Richard Cawley big-match verdict: Appy days as Charlton Athletic fire up their League One play-off prospects

When Charlton Athletic pulled the trigger on a managerial change before the end of August, it was because technical director Andy Scott felt drastic action was needed to not see another League One season end as a write-off.

And the early signs are that the appointment of Michael Appleton last month has had the desired effect, even if this is no time to get carried away.

Ben Garner and Dean Holden both collected seven points from their first four matches – one fewer than Charlton’s new head coach – and it did not lead to any longevity for the pair.

But if Appleton had not been able to pep up performances and chain together some results then the South London club would have been sleepwalking through another campaign in England’s third tier.

Tuesday night’s 4-1 win over Exeter City at The Valley extended the Addicks’ unbeaten streak to five matches – Appleton taking over the reins from interim boss Jason Pearce for the last four fixtures.

Charlton also recorded three straight home league victories for the first time since December 2021 and have two more in a row on home turf, starting with Blackpool tomorrow, after their trip to Derby County was postponed due to international call-ups.

Charlton’s points return under Appleton is only bettered by Bristol Rovers (nine), Portsmouth and Oxford United – the latter duo boasting 100 per cent records as they also occupy first and second spots respectively in the standings.

Charlton finished the midweek round of fixtures in 14th, meaning they have only climbed five spots since the 2-1 defeat to Oxford on August 26, Holden’s final match in charge. But that doesn’t tell the whole story. They are now only four points behind Stevenage and Peterborough, fifth and sixth, and have played one game fewer.

Appleton would probably be the first to admit that his job has been made slightly easier by being able to call upon Chuks Aneke, Miles Leaburn and Slobodan Tedic – none of whom were either fit or, in the latter’s case, even on the payroll when Holden was still employed.

Scoring goals does not look set to be an issue with the options available with Scott Fraser, back in the matchday squad for the last two matches, adding to their creative output. Thirteen of their 15 league goals have come at The Valley.

James Scott’s 23rd-minute goal, a solitary Reece Cole pass piercing through the hosts, was a setback. But, just like against Fleetwood, Charlton responded.

Twice they had players who reacted quickest to rebounds, Corey Blackett-Taylor smashed in after Aneke’s header came back off the bar. The centre-forward was also denied a first goal of the campaign by Viljami Sinisalo, Alfie May on hand to convert at the second attempt.

Will Aimson’s red card was harsh, replays showing it was May who clipped the Exeter captain even if in real time it looked as if he had been the victim of a lunge.

Charlton were ruthless and rampant after that. Substitute Leaburn, one of four changes from the weekend, drilled home with the kind of emphatic finishing that makes the youngster such an impressive prospect.

May added a classy fourth, whipping the ball into the top left corner of the net after Blackett-Taylor, a vital attacking outlet, had done plenty of good work in the lead up.

STAR MAN
Alfie May. Quite a few contenders but his first goal of the night was of vital importance.

BEST MOMENT
Leaburn’s finish. Showed composure to set himself before dropping the hammer