent goalkeeper Will Mannion the wrong way from the penalty spot after referee Ollie Yates penalised Tom McIntyre for handling Tariqe Fosu's teasing delivery.

Charlton made a rather hesitant start to the second half producing a torrent of moaning from Steve Brown who accused them of being naive.   Chuks Aneke came on as a substitute soon afterwards with Tyreece Campbell reverting to right wing-back with Small at left wing-back.   Some of Small's shortcomings drove Nathan Jones to distraction.

Former Charlton winger Fosu produced a terrible miss in the 53rd minute from close range after being picked out by Tyler Roberts – his attempt harmlessly drifting out towards the left touchline.

Godden rattled the crossbar in the 67th minute from Thierry Small's cross but the veteran striker made no mistake four minutes later, sliding his finish underneath Northampton goalkeeper Lee Burge after racing on to Chuks Aneke's flick-on.

Northampton substitute James Wilson was just unable to reach Costelloe's pass as Charlton endured a nervy finish with Mannion making two good saves in the five minutes added on.   However, the home side's tactics produced further expressions of exasperation from moaner Brown.  

The Addicks moved up to fourth in the table one point above Stockport.  The Shoe Army posed some challenges in a tough game, but the Addicks face a much tougher test on Monday in beechy Bucks against Kazakh-owned Wycombe Wanderers.

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.

Charlton thrash play off rivals

Charlton beat Huddersfield 4-0 at The Valley this afternoon and a key role was played by Tyreece Campbell.   Until recently a target of moaners, who could not recognise a player in development, he now has his own song; 'Tyreece Campbell running down the wing, scoring goals, makes the Charlton sing.'

Campbell has thanked Nathan Jones for his confidence in him and converting him from a winger to a striker: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/tyreece-campbell-thanks-charlton-athletic-manager-nathan-jones-for-his-belief-in-him/

In his take on the match, Louis Mendez also selects Campbell as star man: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-charlton-athletic-4-huddersfield-town-0-tyreece-campbell-grabs-brace-in-dominant-display/

Charlton were excellent: bright, positive and pretty clinical when it mattered. Huddersfield were none of those things.

This was a match between 4th and 6th but on this showing there's only one team who will be playing beyond 3 May, and they wear red and white.

Matty Godden's flashing header after 30 seconds set the tone, Tyreece Campbell found the bottom corner either side of half-time, and Greg Docherty's thunderbolt  (later ruled to be an own goal) found the net via the bar and the back of unfortunate keeper Lee Nicholls, who is the only reason the margin of victory wasn't wider.

Chuks Aneke found the back of the net from distance, but was ruled offside.

Attendance 17,278.

Never mind a partial eclipse of the sun, Nathan Jones was over the moon at his team's performance: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-after-charlton-blow-huddersfield-away-you-wont-find-a-better-league-one-performance-than-that/

Charlton march on

It was seven wins on the spin for Charlton as they beat Wigan 2-1 at The Valley this afternoon, although they lost their clean sheet record as the visitors scored in the 84th minute and set up a nerve wracking finish.  Even so, it was a Lowe point for the new Lactics supremo.   

Charlton's two goals were scored by Matty Godden in a dominant first half.  For the opening goal Ramsay showed good strength on the byline to keep the ball, his cross sees a Wigan player's clearance hit a team-mate and Godden spins to finish from close range.

For the second Berry's free-kick was nodded across the face of goal by Gillesphey and it was a simple close-range tap in for Godden.

Charlton almost added a third within seconds of the restart, with only a double save from Tickle keeping out first Tyreece Campbell and then Godden for what would have been his hat-trick.

And only a fine defensive header from Jason Kerr diverted Gillesphey's goalbound shot finding the top corner.

Despite a brilliant save from Will Mannion to deny Ronan Darcy, half time substitute Chris Sze tapped home from close range on the rebound to give the away side an unlikely lifeline.

Charlton remain 4th.  The game between Wycombe and Wrexham was suspended at 0-0 after a medical emergency in the Wrexham end.

Fans chanted 'Championship, we're on our way'.   Well, maybe.

'Useless' player scores late winner

It looked liked being a valley of frustration at Charlton tonight until Gillesphey, a favourite target of moaners, scored the winning goal against Peterborough with a pinpoint header.

As is often the case, Charlton did not start particularly well with the visitors trying out a different formation.  

A shot from outside the area by Luke Berry hit the post after 32 minutes for Charlton, before Peterborough keeper Jed Steer had to save from Matty Godden at point blank range a minute later.

