Charlton Athletic went into the match needing a win to escape the relegation zone, however that wasn’t the case as the Addicks lost 3-2 at home to Accrington Stanley.
Pell Perfection
The visitors were off to a flying start as midfielder Harry Pell scored a free-kick, finding the top left corner to make it 1-0 after just nine minutes.
Despite the hosts struggling to get a shot on goal, they managed to make it 1-1 after Accrington midfielder David Morgan turned the ball into his own net in the 31st minute.
Four minutes later, the visitors were close to regaining the lead as Pell’s free-kick from range hit the bar.
Just before half-time, Alex Gilbey was unlucky not to give the Addicks the lead after his shot from outside the box was saved by 20-year-old keeper Toby Savin.
The Addicks began the second-half on the attack with Jayden Stockley firing the ball at the opposition goal just two minutes into the second half. His shot was blocked by the Stanley defence.
Quickfire Double
Ten minutes later Accrington took the lead as Pell grabbed his second goal of the night, Sean McConville crossing the ball for Pell to score in the centre of the box to make it 2-1.
In the 66th minute it went from bad to worse for Charlton as Scottish right-winger Ethan Hamilton’s left-footed shot from outside the box proved too powerful for Charlton keeper Craig MacGillivray to stop.
Late Lifeline
The hosts did get a goal back in the 78th minute to make it 3-2, Stockley firing the ball into the bottom right corner to notch his fourth league goal of the season.
Despite having 58% of possession and enjoying five shots on goal in the second-half, the Addicks weren’t able to get the job done, suffering another defeat.
Adkins’ Assessment
Despite the result, Charlton manager Nigel Adkins was impressed with the way his side performed in the second half: “We’ve started the second-half really well. Until they’ve scored we’re in it, we’re the team dominating really. It’s a poor goal. We’ve pushed and pushed, we had a few kicked off the line. The players showed a lot of spirit in the second-half”.
Charlton face second-placed Sunderland away next which will be a difficult task, while Accrington host Portsmouth.
