Charlton win but miss out on the play-offs on goal difference

Before the game, Charlton knew they needed to pick up three points to stand any realistic chance of finishing in the top 6. They did just that, but a big win for Oxford condemned The Addicks to another season in League One.

Despite already being champions, Hull played a strong side in an effort to end the season well. Charlton were without Jake Forster-Caskey, who was injured mid-week.

Adkins tactics paid off

Charlton started the day level on points, but four goals behind Oxford, and a single point off Portsmouth in 6th. Overturning the goal difference was always going to be an unrealistic task, but getting three points wasn’t, which is exactly how Adkins went about the day. Charlton prioritised the win, rather than all out attack, that would have left them vulnerable defensively.

In the opening 20 minutes, Hull dominated the play by controlling possession, but they were not able to create much. This was down to a resolute defence that managed to keep the League Champions at bay. Ian Maatsen was given the unenviable task of stopping winger Mallik Wilks, which he did throughout. Maatsen managed to frequently dispossess Wilks, or force him to pass the ball away, or try loose crosses. Wilks tried all the tricks and flicks he knew, but to no avail.

As the game progressed, Adkins switched formation, to push extra players forward, and increase the attacking intensity. They ended the first half with a flurry of chances, and carried straight on in the second, with Liam Millar the main attacking outlet. Hull were defending well too, and were limiting Charlton to half chances.

It was Millar who was responsible for the only goal of the game. He exchanged passes as Charlton remained patient, and eventually whipped in a cross. It should have been easy for Ingram to collect, however his weak parry landed on the knee of Greaves, who could do nothing but see it trickle into his own net.

Charlton were patient in the first half, by sitting slightly deeper, and not committing too many players forward, and then pressed well in the second, to seal the win.

Charlton’ over reliance on loans

The left hand side for Charlton was where the game was won. Maatsen nullified the threat of Wilks, whilst Millar was the Addicks best creative outlet. Together they linked up well in both attack and defence.

Aside from the goal, Millar was responsible for two of their best two chances. He drove forward, and whipped a cross that Stockley headed onto the bar, and also saw an effort creep past the post after working the ball into the box.

The problem for Charlton, is that both players will now be returning to their parent clubs, leaving a void in the side. A total of five players who featured against Hull were on loan, and will be leaving now the season is over.

Striker Stockley, central defender Famewo, and substitute midfielder Shinnie all played their part in the win, and under Adkins so far. The five loanees are going to create a void in the Charlton side, leaving a lot of recruiting to do for Adkins and co.

Adkins working his magic

The game was a tactical battle that was won by the experienced Adkins. In his 10 games in charge, Charlton have only lost once, to runners-up Peterborough. He has seen Charlton pick up 19 points from 30, with three of the wins against the top six.

Under Adkins, Charlton have been 5th in the form charts, where they have scored 18, and conceded only eight. He has started to stamp his mark on the side, and despite a rebuild on the cards, he has shown his is the right man to take The Addicks out of League One.