The game kicked into life in an amazing eight-minute spell. After increased Charlton pressure, the visitors were undone by a penalty after 54 minutes. Sam Hughes handled in the box, with Godden converting from the spot.  Steve Brown thought ir wasn't a penalty and was upbraided by his nemesis from Canada, Brown retorting that his critic had never played football.

It looked to become an awful evening for Peterborough when charm merchant Fernandez was dismissed after 58 minutes for lunging at Thierry Small.

However, they hit back three minutes later from a Malik Mothersille spot kick, after Ricky-Jade Jones was upended in the area.   Darren Ferguson was indignant that Ramsay was not sent off, but the double jeopardy rule did not apply.

The Peterborough resolve was finally broken when Gillesphey headed home an 88th-minute corner delivered by Alex Gilbert.

Nathan Jones admitted that it was more hairy than he would liked it to have been, but praised the mentality of Charlton's players who didn't give up: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-praises-charlton-athletic-mentality-as-they-strike-late-again-to-climb-to-5th-in-league-one/

Charlton move into play off places

Charlton moved into 6th place in League One after a 2-0 win over in form Stevenage at The Valley this afternoon.   Bolton and Reading both drew in their games and in any case but had an inferior goal difference. (Bolton won 4-3 in the 96th minute but Charlton remained 6th). Leyton Orient were entertaining Manchester City so do have a game in hand.

There was some sloppy passing by the Addicks in the early exchanges, Stevenage were the better side and Ashley Maynard-Brewer had to race out to foil Louis Appere, who attempted to go around him.  Jamie Reid also drilled into the side-netting from a tight angle for Stevenage, who had won their past three games coming into the contest., 

However, a team talk around the 30 minute mark while Ashley Maynard-Brewer was down receiving treatment for an 'injury' arising from a need to slow the game down seemed to revitalise the team.   Matty Godden then scored on 44 minute with an attack started by him with a deft flick to Campbell.  He converted from Coventry's cross, squeezing it in at the near post. 

Berry made it 2-0 early in the second half on 48 minutes.   Campbell hit the bar and Berry scored from the rebound.   Charlton dominated the rest of the game, but were unable to score again.  Small had a shot blocked and Campbell sent a curler wide.

Charlton had 15 shots on goal of which three were on target, Stevenage managed just three shots, none on target.

Tide turns for Charlton

As Louis Mendez has commented, we would have taken a draw before the game but now the 2-2 at Blackpool against the League One home draw specialists feels like a loss.  Charlton took a 2-0 second half lead, but were unable to hold on to it.

At one point the Addicks would have been in the play off places but ended up 7th behind Leyton Orient on goal difference.

Chances were scarce throughout the opening exchanges, with a speculative off target attempt from Luke Berry being the only real shot from open play by either side.

Matt Godden tapped in the Charlton opener from six yards, his 11^th goal this season.   The second Charlton goal was an own goal.   After beating his man, Campbell placed a pass against Olly Casey - who was unable to stop the ball from going into the net off him.

Blackpool then got one back through a curling effort from substitute Silvera on 72 minutes.  The second om 87 minutes was a mistake from Gillesphey.   He missed his clearance, Pool broke in, hit the bar,  and the rebound was converted by Niall Ennis on his debut.

Report from Louis Mendez here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-blackpool-2-charlton-athletic-2-addicks-miss-chance-to-climb-into-top-six-as-they-throw-two-goal-lead-away/

Matty Godden talks of a 'gutted' dressing room but admits that Charlton were naive to let them back in the game: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/matty-godden-admits-charlton-were-naive-during-blackpool-draw-but-looks-to-keep-things-in-perspective-after-good-run/

Comfortable home win

Charlton did their play-off push no harm with a 2-0 League One win at home to struggling Bristol Rovers.

Two first-half goals led to a comfortable victory for the  Addicks, who are just a point outside the play-offs, while the visitors remain at the wrong end of the table and sit just four points above the relegation zone.

The returning Matty Godden opened the scoring after 12 minutes, after poking home a drive by Thierry Small.  Josh Griffiths was the busier of the two goalkeepers, denying the goal scorer twice more, a Luke Berry free-kick and a Macauley Gillesphey header.

However, the Bristol Rovers resolve was broken nine minutes before the break, when Josh Edwards fired the ball down low into the net from the edge of the box.

Ashley Maynard-Brewer did well to deny a Scott Sinclair free-kick after 39 minutes in what proved to be the only visiting attack of the half.

