Peterborough 4 Charlton 1 – Addicks’ play-off hopes in deep trouble after heavy away loss

By Richard Cawley at the ABAX Stadium

Charlton’s play-off hopes were dealt another blow as they suffered a heavy defeat at Peterborough United, who climbed above them in the League One standings.

The Addicks were unbeaten in four matches on the road but Jack Marriott’s second-half double helped end that run.

A key turning point came in the second half when Josh Magennis failed to convert from the penalty spot and cancel out Andrew Hughes’ first-half opener.

Marcus Maddison quickly responded by dispatching a penalty of his own to put the home side 2-0 in front.

Although Michal Zyro headed his first goal since his January loan move from Wolves, hopes of a comeback were punctured soon after by the impressive Marriott, who took his goal haul to 27 for the campaign.

Charlton’s first-half performance produced some neat one-touch passing which threatened to cut through the hosts, but Jonathan Bond was not overly tested in that period.

Sullay Kaikai played a one-two with Joe Aribo to take him into the right of the penalty box but the on-loan Crystal Palace winger fired straight into the arms of the Posh number one.

Peterborough just about shaded it for the opportunities created. Omar Bogle cut inside Jason Pearce and struck the right post while Maddison’s free-kick flashed across the face of goal.

Maddison’s set-piece delivery with his left foot was a problem for the South Londoners and it was another deadball chance which led to the goal. His ball to the back post was headed back across by Hughes and although Charlton scrambled the ball away from danger it was crossed back for the same player to drive home.

The Addicks started the second half in positive fashion and there were strong appeals for a handball inside the box which were ignored.

Soon after Charlton did get a penalty as Magennis was pushed in the box. But the Northern Ireland international put his spot-kick past the right post in the 54th minute.

The costliness of that miss was rammed home soon after as Naby Sarr tripped Maddison as he raced into the box. The Posh man sent Amos the wrong way.

Robinson responded by bringing on Zyro and Ben Reeves for Sullay Kaikai and Josh Magennis. Zyro did well to pick out Fosu in the box with a delivery from the right but he headed wide of the target.

Zyro had made an impact and cut the deficit as he did make another pinpoint cross count from that side of the pitch, flicking home to give Reeves an assist.

But Peterborough managed to regain a two-goal lead on 82 minutes. Substitute Danny Lloyd did well to keep the ball in just before it crossed the byline and his first-time cross was finished sweetly by Marriott.

Marriott has his 27th of the season in the 85th minute. Jermaine Anderson’s cross was headed home from four yards out by the striker.