Robins Rocked

An aspect that would have pleased Phil Parkinson last night was seeing both his strikers on the score sheet again. Prior to Carlisle, it was last November when that previously happened. Three consecutive league wins were last registered in December and Johnnie Jackson’s goal was the club’s 5000th in the League, so plenty for the stattos to enjoy.

The game was played on an immaculate surface but with a strong wind blowing down the pitch to make things difficult. Charlton adapted to the conditions far better than the hosts even though they were playing into the wind in the first half. After thirteen minutes Johnnie Jackson cut in from the left only for his shot to be blocked but he made no mistake when Paul Benson slipped the rebound back to him.

The wind made life difficult for Doherty and Dailly who had their hands full with the impressive Charlie Austin. Elliot was called on to make a couple of smart stops, one with his legs from Austin being outstanding, but the Addicks went in at the break with their lead intact. Indeed, Phil Smith in the Swindon goal had to be at his best to foil Anyinsah.

Anyinsah and Benson were causing the Robins defence all sorts of problems and just six after the restart it was Anyinsah who nodded in Fry’s deep cross from the left.

Semedo and Racon were controlling the midfield now despite the best efforts of the long haired Prutton.

Games can sometimes turn on small events and last night was possibly an example. Seventeen minutes from time Elliot flapped at a corner but Scott Wagstaff was on hand to head off the line. Seconds later it was the ubiquitous Wagstaff who supplied the cross for the hard working Benson to head in his sixth goal of the season. Effectively game over but how nervy might the visitors have been if Swindon had scored from that corner?

‘Smokin’ Joe Anyinsah and Benson are irresistible in this form. Anyinsah is all pace and power while Benson complements it with endeavour and the nous to be in the right place at the right time.

Perhaps the Brighton debacle may have the same effect on Charlton that Norwich’s 7-0 reverse to Colchester had on them. Phil Parkinson will certainly hope so.