Bristol Rovers looked to gain a foothold in the match and searched for an opening, while the Addicks came close again but Small failed to put in a loose ball with less than 10 minutes remaining.

Manager Nathan Jones would not like my headline saying such results are 'never comfortable'.  He very much took the 'long old season' line favoured by Curbs, saying he would not get carried away: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-boss-nathan-jones-refusing-to-get-carried-away-after-addicks-climb-within-point-of-top-six-after-2-0-win-over-bristol-rovers/

Millers grind down Charlton

A resurgent Rotherham beat Charlton 4-2 at the New York Stadium today, leaving the Addicks 13th in the table.  The Millers went 2-0 ahead early doors, but Miles Leaburn gave a glimmer of hope with a strike just before half time, only for the home side to score a third.   Matt Godden scored a late goal ti keep the score line respectable.

Martyr to the cause Louis Mendez has commented: 'All over the place at the back today. Second came from the mistake from Jones, third from Small not reading a set-piece coming in and no one else dealing with it ahead of him either. '

I was hoping for at least a point today and Lloyd Jones is the last player I'd expect to make a serious mistake.

Charlton had not lost in the league since early December but were their own worst enemies in a sloppy performance.  Two goals in the opening 15 minutes from Andre Green and Alex MacDonald left the Addicks facing an uphill struggle – a mountain they never looked like climbing.

The Millers took the first chance that came their way after the visitors failed to deal with Joe Powell's cross from the left. Wilks deflected the ball into the path of Green and he tucked home from close range with the help of the right-hand post.

Before Charlton knew it, they were 2-0 down after inviting Rotherham in to make it two attempts, two goals.  Green turned provider, capitalising on a mistake by Alex Mitchell to get in behind the Charlton defence and feed MacDonald who finished with a shot across Maynard-Brewer.

Luke Berry had Charlton's first attempt on goal with a header that was comfortably saved by Dillon Phillips and the visitors' frustrations continued when Tyreece Campbell's penalty appeal was waved away following a tumble in the box.

Leaburn lifted the Addicks' spirits with a tidy finish from a low cross after Rotherham gifted back possession inside their own half – but Rotherham had the final word of the first period.  Charlton failed to deal with a free-kick into the box and Jules took full advantage with a looping header at the second attempt.  After the break Wilks put them 3-0 ahead.

Green's drive was well kept out by Maynard-Brewer after he was inexplicably played in by Charlton defender Mitchell and Rotherham peppered the visiting goal in the closing stages.  Cohen Bramall forced Maynard-Brewer into a smart save before the Charlton keeper denied Wilks and Joe Powell lashed the rebound over the bar.

Godden's pinpoint finish denied Rotherham the chance to move into the top half on goal difference but the afternoon belonged to the upwardly mobile Millers.

Commiserations to the away faithful who made the trip.

Shell shocked supremo Nathan Jones admitted that he did not see his team's chaotic performance coming: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-after-charlton-athletics-heavy-defeat-at-rotherham-united-we-werent-us-today-the-goals-were-catastrophic/

Louis Mendez says that the lack of defensive solidity was the worst this season: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-rotherham-united-4-charlton-athletic-2-unbeaten-run-ends-in-spectacular-style/

'Matt's my boy'

Nathan Jones has taken on his critics by arguing that Matt Godden is a worthy replacement for Alfie May: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-praises-gassan-ahadme-double-and-says-matty-godden-is-answering-questions-raised-by-alfie-may-departure/

May has scored fewer goals than Godden this season, although this may in part reflect his appearances for the Blues.

Jones explained that he didn't want to take a risk with Leaburn yesterday and had news about players returning: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-explains-why-miles-leaburn-sat-out-charlton-win-at-walsall-and-gives-positive-update-on-another-absentee/

Nolan passing overshadows Cup win

The news of the passing of Charlton journalist (and many other things) Kevin Nolan overshadowed today's decisive 4-0 FA cup win at Walsall.   The word 'legend' is overused, but it applied to him.  I didn't have the privilege of knowing him personally, but the tributes have been rolling in.   Rick Everitt, who did know him, will be writing an appreciation tomorrow.

It was an unlikely combination of 'useless' players who put the Addicks ahead at the Bescot.  Conor Coventry provided a cross which was firmly headed into the net by the Gasman.

Matt Godden then took advantage of a sloppy back pass to make it 0-2 with a tap in.

Walsall came out in the second half determined to unsaddle Charlton and did apply some pressure which the Addicks withstood.

The Gasman then put the game largely beyond doubt without another header.

