1 min
A late Matt Smith winner extended Millwall’s unbeaten run over Charlton Athletic to 23 years in a pulsating South London derby at The Den.
The Lions took a sixth minute lead through captain Shaun Hutchinson before Jonathan Leko’s equaliser early in the second-half.
Gary Rowett’s side had chances to extend their advantage in the opening period but were thwarted by good saves from Dillon Phillips, denying both Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Mahlon Romeo.
The Addicks improved as the game progressed and at the other end Bartosz Bialkowski produced his own string of spectacular saves to prevent Josh Cullen and Macauley Bonne.
The equaliser eventually came for Charlton early in the second half though; Leko volleying home from a 51st minute corner after another excellent save from Bialkowski.
The game continued to ebb and flow with Jed Wallace having a late break stopped by excellent Charlton defending before Smith’s header from a Wallace corner won it at the death.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Matt Smith’s late header sent the home faithful into raptures and decided the destination of all three points.
Moan of the Match
The Lions let Charlton dictate the play too much at the end of the first-half and start of the second after such a bright start.
Talking Point
Should Millwall have had a first- half penalty when Jed Wallace’s goal bound strike appeared to hit an arm?
Man of the Match
Bartosz Bialkowski – the Polish shot stopper made a number of phenomenal saves to keep his side in the game.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Robert Jones (Merseyside) – fair throughout and refereed this derby sensibly.
Atmosphere
Typically for a derby, both sets of fans were up for this one and it was replicated in the end to end nature of the encounter.
Verdict
Both sides clearly have elements of their game they need to work on, but it’s Millwall that come away will all three points.
