Another Late Show

A bright and very breezy afternoon in Devon saw the Addicks continue their recent good habit of scoring late goals. A draw was the least the visitors deserved after dominating events after the break.

The back line had an unfamiliar look following new father, Simon Francis’, departure back to London to be with his partner and new born daughter. Christian Dailly moved acoss to right-back with Doherty and Fortune in the middle.

Less than four minutes had gone when Kari Arnason launched a long throw into the box. The Charlton rear guard failed to deal with it and the ball fell invitingly for Bradley Wright-Philips to lash home.

The game developed into a sterile affair with chances at a premium. Paul Benson leveled for Charlton 10 minuted before the break when he got his toe on the end of a long Elliot kick to prod the ball past Larrieu in the home goal. Shortly before the break Plymouth defender, Reda Johnson, suffered a serious looking leg injury which led to the half being elongated by 5 minutes.

The second half witnessed a terrific Charlton performance with Reid causing havoc on the left. Martin was introduced in place of the ineffective Wagstaff. Argyle right-back Stephens had no answer and had to eventually be subbed 9 minutes from time as Peter Reid was fearful of a second yellow. Charlton nearly went ahead with a bizarre own goal but the ball rebounded to safety from the post.

Hugely against the run of play the hosts went in front after 82 minutes. With the Addicks appealing in vain for a free-kick Yala Bolasie strode forward to unleash a thunderbolt into Elliot’s top right-hand corner.

Charlton’s spirit never dropped and they got their richly deserved reward when a peach of a cross from Jackson was headed back across goal by Doherty for Benson to stab home his second of the afternoon.

It could and should have been more but full credit to the team for pressing intil the very end.