Charlton win at home

Charlton confounded their own fans' expectations by beating high flying Middlesbrough 2-0 at The Valley this afternoon. It was a composed and determined performance by the Addicks. I heard a surprised Boro supporter saying on the train afterwards, 'They really wanted to win.'

The start of the game was interrupted as the pitch was bombarded with black and white beach balls as fans chanted their desire to see Roland out. Charlton, however, kept their concentration well and Nick Pope's save to prevent an own goal by Rod Fanni was the closest Boro came before the break.

The visitors looked brighter after the interval, but £9m striker Rhodes was too slow after being found in a good position by Albert Adomah on the edge of the box and was crowded out by the Charlton defence.

The Addicks took the lead when Johann Berg Gudmundsson's corner was met by Teixeira on the six-yard line with a bullet header, giving Dimi Konstantopoulos no chance. A couple of fans invaded the pitch, one sensibly made his way back to the Covered End, but the other needed half a dozen stewards to restrain him.

A considerable number of fans left on the 74th minute and missed the second goal. Adomah and Gaston Ramirez tested Pope as Boro pressed forward, but they were caught out at the back as the ball rebounded off Dael Fry and the impressive Harriott swept home his eighth goal of the season before limping off with a knock.

Referee Darren Dreadman was much keener to award free kicks to Boro and handed out his customary large number of yellow cards.

Motta didn't know why fans were protesting: Motta

There has been discussion about whether Meire looks smug or frightened in the televised picture of her. I would say queasy.

Player ratings

Pope kept a clean sheet, making some excellent saves and never look flustered once. As well as scoring the opening goal, Teixeira was solid in defence. Fox had one of the best games I have ever seen him play. Apart from the near own goal, Fanni had a good game. Motta was the player I have reservations about, I am not sure how strong he is defensively.

Suk-Young had a decent game. We saw how much we missed Diarra who had an excellent game and was close to being man of the match. Cousins was chosen as man of the match by the pundits and was energetic and tigerish. Gudmundsson had the best game he has had for some time and got warm applause when he was taken off.

Lookman was energetic and skilled, but didn't make a huge impact. Harriott run himself into the ground pressing the opposition.

Bergdich didn't make a great impression when he came on. Reza raced around as usual, but to no great effect. Lennon had a cameo.