Seventh Heaven

A less than sparkling game at The Valley saw Charlton snatch a much needed late winner.

A mild evening at The Valley provided the perfect platform for the match. Miguel Llera payed the price for Saturday's poor display and made way for the returning Jon Fortune, who got a rapturous reception from the sparse crowd. Fortune was to have a sublime game, making light of the notion that he needs to go on loan.

Reid, Anyinsah and Abbott were deemed fit enough for bench duties though Anyinsah had to be replced by Tuna, after breaking down during the warm up. Parkinson lined his team up in a 4-4-1-1 formation with Martin operating slightly behind Paul Benson.

The match was a turgid affair of few chances and Ross Worner will scarcely have a quieter night in his career. No saves to make but a few high crosses to pluck out of the air.

Semedo had Charlton's best effort of the first-half with a rasping drive that was well parried by David Martin in the visitors goal. Jackson's follow up was also well blocked.

The late introduction of Reid in the second-half was the catalyst for the victory. Benson, who had previously got on the end of an early Francis cross, buried a precise early ball played in by Reid. It was Benson's first goal since May's Play-Off Final at Wembley and demonstrated what he is capable of with the right sort of service.

Reid created more havoc in his fifteen minute cameo than the rest of he team had managed all match. The night could have got even better for Benson when an apparent trip in the area went unpunished.

All-in-all, a solid if unspectacular performance with a very welcome three points.

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