1 min
Charlton Athletic secured their first win in 12 attempts as a late Alfie Doughty winner completed a fantastic second-half turnaround against Bristol City at The Valley.
Having been the better side in the opening period, the Addicks took a deserved lead five minutes before the interval with Macauley Bonne lobbing on-rushing David Bentley following a fantastic through ball by Albie Morgan.
The home side failed to kick on though and two second-half goals from Andreas Weimann, a smart headed finish, and Niclas Eliasson’s poked finish looked to have sunk them.
Charlton could even have fallen further behind as Tom Lockyer nearly turned the ball into his own net after keeper Dillon Phillips could only parry a volley away.
However Bonne struck again 13 minutes from time, running on to a Lyle Taylor header before showing persistence to drill a shot into the roof of the net.
With the momentum back with the Addicks, they promptly retook the lead with seven minutes remaining as Bonne’s run and cross from the right wing was finished at the second attempt by Doughty.
Predictably the Addicks had to withstand some late pressure but they held on to claim a long awaited three points.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Macauley Bonne’s equaliser turned the tide back in Charlton’s favour and seemed to suck the self-belief from Bristol City’s players.
Moan of the Match
Bristol City changed their shape at the interval and it took Charlton boss Lee Bowyer perhaps too long to react – by the time he did his side were 2-1 down.
Talking Point
Conor Gallagher’s injury was the only dampener in what was otherwise a classic topsy-turvy encounter. Will any injury force Bowyer’s hand in the transfer market?
Man of the Match
Macauley Bonne – strikers are there to take chances when they come and Bonne did that and then some, scoring two and laying on the assist for Doughty’s winner.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Keith Stroud (Hampshire) – Despite four yellow cards there were several cynical fouls that appeared to go unpunished.
Atmosphere
One would never think the Addicks had gone 11 games without a win as the Charlton faithful showed no signs of nerves and were 100% behind their team from start to finish.
Verdict
Signs of a win have been coming in recent weeks as more players have slowly returned from injury but today was as much about heart and desire as quality.
