1 min
Charlton Athletic were unable to seize the opportunity to beat 10 man Sunderland in a frustrating goalless draw at The Valley.
The visitors looked the better side in the opening period, coming closest as Jordan Willis’ header was denied by a diving Ben Amos save on the half-hour mark.
Amos was soon called into action again – first preventing Aiden O’Brien before Danny Graham failed to put away two quick chances inside the box.
Sunderland forward Graham then missed another simple chance on the stroke of half-time, sending the ball into the second tier of the North Stand instead of the bottom corner.
The second-half saw the game change pace in the 73rd minute when Sunderland defender Tom Flanagan was given a straight red for bringing down Connor Washington.
But despite substitute Marcus Maddison’s whipped free-kick finding Chuks Aneke’s head, Sunderland defended resolutely to secure a point.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Tom Flanagan’s red card gave the Addicks an opportunity to get back into the game after being under the cosh for the majority of it.
Moan of the Match
Lee Bowyer kept new signing Marcus Maddison on the bench until the 83rd minute despite Charlton looking desperately short of firepower.
Talking Point
Charlton looked short of ideas going forward – can they strengthen their side further before the transfer window closes without losing key individuals?
Man of the Match
Ben Amos – the Charlton keeper’s two diving first-half saves were vital in securing the Addicks a point.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Andy Davies (Hampshire) – the decision to show Flanagan a straight red card was uncontested by a silent Sunderland bench.
Atmosphere
Lee Bowyer constantly screaming instructions competed well with the sound of fireworks set off by visiting Sunderland fans outside the stadium.
Verdict
Thomas Sangaard’s first visit to the Valley would have seen a frustrating performance with plenty of work to be done to enable a genuine promotion push.
