Take that you Tykes

Two excellent first half goals by Alfie May saw Charlton win 2-1 over Barnsley at The Valley this afternoon and he nearly scored a third.   Chuks Aneke failed to score a penalty after Tyreece Campbell had been brought down.  Barnsley got their goal from a penalty.

Even if they are not mathematically safe, Charlton are now very unlikely to be relegated and the 'we'll be playing in League Two next season' crowd will have to eat their words.  We have reached the magic 50 points.

May broke the deadlock with a tremendous free-kick in the 20th minute to fire Charlton ahead.

Adam Phillips grabbed an equaliser for Barnsley eight minutes later from the penalty spot following a handball by Kayne Ramsay.

But, after a dreadful miss from inside the six-yard box by Devante Cole, the Addicks regained the lead in the 40th minute when May curled in a shot from the left corner of the box following a clever dummy by George Dobson.

Barnsley did not take their defeat well and their charm merchant assistant coach Jon Stead was sent off in time added on. 

Alfie May and George Dobson were selected for the League One team of the day by The Football League Paper.

Carlisle were relegated and Burton, Cambridge, Cheltenham and Shrewsbury all lost.   Reading and Port Vale drew.  Fleetwood did not play today.

Nathan Jones was delighted with Charlton's display: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-delighted-with-charlton-display-during-win-over-play-off-chasing-barnsley/

Jones explained why Tennai Watson was rested: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-explains-tennai-watsons-absence-for-victory-over-barnsley/

Appleton goes

After Charlton were defeated at home by Northampton tonight, Michael Appleton has been sacked.  Unlike Dean Holden, he never really connected with fans.

Fans often mention former managers such as Lee Bowyer and Chris Powell, but realistically an out of work manager is likely to be appointed.   One name already mentioned is Michael Duff who was at Swansea City. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Duff_(footballer)

Charlton's winless run in League One extended to 10 matches after a 3-2 defeat to Northampton that left home fans chanting for the dismissal of head coach Michael Appleton.

The visitors took the lead in the seventh minute when Kieron Bowie's through ball was controlled by Tyreece Simpson, who calmly cut past Rarmani Edmonds-Green before beating keeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer.

Charlton levelled after 20 minutes as Aaron McGowan put Alfie May's low cross from the right of the penalty area into his own net.

McGowan quickly redeemed himself as he teed up Sam Hoskins to sweep Northampton back into the lead.

Charlton equalised in first-half stoppage time, Tennai Watson drilling across Lee Burge after Freddie Ladapo's original shot was blocked.

McGowan produced a goal-line block to deny May in the second period before Addicks wing-back Tayo Edun was sent off for a second bookable offence - both fouls on McGowan.  Richard Cawley thought that this was a harsh decision.

Northampton grabbed a winner just moments from the end of seven additional minutes, substitute Louis Appere tapping home from Mitch Pinnock's pass.