Four takeaways from Charlton’s win at Shrewsbury: An injection of confidence has revitalised this Addicks side

Charlton finally grabbed their first away league win of the campaign as they ran out 1-0 victors at New Meadow. Here’s Louis Mendez’s four takeaways from the clash with Shrewsbury Town.

DECENT GAME

A thoroughly entertaining first period saw chances come and go at both ends – before the Addicks took control midway through the half. Jayden Stockley had already scrambled a Chey Dunkley header off his own goal line before sending a dangerous header whistling wide at the other end on five minutes. But the Addicks started to enjoy the majority of the ball from the 20-minute mark and had chances to show for it – particularly those that fell to Jes Rak-Sakyi.

Shrewsbury have been perennial strugglers in League One but have clearly stepped up a gear this year. They carried a threat of their own at times, although boss Ben Garner will be pleased with how well marshalled his defence were once again.

It was goalless at the break and chances did dry up somewhat after the interval. But substitute Jack Payne was able to carve out the chance for Rak-Sakyi to plunder the winner just over 20 minutes from time to extend the Addicks winning run to three. It’s remarkable what an injection of confidence has done to a side who recently went eight without a win. They had created enough chances during at least five or six of those games to win them – but to no avail. But now they’ve remembered where the net is and are full of momentum to take them into a busy seven days ahead.

RAK SAKYI CHANCES CREATED + TAKEN

Rak-Sakyi missed some chances in that first half. Some golden chances. He would have been as baffled as anyone that he was unable to convert his opportunities in the first period. Particularly the one served on a plate by Steven Sessegnon that was scuffed into the grateful arms of Marko Marosi.

But reactive calls from some fans on social media for the Palace loanee to be withdrawn were wildly premature.

It’s a cliché but you have to be there to score them – and Rak-Sakyi has consistently been in the right place at the right time this season. He averages more shots per game (2.5) than any other Charlton player who has started more than one league outing this campaign.

He also tops the dribbles per game (1.9) leader board and ranks second in key passes per game (1.4). His three goals and two assists mean he’s one of only three players with five direct goal involvements – along with Scott Fraser and Jack Payne. There’s a reason he hasn’t failed to start a game since his debut against Plymouth.

TYREECE CAMPBELL FULL DEBUT

Corey Blackett-Taylor’s minor hip problem could have knocked the wind out of Charlton’s sails after his key role in last Monday’s win over Portsmouth. But Ben Garner had what looked like a readymade replacement waiting in the wings.

19-year-old Tyreece Anthony Tupac Shakur Campbell impressed on his full league debut. The winger nearly had a goal to show for his display as well after drawing an impressive diving stop from Marosi in the first period. But his overall performance – pacy, tricky and direct – gave Salop some problems to deal with. A very good start.

ARE PLAY OFFS REALISTIC?

Victory at New Meadow saw the Addicks climb to within two points of the top-six – albeit having played at least a game more than the two sides directly above them and some of the teams within striking distance below them in the table. No doubt, three wins out of three has made Charlton’s task look a lot healthier – but as with all the teams in the hunt, the depth and durability of the squad will come into play as the season wears on.

The above table gives you an indication of the sort of run Charlton need to go on between now and the end of the season to hit the average amount of points required for a top six finish in League One (74.8)

Whilst Charlton’s strength this season has been how hard they are to beat (with just three losses all campaign), their win % is the lowest in the top half (just 33%). Even if they continue to keep defeats at arm’s length – they need to prolong this winning run in order to extend a challenge for the top six.

How easy that will prove to be, once injuries and fatigue take hold of a squad that’s light in places, will be key. They’ve had a bit of a wobble already this season when they went eight without victory. There isn’t a great deal of leeway for anymore turbulence.

PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS