Charlton Athletic come from behind to earn a replay at The Valley, after a 1-1 draw at Mansfield Town.
Both sides had decent chances to take the lead, with CJ Hamilton hitting the post with a rifled effort from close range.
The home side had another great chance after a well-worked corner found its way to Neal Bishop on the edge of the box, who had a shot blocked off the line.
The Addicks produced a swift counter attack from the resulting corner, with Karlan Grant dragging a left-footed shot wide of the keepers right.
Stags On Top
Pressure appeared to be mounting on the visitors, as Mansfield looked dangerous from another corner. This time Krystian Pearce’s headed effort was blocked off the line, with the Stags looking increasingly likely to take the lead.
An entertaining first half was capped with the opening goal of the game by Hamilton, with a sweetly hit left-footed shot into the far corner off the post, leaving the keeper no chance.
Addicks Step Up
Charlton leveled the game after 73 minutes, through defender Toby Stevenson. Nicky Ajose whipped in a dangerous cross towards the back post which Tariqe Fosu-Henry managed to get on the end of. His effort was saved by Bobby Olejnik, however the rebound fell straight to Stevenson who made no mistake in slotting the ball home.
Late Drama
With the score at 1-1, Mansfield were pushing for the winner, and almost got it after Jacob Mellis’ shot was deflected off a Charlton defender, and hit the post while goalkeeper Dillon Phillips could only watch and hope the ball didn’t find its way in.
With the amount of chances that both sides had, both managers will be wondering how they did not win the game.
Bowyer’s Disbelief
Speaking to Charlton’s official website after the game, Lee Bowyer expressed his frustrations over the result:
“The odd positive was there but I’m disappointed because the draw and the replay was the worst possible outcome, for me. Now we have a replay and them lads are having to play again on Tuesday, which is crazy.”
What’s Next?
The Addicks will now be looking ahead to Tuesday’s game at The Valley against Swansea U21’s in the EFL Trophy.
