There seems to be no sign of League One highflyers Charlton Athletic relinquishing top spot as they marched to a sixth consecutive victory in all competitions by edging out neighbours Brentford on Saturday. The top scorer in the top four English divisions, Bradley Wright-Phillips, settled matters just past the hour mark as he bundled in his 14th league goal this term and additionally claimed Charlton’s 2000th away goal in the Football League. Brentford created many opportunities of their own but ultimately it was the South Londoners who cemented their five point lead at the top ahead of next Saturday’s mouth-watering encounter against promotion rivals Huddersfield Town.
Chris Powell made five changes to the Charlton side following last Sunday’s FA Cup triumph at FC Halifax but could not prevent Brentford dominating the entirety of the first half. The Bee’s bright start to proceedings gave the impression that Manager Uwe Rosler was intent on blitzing the Addicks straight out of the blocks as the first period was played predominantly in the visitors half. Former Millwall striker Gary Alexander had the host’s first meaningful chance as his shot produced a fine early save from the on loan Charlton goalkeeper Ben Hamer.
A superb, last ditch tackle from centre half Michael Morrison prevented the powerful Alexander from latching onto a Clayton Donaldson flick just minutes later as Brentford laid siege to the Charlton goal. With the League One leaders rocking, Niall McGinn crashed a shot against the post after good link-up play between Toumani Diagouraga and Sam Saunders. The winger’s accurately placed drive smashed the foot of the post before rebounding to an unsuspecting Diagouraga, who could only turn the rebound over the crossbar to the relief of 1800 travelling supporters.
There were signs later in the half that maybe the Addicks had weathered the raging storm, Danny Green began to dictate affairs and started to influence a previously one-sided encounter. The winger bobbled a shot wide and then saw his goal bound effort deflect off of Diagouraga and partially away to safety for the host’s. The former Dagenham & Redbridge man was involved again moments later when his long throw was headed over the bar by the unimposing Yann Kermorgant. However, it was the West Londoners who ended the half the way they had started it, in the ascendancy. The physicality of Brentford’s two front men was constantly concerning a usually resolute Charlton backline, something which Powell would have to address at half time.
A superb, last ditch tackle from centre half Michael Morrison prevented the powerful Alexander from latching onto a Clayton Donaldson flick just minutes later as Brentford laid siege to the Charlton goal. With the League One leaders rocking, Niall McGinn crashed a shot against the post after good link-up play between Toumani Diagouraga and Sam Saunders. The winger’s accurately placed drive smashed the foot of the post before rebounding to an unsuspecting Diagouraga, who could only turn the rebound over the crossbar to the relief of 1800 travelling supporters.
There were signs later in the half that maybe the Addicks had weathered the raging storm, Danny Green began to dictate affairs and started to influence a previously one-sided encounter. The winger bobbled a shot wide and then saw his goal bound effort deflect off of Diagouraga and partially away to safety for the host’s. The former Dagenham & Redbridge man was involved again moments later when his long throw was headed over the bar by the unimposing Yann Kermorgant. However, it was the West Londoners who ended the half the way they had started it, in the ascendancy. The physicality of Brentford’s two front men was constantly concerning a usually resolute Charlton backline, something which Powell would have to address at half time.
The restart seemed to have its desired effect for the Addicks as they began to illustrate why they were the pace setters in League One. Kermorgant, now heavily involved, blazed a shot over from the edge of the box to send a warning to the hosts’ untroubled defence. As the visitors set about changing the complexion of the match, an unfortunate collision between Bee’s pairing of Shaleum Logan and goalkeeper Richard Lee left Logan needing urgent medical help. After gathering the loose ball Lee clattered violently into Logan leaving the defender pole-axed and motionless on the turf. The right-back was eventually stretched off and play could resume after a 10 minute delay.
As the hosts looked to regroup, Charlton snatched the lead through Wright Phillips, the striker was on hand to turn in an excellent Green cross to delight his manager as well as the travelling contingent. Although Charlton had improved in the second half, you still got the impression that the opening goal had come against the run of play.
However, Brentford mounted a spirited fight to conjure up a deserved equaliser, Donaldson fired a shot that deflected off target and then had an effort blocked from a corner to keep pulses racing in both sections of the crowd. The visitors could have sealed the three points late on when Wright Phillips was denied by a good save from Lee, before Green struck a drive that flew over the bar. Despite the referee indicating that an additional 10 minutes of injury time would be played, Charlton held firm to take all three points back to SE7.
As the hosts looked to regroup, Charlton snatched the lead through Wright Phillips, the striker was on hand to turn in an excellent Green cross to delight his manager as well as the travelling contingent. Although Charlton had improved in the second half, you still got the impression that the opening goal had come against the run of play.
However, Brentford mounted a spirited fight to conjure up a deserved equaliser, Donaldson fired a shot that deflected off target and then had an effort blocked from a corner to keep pulses racing in both sections of the crowd. The visitors could have sealed the three points late on when Wright Phillips was denied by a good save from Lee, before Green struck a drive that flew over the bar. Despite the referee indicating that an additional 10 minutes of injury time would be played, Charlton held firm to take all three points back to SE7.
Charlton had not looked as convincing as previously thought, but good sides grind out results when they are not at their best and this was most certainly the case in West London.
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