Victory at The Valley

Charlton beat Northampton Town 2-1 at The Valley tonight with a Washington brace, one from the penalty spot, one from open play.  Unfortunately a goal was conceded in time added on, but it's seven points from nine and only one goal conceded.

Northampton defended in numbers in the first half and we lacked the quality to unlock them, while Amos had to make two good claims when they counter attacked.

Lee Bowyer said: 'The back four looked solid, Pratley stepped up there.  You need someone like Conor to do the running.  Do the basics right and you can win every game, we've got some good players.'  Bowyer also praised Albie Morgan's contribution.

Further comments from Bowyer here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-lee-bowyer-explains-why-midfielder-darren-pratley-started-in-defence-ahead-of-deji-oshilaja-against-northampton/

Morgan fed Stockley on two minutes, but his header was saved.   Charlton started well, but then the game became more scrappy.  Ben Watson won Charlton a corner which was delivered well by Morgan, but Pearce was wide.

Pearce received an elbow from Kioso who received a yellow card.   Morgan got booked for a foul.

HT: 0-0

In the second half the Cobblers continued their strategy of soaking up pressure and waiting for a Charlton mistake, but the sucker punch didn't come.   On 48 minutes Millar won a free kick and Forster-Caskey was just wide.

On 65 minutes Forster-Caskey was taken out in the area.  The Cobblers argued the toss and tried to delay things as much as possible, but Washington kept his nerve and beat the keeper.  On 68 minutes Aneke replaced Stockley.   Edmundson fouled Pratley off the ball and was shown a yellow card.

A double Northampton change on 72 minutes saw former Addick Mark Marshall came on. Millar put in some good defensive work.  Shinnie replaced Forster-Caskey on 75 minutes.  Ben Watson was booked for a foul.

Shinnie won Charlton a corner, took it and then played the ball in again.  The keeper tipped Aneke's effort over the bar.

On 84 minutes, Millar started a move with a good run.  Shinnie's effort was parried but Washington put the ball through the keeper's legs to make it 2-0.

On 86 minutes Morgan and Washington were withdrawn in favour of Smith and Schwartz.

Four minutes were added on and Northampton won a corner after panic in the defence.  Their first shot on target went over Amos to make it 2-1.

After the resumption Aneke got a yellow card for a foul which enabled the keeper to punt the ball down the pitch.  Amos only jusr claimed it, but the three points went to Charlton.

Northampton Town have complained that they were on the wrong end of decision after decision by referee Paul Howard, but to me he seemed to be fair and competent.   This is his first season in the EFL after just two years in the National League.