Charlton came out on top in their first London derby of the season against Brentford with an unbelievable defensive display, which moves us into second place.
Conor Gallagher’s third goal of the season extends the Addicks’ unbeaten run to five games in the Championship, whilst the Bees remain the lowest scoring team in the league, having only found the net twice so far, both of which coming from striker Ollie Watkins.
Bowyer made three changes to his side from that brilliant performance against Nottingham Forest. Jason Pearce came back into the defence in place of Naby Sarr, whilst Darren Pratley and Jonny Williams came into the midfield replacing Sam Field and Erhun Oztumer.
Charlton got off to a slow start and were lucky not to be behind with Bees winger Sergi Canos proving a threat from the off. His best chance came in the 12th minute when a cross came in from the right side, he was left unmarked at the back post, but sent his header looping over the bar.
Brentford looked dangerous coming forward and very nearly made it 1-0 when Tom Lockyer got caught in possession, allowing Emiliano Marcondes to run through in the 21st minute, but the Welsh international pulled off a brilliant tackle which was reminiscent of his tackle on Lewis Grabban on Wednesday.
Bowyer was forced to change to a 3-5-2 formation when Deji Oshilaja limped off with an injury past the half hour mark. This change saw Darren Pratley move into defence and substitute George Lapslie move into right back.
The Addicks took the lead from out of nowhere in the 41st minute. Williams, who proved vital in the first half, stole the ball off Marcondes before playing an excellent ball to Conor Gallagher which left him one on one with David Raya. The 19 year old was composed as ever and drilled his shot into the net from 14 years, giving him his third goal of the season and Williams’ fourth assist.
Bowyer handed summer signing Tomer Hemed his Charlton debut when he replaced Jonathan Leko at half time.
The Addicks came out a lot stronger in the second half and they nearly doubled their lead through Lyle Taylor’s acrobatic attempt, but he couldn’t get on the end of Ben Purrington’s stinging cross.
Dillon Phillips was called into action multiple times towards the end of the game. He tipped Watkins’ shot over the bar, before getting down well to keep Mathias Jensen’s strike out six minutes from time.
The Brentford onslaught rained down upon Charlton defenders, with Lockyer and Jason Pearce making vital tackles to keep the home side in front. In added time, Charlton showed amazing resilience and courage as defenders threw themselves in front of the ball, with Phillips making a crucial save and Pearce and Pratley keeping out certain goals, capping off a warrior’s performance from Lee Bowyer’s men.
Tyler’s Take
We may not have deserved to win the game but what a brilliant defensive performance from the Red army!
The courage and determination the team showed was unbelievable. The likes of Pratley, Lockyer and Pearce literally flung themselves in front of goal to keep us in front and they were absolutely extraordinary.
We are certainly enjoying life back in the Championship. We’re still unbeaten and now we move into second place again. We’ve been outstanding so far this season and I’m just buzzing for the next game.
We didn’t deserve it but who cares, we’re in second! Roll on Reading!
Well, what a strange game this football is and that’s why we all love it and I salute the amazing committment of CAFC’s players.
Any chance of sorting Taylor’s contract and give him a bumper one and yeah as unlikely as fgetting a new Owner this season and still more lies and lies,
This must be the longest shot I’ve ever seen!……… “41st minute. Williams, ……….before playing an excellent ball to Conor Gallagher which left him one on one with David Raya. The 19 year old was composed as ever and drilled his shot into the net from 14 years, giving him his third goal of the season and Williams’ fourth assist.
Goal a long time coming?.? COYR