1 min
Charlton Athletic maintained their unbeaten record under caretaker boss Johnnie Jackson with a lively 1-1 draw with Rotherham United at The Valley.
The opening 45 minutes was a low-key affair with neither side having any clear cut chances – Charlton’s best chance of the half coming from a Conor Washington header straight at Rotherham’s Josh Vickers.
However, the visitors took the lead in the second minute of stoppage time as Mickel Miller smashed home a volley from the edge of the six yard box after Charlton failed to deal with a deep cross.
It set-up a lively second-half as Charlton went in search of an equaliser with Alex Gilbey finding Washington, only for the forward’s heavy touch to be well saved by Vickers.
Rotherham captain Michael Ihikewe was then fortunate to escape a sending-off for a second bookable offence for a shirt tug as Charlton continued to pile on the pressure.
But with seven minutes left to play, Washington got his and Charlton’s deserved goal, hitting a low shot which took a deflection to grab a share of the points.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
With Rotherham trying to preserve their lead, Michael Ihikewe should have been sent-off for a second bookable offence. The fact he wasn’t and was immediately substituted said it all.
Moan of the Match
Too often Charlton failed to get men forward quickly enough to capitalise on the counter-attack.
Talking Point
Charlton’s new-found defensive solidity is a big positive, continually snuffing out the danger when the opposition found themselves in good positions.
Man of the Match
Alex Gilbey – a complete midfield performance; winning the ball back, creating chances and heavily contributing to attacking and defensive phases of play.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Scott Oldham (Lancashire) – had a poor game drawing the ire of both sets of fans, not letting the game flow and failing to send off Ihikewe.
Atmosphere
The Covered End was once again in fine voice with vitriol directed towards the hapless referee.
Verdict
A well-earned draw from a Charlton Athletic side still finding its feet. The new-found defensive solitary is a massive positive but attacking dynamism is still needed.
