Charlton Beat Palace

Charlton Athletic squeezed a win against their arch rivals on Saturday afternoon.

With all the hype of the summer court case against Ian Dowie plus the fact that both chairmen hate each other, Saturday's game should of brought plenty of fireworks.

But for trying both sides found chances limited and in the end it was a piece of skill from Bulgarian Svetoslav Todorov that won the Addicks the game.

Alan Pardew will be very pleased with his side, after a poor start to the season the Addicks have secured their first points away from home and are now just 3 points away from the league leaders.

Up to 7th most Charlton fans will be pleased with the team after a narrow win against 'that lot'.

Pardew went with a 4-5-1 formation with Chris Iwelumo the lone front man. Danny Mills made his first appearance since rejoining the side and Zheng Zhi got another full game under his belt.

Charlton started brightly and should have taken the lead when Jon Fortune converted a header in the opening minute.

James Scowcroft went closest for Palace with 15 minutes on the clock but Nicky Weaver produced a decent save to tip the ball around the post.

The Addicks were on top for long periods and Iwelumo went close when Reid found him in the box. Just a touch was needed to beat the keeper but the big Scot couldn't connect.

The atmosphere at Selhurst was pretty good and the away fans sang loud and clear, with numerous songs directed at Palace chairman Jordan.

After the break Charlton tried to up their game and the best chances fell to Iwelumo and Andy Reid. Everything was good from the Addicks but they just lacked a goal. To be fair to Palace they did look dangerous coming forward with counter attacks and Scrowcroft and Morrison were always a threat.

Pardew sensed he needed a goal and so he sent on Svetoslav Todorov to work his magic. The substitution worked its magic and within 7 minutes from entering the field Toddy stuck home the winner.

A long clearance from Weaver was flicked on by Iwelumo and Todorov latched onto it. The palace keeper's call had caused the defender to leave it and Toddy skilfully lobbed the ball over the advancing keeper and poked the ball in.

The away end went crazy and the Charlton players celebrated having the lead.

Palace tried to find an equaliser but Nicky Weaver was in fantastic form and Charlton held on.

Charlton should have finished the match off deep into injury time but Speroni saved McLeod's shot after the youngster had been put clean through.

All in all a decent result and the Charlton fan's headed for the pubs, a happy bunch.

Charlton: Weaver, Mills, Powell, Fortune, McCarthy, Thomas (Todorov 67), Semedo (Racon 71), Zheng, Ambrose, Reid, Iwelumo (McLeod 90).

Subs not used: Randolph, Sam.

Booked: Ambrose.

Crystal Palace: Speroni, Lawrence, Craig, Hudson, Cort, Soares, Kennedy, Fletcher (Martin 79), Hughes (Ifill 57), Scowcroft, Morrison (Idrizaj 71).

Subs not used: Flinders, Fonte.

Booked: Scowcroft.

Referee: N Miller

Attendance: 18,556

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