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Charlton Athletic dropped out of the Play-Off places with a 3-2 defeat to Gillingham in a back-and-forth encounter at The Valley.
After some uncertainty as to whether the game would go ahead due to a frozen pitch, the Gills took the lead in the opening minute through Olly Lee’s curling effort from outside the box.
Chuks Aneke then hit the post twice in a wild opening 15 minutes before finally getting his goal with a simple finish at the back post to draw Charlton level.
Despite Charlton’s dominance after the early set-back it was Gillingham who took the lead again, Connor Ogilvie volleying home from 25 yards eight minutes before half-time.
The Addicks grabbed a second equaliser in the 52nd minute as Jayden Stockley headed in from Andrew Shinnie’s cross.
But their hopes of going on to win the game suffered a blow with 20 minutes to go when Aneke was sent-off for two yellow cards in the space of two minutes.
And although Charlton pushed bodies forward in search for a winner despite the numerical disadvantage they were eventually punished by Kyle Dempsey’s 86th minute strike.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Charlton looked set to push for a winner until Chuks Aneke’s quickfire dismissal gave Gillingham their own opportunity to go for the win.
Moan of the Match
A freezing cold day and its ever-decreasing temperature drop made it hard viewing for those not on the pitch.
Talking Point
Charlton went into half-time behind for the seventh straight home fixture – what can Lee Bowyer do to correct his side’s slow starts?
Man of the Match
Jayden Stockley – the Preston loanee scored and was a constant thorn for Gillngham’s defence.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Kevin Johnson (Somerset) – left with little to do for the first two-thirds of the game, the official made his presence felt by sending off Chuks Aneke late on, perhaps slightly harshly.
Atmosphere
Gillingham boss Steve Evans was typically loud in the away technical area, giving the game a semblance of the edge it would have had with a full stadium.
Verdict
Charlton battled hard and looked good in patches, but their inability to defend once again cost them the game and will put to bed any lasting promotion hopes if not quickly fixed.