The final goal came in time added on from another criticised player Tyreece Campbell.   He swept home from inside the area.

Charlton players pushed the Gasman towards the away fans to salute them.

Pessimists were quick to respond with the comment that we had now found our level at last: League Two.

It would be nice to have a glamour tie, but we will probably end up away to Morecambe.

10 man Charlton lose 2-1

As expected, Charlton were defeated 2-1 at Huddersfield today, but their cause wasn't helped when captain Greg Docherty got himself sent off on 37 minutes.   Many of the 900 or so Addicks there seemed to think it was a harsh call, but a second half goal from the home side cancelled out an equalising penalty from Matt Godden.

Louis Mendez comments: ‘Ten men battled away but lack of quality in front of goal stopped them from stealing a point. Leaburn and Ahadme both came close but Addicks were always up against it. Two wins in 12 now.’

The Gasman missed a sitter from four yards out on 75 minutes.

Nathan Jones got a yellow card for protesting about delays to a free kick.  Huddersfield had 67 per cent possession and six shots on target to one.

Centre-back Matty Pearson put Huddersfield ahead, putting a difficult header in off the underside of the bar. Pearson struck the bar again from another set-piece five minutes later, but this time it came back out.

Brodie Spencer's clumsy challenge on former Huddersfield team-mate Rarmani Edmonds-Green gave Charlton a penalty that Matty Godden put away for 1-1.

But the Addicks were reduced to 10 men four minutes later, with Greg Docherty earning a straight red card for a high, late boot on Nigel Lonwijk.

The Addicks nonetheless started the second half brightly before Huddersfield woke up around the hour and made their advantage count, with David Kasumu smashing home a left-footed drive from 18 yards.

Charlton tried to find a last-second equaliser from a quickly-taken free-kick, but Huddersfield goalkeeper Jacob Chapman showed awareness to race off his line and ensure victory with a clean challenge on Luke Berry.

Those travelling back to London by train seem to have had a grim journey, although helpful staff at Derby provided fanzine editor Rick Eveiitt with a taxi to London.   Of course, Everitt still had to return to his Kent coast lair and reported at 5 a.m. that he was sharing the concourse at St. Pancras with a lazy brown fox (not the Leicester City variety).

Nathan Jones says that the sending off changed the game, which it may well have done, but at least he didn't claim it was unfair.  In terms of today's rules that was a red card: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-red-card-shown-to-greg-docherty-during-loss-at-huddersfield-changed-the-game/

Although Jones says he is weighing up his options for an appeal against the red card, hopefully he is not going to waste time and money: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-manager-nathan-jones-will-weigh-up-options-to-appeal-greg-dochertys-red-card-at-huddersfield/

BTW, China calls me 'Whine' Grant which is appropriate for a Charlton fan: https://addickschampionshipdiary.blogspot.com/2024/11/why-they-call-me-whine.html

Last gasp win in Cup

Charlton are in the 2nd round of the FA Cup after a last gasp extra time victory at Southend United.  Moaners complained about a struggle against a non-league outfit, but like most National League sides the  Shrimpers are full time and the gap between the National League and the EFL has narrowed.

Gassan Ahadme scored a last-gasp extra-time winner as Charlton Athletic escaped with a thrilling 4-3 FA Cup win at National League side Southend.

Miles Leaburn and Zach Mitchell, scoring his first Charlton goal, had put the Addicks in control during the first half.   Leaburn headed home a left wing cross from Josh Edwards after just nine minutes.  Mitchell nodded in a left wing free from Terry Taylor on 40 minutes.

The Addicks wasted a golden chance to go 3-0 ahead with skipper Matty Godden firing a shot against the crossbar when he was clean through on goal with only the keeper to beat.

But their non-league opponents fought back through a Jack Bridge penalty on the stroke of half time and Oliver Coker’s 52nd-minute strike.

Matty Godden put Charlton back in front midway through the second half, sliding the ball in from close range.

But Joshua Edwards’ own goal in stoppage time sent the tie to extra time.  Louis Mendez thinks it went in off Gillesphey.

However, it was Charlton’s turn to strike in time added-on when Ahadme sent the Addicks into round two following a mix up in the home defence.

Full report from Louis Mendez here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-southend-united-3-charlton-athletic-4-addicks-scrape-into-next-round-of-the-fa-cup-after-roots-hall-thriller/

Nathan Jones expresses his relief and says 'we have to be better': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-expresses-masses-of-relief-as-charlton-athletic-edge-beyond-non-league-southend-the-hard-way-in-the-fa-cup/