Charlton Athletic end winless streak with victory over Fleetwood Town

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Charlton Athletic won a league game for the first time in over a month as they beat Fleetwood Town 2-0 at The Valley.

The hosts came into the fixture winless in the league since their home victory against Cambridge United on December 11th with Fleetwood still buzzing from their shock win against Rotherham United last week.

Fleetwood started the brightest and looked to be the team most likely to score but Nathan Burstow’s header in the second half gave the hosts the lead. Albie Morgan’s strike in added time then sealed the deal for Johnnie Jackson’s side.

The win sees the Addicks move up to 14th in the table whilst the Cod Army drop down to 20th and are only one spot above the relegation zone.

Fleetwood The Brighter Starters

The visitors lined up with a front three for their trip to southeast London. Ellis Harrison led the line with Cian Hayes to his left and Paddy Lane lining up on the right-hand side.

As the opening moments of the game progressed, it was all Fleetwood. Jay Matete made a dazzling run through the heart of midfield in the first minute and was brought down outside the box. The resulting free-kick, however, was fired over by captain Danny Andrew.

Lane was the next to get involved for the visitors but his shot was hit straight at goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray. The hosts went down the other end for their first chance but Sean Clare’s effort went behind for a corner, which resulted in nothing.

There were shouts for a Cod Army penalty but they were quickly dismissed by the referee. Charlton had a couple of opportunities for themselves, however, were never really able to test the goalkeeper whilst Fleetwood caused problems. Andrew had another free-kick from range and it was inches from going into the roof of the net.

Hayes was causing Charlton so many problems on the left with Clare having to work hard to limit his threats on goal. The former went down under the challenge of the latter in the box, but yet again, no penalty was awarded.

However, Elliot Lee had the best chance to open the scoring as the game approached half-time when he had not one but two shots on goal denied in the box. Charlton closed the opening half as the better side but neither team were able to break the deadlock.

Charlton Shift It Up A Gear

The opening couple of minutes of the second half looked as though Fleetwood would dominate again, but Charlton soon found their rhythm.

Just eight minutes after the restart they took the lead. Academy prospect Burstow was there to head in from close range, causing The Valley faithful to erupt from their seats. It was a much-needed goal, especially considering their recent form and their poor first half to the game.

From then on, it was all Charlton with Chuks Aneke the next to have an effort on goal, only to see it blocked and out for a corner. The Cod Army tried to find a response but Daniel Batty’s weak effort from range pretty much summed up their efforts on goal in the second half.

Throughout the rest of the game, neither side were able to really make the most of any chances they had, with shots either being blocked or going wide of the goal, failing to test either goalkeeper. Fleetwood had a chance nearly 20 minutes from time but no one was able to get onto the end of Shayden Morris’ low ball across the face of goal.

Four minutes of added time were announced for stoppages and Morgan had a fantastic chance to seal the deal. He did all the hard work with his driving run into the box, but his left-footed effort was dragged wide of the post. It did not matter much though, as less than a minute later, he made it 2-0 by smashing home a half-volley to seal the three points for his side.

Despite Fleetwood’s dominance in the first half, Charlton were the deserved winners come full-time, making the most of the opportunities that were presented to them.

Their victory sees them rise up the table as they look to get their season back on track whilst Fleetwood now find themselves just one point above the relegation zone.

The Addicks will now face Hartlepool in the Papa John’s Trophy with the Cod Army hosting Plymouth Argyle next weekend.

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