Defensive solidity lacking as Charlton lose

Two goals given away in the first half saw Charlton lose 2-1 to Oxford United this afternoon at the Kassam Stadium in front of 1,373 disappointed Addicks..   Conor Washington gave Charlton hope with a goal from a penalty.   However, in the second half it was Oxford that cam closest to scoring.

Charlton had a chance to score on 15 minutes after Stockley flicked the ball on but Stevens managed to make a good save from Washington.

Oxford broke away and collision on the halfway line saw Matthews go down.  White's shot was saved by MacGillivray, but he spilled the ball.   The right back Williams had run the length of the pitch and from the left scored from close range to make it 1-0 on 22 minutes.

Brannigan made it 2-0 from five or six yards out, Oxford having scored from just two shots on target.  The normally solid Charlton defence was looking ragged.

On 35 minutes a handball off a Stockley header saw the referee gave a penalty after some hesitation.  It was an excellent penalty by Washington that went to the left of the keeper.

HT: 2-1

Washington shot straight at the keeper.  Famewo put in good defensive work, but Oxford were pulling Charlton apart, but they missed a tap in on an empty net which would have made it 3-1.

DJ had been disappointing and he was replaced by Davison who didn't add much.   Inniss put in a great tackle.  Stockley got a yellow card.   Dobson was replaced by Watson.   MacGillivray palmed away a shot.  Inniss made a great clearance that prevented a third goal.

Famewo got a yellow card.  Clayden replaced Gunter as normal time came to an end.  Six minutes were added on, but the only action was Morgan shooting over.

Richard Cawley noted that the result ended a 10 game unbeaten run on the road for Charlton.  It was difficult to take many positives out of the performance.

Nigel Adkins said he was really disappointed.   The keeper made a fantastic save from Washington. DJ had a great pre-season, he wasn't being as effective as he has been.   Adkins hoped that Davidson would energise Charlton.

Asked if Charlie Kirk would be ready for MK Dons, Adkins said he would have to take stock of where he was.  It had been an emotional week for him.

On new players he said there were a lot of things going on behind the scenes.

Adkins thanked the fans for being brilliant all the way through.