The lowdown on Charlton Athletic 2 Wigan 1 – Addicks maintaining pressure on top-two rivals
Matty Godden scored twice for Charlton Athletic as they defeated Wigan Athletic 2-1 on Saturday afternoon.
Here is the lowdown on the match.
THE LINE-UPS
Charlton: Mannion, Small (Anderson 90+4), Gillesphey, Jones, Ramsay, Watson (A Mitchell 89), Docherty, Coventry, Campbell, Berry (McIntyre 90+3), Godden (Leaburn 76). Subs not used: Reid, Ahadme, Enslin.
Wigan: Tickle, Mellish (Darcy 46), Kerr, Aimson (Robinson 83), Carragher, Norburn, Smith, Chambers (Smith 70, Weir (Sze 46), Dale (McManaman 83), Taylor. Subs not used: Sibbick, Watson.
SNAPSHOT OF THE GAME
Charlton were in control of so much of this League One encounter that if they had walked away with anything less than three points it would have left manager Nathan Jones in a foul mood. Matty Godden produced two close-range finishes to take his goal tally for the campaign to 15. There was also a huge chance to make it 3-0 early in the second half but Wigan keeper Sam Tickle prevented Tyreece Campbell from rounding him with Godden’s follow up attempt blocked. The Addicks had double the amount of shots, double the amount of expected goals and 29 touches in their opponent’s box – compared to the Latics’ nine.
TACTICAL APPROACH
There was an enforced change for Charlton with the industrious Josh Edwards missing out with the groin issue he sustained at Crawley Town. Tennai Watson came in at right wing-back and produced the same energy levels and commitment as his team-mates. Greg Docherty, absent in midweek due to the birth of his child, was back partnering Conor Coventry in the middle of the park with Luke Berry also regaining his starting spot with Alex Gilbert ruled out due to illness. Godden was switched in for Leaburn and pounced twice in the six-yard box.
STAR MAN
Conor Coventry. When Charlton play well, and execute their game plan, it tends to be that they are the sum of all their parts. So that means multiple contenders for their best performer. I just feel like I’ve not gone for Coventry before too often, even though he has tended to be a consistently strong performer.
BEST MOMENT
The full-time celebrations, especially after an egy finale to proceedings. It starts with some of the players being pushed forward to whip up the crowd before Nathan Jones pumps the air in jubilation. Then you’ve got the tunnel jumps to round things off. The Valley felt busier and buzzier – a sure-fire reflection that belief and backing is growing.
MOAN OF THE MATCH
Wrexham’s winner at Wycombe. A draw would have been the best result for fourth-placed Charlton, putting them closer to that second automatic promotion spot. The gap is five points but they do still have Wycombe and Wrexham to face on their travels.
A TALKING POINT DOWN THE PUB
Charlton’s fitness levels. One of the things which is so impressive about the Addicks is their ability to win any foot races against the opposition – or get back into defensive shape when they do turnover the ball. Although, in fairness, I doubt this was a discussion topic down the boozer. More likely to be jokes about boycotting Bluewater or the fact that the Peterborough game is going ahead due to the fact neither side has enough international call-ups.
WHAT THE BOSS HAD TO SAY
“We made it a little more hairy and interesting than we needed it to be. We were aggressive, front-footed and moved the ball – everything we work on we did.
“Apart from the last six minutes I didn’t see us losing the game but we didn’t kill things off and took the odd liberty late on. I’m just delighted with the win – because that is the most important thing.”
PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS