Saturday 10 August 2019

Charlton show Championship quality

Charlton showed Championship quality in their 3-1 defeat of Stoke City at The Valley this afternoon. They are one of only two teams with a 100 per cent record and are in second place. Jonny Williams and Darren Pratley had outstanding games. The lively and skilled Jonathan Leko got a deserved standing ovation when he was substituted.

Stoke seemed to be going for an early goal, but the Addicks were able to contain their threat. Taylor broke the deadlock in the 25th minute with his second goal in as many games, collecting the ball on the edge of the box and rifling the ball into the far corner, easily beating international goalkeeper Butland.

Taylor's strike roused Stoke who seemed to be working out Charlton's gam plan and Scott Hogan struck the crossbar before Ince snatched the equaliser, unleashing a left-foot drive that zipped into the net.

Lee Gregory squandered opportunities to put the Potters ahead either side of half-time, hitting the post and then blazing an effort over from close range after Sam Clucas had teed him up.

But Jonny Williams and Josh Cullen combined to set up summer signing Aneke, who dispatched the chance from 10 yards.

Chelsea loan midfielder Conor Gallagher (man of the match) completed the scoring with his first senior goal seven minutes from time, finding the roof of the net after Taylor had flicked on Cullen's corner.

Incidentally, the new corner flags should be triangular rather than rectangular, a privilege granted to teams who have won the FA Cup.

No cards were shown during the game.

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