One is enough

For the second week running one goal was enough to give Charlton all three points at The Valley this afternoon.  This time it was Darren Pratley who scored the winner in the first half.

A friend had sent me a team list beforehand which named 'Partly'.   Hardly: he was putting himself about all match.

The cut outs of fans moved around in the strong breeze at The Valley.  Pitch announcer Brian Cole was there and our friends at the Association of Canine Match Analysts were pleased to see one dog featuring.

Charlton entered the field of play by descending the steps from the hospitality area in the West Stand.

The Addicks were fluent in the early exchanges, but the final ball was missing.  Then from a Cullen cornet Pratley put in a header which was deflected by the keeper on to the post and into the net.

A shot from Hemed was blocked.  Oshilaja put in good defensive work.  Cullen was busy, providing good touches and also contributing in defence.  He was later judged to be man of the match.

Bonne won Charlton a corner after good work by Hemed, but a shot from Morgan was blocked.  Some drizzle turned into rain.  Matthews provided good defensive work throughout the half.   In two minutes added on, Albie Morgan put in a poor cross.

Half time: Addicks 1, Super Hoops 0.

A blue sky greeted the returning players.  QPR stepped up a gear and Dillon Phillips had to make a vital early save and a second one from the rebound.  As the Hoops increased the pressure, the reliable keeper was called on again to make a save.

McGeady turned provider for Bonne, but his header was judged to be offside.

Hemed who had taken a knock was withdrawn, along with McGeady, who had not been that involved.  Aneke and Doughty came on.  They both enhanced Charlton's play, Aneke making a nuisance of himself with his physical presence and Doughty showing silky skills, winning the Addicks a corner.

The referee remembered he had cards and booked Pratley for a lunge.

As the 80 minute point approached, QPR stepped up the pressure, but Purrington won Charlton a corner.  Bonne and Morgan came off and Field and Green came on, the idea being to pack the midfield.

After a rare mistake by Cullen, Lockyer cleard well.   Doughty's tenancity drew a key save from Kelly, one of QPR's best players.

In five minutes added on Aneke made a nuisance of himself and won Charlton a corner which was not taken.

Barnsley and Millwall drew 0-0, Wigan won at home and Boro won at Stoke under Neil Warnock.  Charlton are 18th, three points above Huddersfield in the first relegation place.  Of the bottom sides, four won, two drew and only one lost today.  Tuesday's opponents, Cardiff City, won 3-1 away.

It was the first back-to-back win for Charlton since Augsut.  Paul Elliott was at the ground and the BBC focuses on the new owner's winning run: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51811758

Another report here praising Lee Bowyer as Charlton's greatest asset: https://www.football.london/charlton-athletic-fc/lee-bowyer-charltons-greatest-asset-18500077