1 min
Charlton Athletic got back to winning ways with an impressive 2-0 victory over Ipswich Town at The Valley.
The opening 25 minutes were an erratic affair played largely in midfield, with neither side able to put together a coherent move to create any chances of note.
Quality was badly needed to break the deadlock and was provided by Conor Washington who brilliantly cut inside to be one-on-one with Ipswich keeper Christian Walton and, although his effort was saved, Jayden Stockley was on hand to drill home.
Charlton were in the ascendancy from then onwards with Stockley finding himself one-on-one with Walton from a tight angle, only for his shot to be saved and Washington unable to get a strong touch on the rebound.
The second-half saw further Charlton chances – Washington’s deflected cross failing to be converted by Ben Purrington’s head while Washington once again put through on goal following a flick-on from Stockley but denied by Walton.
Charlton did eventually seal the three points two minutes from time though as Alex Gilbey was fed in by Elliot Lee setting up a one-on-one which the midfielder duly slotted home.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Jayden Stockley’s opener brought a first-half devoid of quality to life and got Charlton going.
Moan of the Match
Charlton’s inability to finish multiple clear-cut chances in the second-half let a woeful Ipswich off the hook.
Talking Point
A slick second-half display, showing both individual panache and fluid passing, must surely put Johnnie Jackson over the line as Charlton’s next permanent manager?
Man of the Match
Alex Gilbey – the midfielder shades it from a number of strong candidates. A complete performance both defensively and in attack with a cool finish to match.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Chris Sarginson (Staffordshire) – had a few tough decisions to make but generally handled the game competently.
Atmosphere
Both sets of fans started off enthusiastically, but by the end it was the Charlton fans loudest, with the Ipswich end turning toxic against their side’s performance.
Verdict
The scoreline may not reflect it but this was Charlton’s most comprehensive performance since Doncaster, showing the quality that was badly missing against Shrewsbury.
