The talking points from Charlton’s 1-0 win over Barnsley – top-two finish is not completely fanciful as red-hot Addicks power on

Charlton boosted their League One play-off hopes with a 1-0 victory over Barnsley in midweek.

Macauley Gillesphey’s 12th-minute free-kick goal settled the Valley contest.

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

A WINNING FORM-ULA

It’s often mentioned that the play-offs favour a team that is in form and, if so, it’s a shame that we aren’t heading into that stage of the season right now.

Charlton have taken the most points in the last 10 matches – 25 – with their only blemish a 1-0 loss at a Birmingham City side who are going to lift the title.

The Addicks have won eight matches over that period – recording clean sheets in five of them.

If Charlton can keep up their blistering form then even the second automatic promotion spot is not out of the equation.

Second-placed Wycombe Wanderers have collected 16 points in their last 10 matches.

If both clubs were to repeat that over the next 10 fixtures then Charlton would be on 84 points, one ahead of the Chairboys, with two matches to go.

At the moment though that eight-point gap looks a tough one to chase down. There is certainly no margin for errors.

I’m sure that Addicks manager Nathan Jones will tell you that his sole priority now is to at least guarantee a top-six place.

Tomorrow’s trip to Stockport County can move the South Londoners up to fourth – finishing that high would mean the advantage of playing the second leg of a play-off semi-final at The Valley.

PRESSURE POINTS

Jones’ Luton sides had a reputation for being horrible to play against and the same applies to this Charlton Athletic side.

It’s absolutely no surprise they have one of the best defensive records in the division when you consider they relentlessly swarm all over opposition.

Barnsley tried to pass the ball but aside from one early chance for Davis Keillor-Dunn, saved by the legs of Will Mannion, they did not manage to create anything else.

Any Tyke in possession had to contend with at least one, if not two or three, home players instantly stepping in to shut them down.

It was typified by Gillesphey resolutely racing across the pitch after Keillor-Dunn’s clever movement initially lost him, only resting once the ball had been forced out of play.

Charlton are one of the best pressing sides at this level and their backline – strengthened by the return of the classy Kayne Ramsay from injury – offer up very few chances.

GILLESPHEY IN THE GOALS

It has been a good week for the former Plymouth Argyle centre-back, who was not without his critics during his opening months on the Charlton payroll last season.

The Geordie defender, 29, vitally headed the Addicks level in second-half stoppage time at Leyton Orient on Saturday with Ramsay netting at the death.

Gillesphey came up with another big moment in midweek.

Tyreece Campbell did well to win the free-kick on the edge of the box. Gillesphey sent his free-kick under the jumping Barnsley wall and past goalkeeper Jackson Smith.

He looks far more assured in a back three with the unruffled duo of Jones and Ramsay alongside him.

NO AWARD IS GOOD NEWS

Nathan Jones was nominated for League One’s Manager of the Month for February but looks likely to miss out to Chris Davies.

At times the accolade can be a bit of a poisoned chalice, so I’m not sure anyone will be that gutted if it does go to the Birmingham boss.

Win an award that might suddenly see results go south? Or see more fist-pumping celebrations from Jones at the full-time whistle?

You don’t need me to answer that, do you?

MAIN PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS