Talking points from Charlton’s 1-0 win at Burton Albion – a big result at strugglers as Valley form needs to pick up with SE7-heavy December schedule

Charlton Athletic ended a five-game run in League One without a win as they collected a 1-0 victory at Burton Albion on Tuesday night.

Conor Coventry’s second-half goal was enough to earn maximum points at the Pirelli Stadium with the hosts, bottom of the table, having Charlie Webster sent off.

Here are Richard Cawley’s talking points from the match.

RESULT

When you consider that Charlton came into the fixture in Staffordshire with their last league win way, way back on October 5 against Birmingham City, then winning – by any means necessary – against badly struggling opponents was all that mattered.

The Addicks finished with an xG (expected goals) of 1.68 with a poor Burton side managing just 0.12.

Charlton had 24 shots and five big chances. But at certain stages it looked like they would not find the breakthrough.

Either side of Coventry’s 82nd-minute strike there were excellent chances for them to score. Miles Leaburn’s header from a Rarmani Edmonds-Green cross crashed back off the left upright while Tyreece Campbell drove against the legs of Brewers keeper Max Crocombe after Danny Hylton’s ball over the top of a Burton backline that was advanced in their search for a leveller.

There were other moments too for the South Londoners with Gassan Ahadme seeing a header tipped over as well as producing a tame flick into the arms of Crocombe from another good position inside the box.

One of the frustrations was that Charlton’s press – particularly in the opening 20 minutes – saw them win possession deep in the Burton half but they lacked the confidence or ability to make those moments count with either poor decision-making, overhit passes or botched shots.

COVENTRY DELIVERS

Conor Coventry’s primary task is not to be contributing goals and assists in the Addicks’ midfield – seven bookings already this campaign tells you that – but his first strike for the club could not have been more timely.

If Charlton had not been able to find a way to break down a Burton side who played the final quarter of the contest with 10 men then it would have been a really poor result.

Coventry’s finish is not going to be on November’s divisional Goal Of The Month shortlist, but the former West Ham United player showed
persistence and decisiveness.

Crocombe had produced a double save from Thierry Small and Coventry, who then switched to his weaker left foot to produce a bobbling effort that had just about had enough sauce on it to cross the goal-line.

Yes, it was scuffed. Yes, it was scruffy. But the 24-year-old’s only other senior goal came in April 2022 when he was on loan at Milton Keynes, so no wonder he described netting in midweek as “a lovely feeling”.

Coventry had the most tackles (seven) and touches (79) in the game, as well as the most passes (55) of any Charlton player. Getting the winner capped off a very strong individual performance.

HOME TIME

Four of the Addicks’ six league matches in December are at The Valley and they need to take advantage of that to ensure they are at least in striking distance of the play-off places by the start of 2025.

Aside from the EFL Cup loss to Birmingham in early August, Charlton’s only other reverse in SE7 came against Blackpool on September 21.

They have won five and drawn three of their other matches there, although two of those victories were EFL Trophy ties against Chelsea U21s and Bromley.

Charlton did not have a single home game in November. Now they need to settle seamlessly back at The Valley to ensure the top-six target does not become an unobtainable one before the transfer window opens.

Some bookies already do not feel they are contenders, offering odds of 20/1 on promotion.

A fourth straight season where promotion hopes are completely dashed, months before it finishes, simply does not bear thinking about.

FULL STRENGTH IN CUP?

Next up tomorrow for Charlton is an FA Cup second round tie at Walsall and it presents something of a dilemma.

Does manager Nathan Jones go with his strongest line-up or rotate with Tuesday’s home game against Crawley in mind?

Daniel Kanu, Chuks Aneke, Lloyd Jones, Kayne Ramsay, Will Mannion and Dan Potts are all still not back from injury while club captain Greg Docherty is suspended after his red card at Huddersfield.

Jones went strong in the previous round at Southend United, showing he was in no mood to be on the end of an upset.

The last thing the Welsh boss needs is any more selection issues but equally progressing in the cup – with the hope of a glamour tie to come – would inject some much-needed sparkle.

PICTURES: KYLE ANDREWS