1 min
Charlton Athletic kept their Play-Off hopes alive with an excellent 2-1 win over in-form Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
The hosts dominated the first-half and had plenty of chances to open the scoring with Charlie Wyke, Callum McFadzean and Aiden McGeady all culpable of missing good opportunities.
However, Charlton soaked up the pressure and took the lead just past the half hour mark as Ryan Inniss’ header from a corner saw Josh Scowen try to clear only to put through his own net.
The second-half started with further pressure from the home side but it was Charlton who nearly doubled their lead as Jayden Stockley’s 59th minute header rattled the post.
Two minutes later and Charlton were 2-0 up though as Alex Gilbey nipped in to score at the near post following a Stockley knockdown.
Sunderland finally made their dominance count as Scowen’s 77th minute 20-yard diving header kept the game alive.
And although the remaining ten minutes saw Charlton sit deep and soak up Sunderland’s pressure, they saw the game out to claim an excellent away win against another fellow promotion rival.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Charlie Wyke’s missed volley after five minutes could have seen Charlton buckle early on, instead of being able to soak up the pressure and eventually take the lead.
Moan of the Match
Reporting on a behind closed doors game, will anyone believe you when you type Josh Scowen’s goal was a ‘20-yard diving header’?
Talking Point
Very different opposition to last week, but with the same starting line-up, has Charlton boss Nigel Adkins found his best XI quicker than expected?
Man of the Match
Ben Amos – proved the difference between the two sides, making a number of crucial saves as Sunderland applied plenty of pressure on the Charlton goal.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Anthony Backhouse (Cumbria) – took no nonsense and dismissed all of the weak penalty claims. No complaints whatsoever.
Atmosphere
An echo-filled atmosphere in such a big ground with both teams very vocal throughout. Games like this really need the fans’ backing!
Verdict
Just one point off the top six with seven games left, the Play-Off charge is well and truly back on after another impressive win on the road.
