Abbott Of Luck

I spoke to Jon Fortune ahead of the game who confirmed he has signed a new short term deal which will keep him at The Valley until the end of the season.

Fortune was again on the bench yesterday, along with Matt Fry, who had a really strange week and was pleased to have his immediate future resolved. Paul Benson and Joe Anyinsah picked up minor knocks in training so the Addicks started with Nathan Eccleston partnering Bradley Wright-Phillips up front. Pawel Abbott providing the striking back up on the bench.

One of the records of Powell's reign that has received little publicity is the team's failure to score in the first half thus far. This trait continued yesterday with some even booing the team off at the interval.

As expected, Peterborough played an expansive game that stretched the Addicks. Lee Tomlin had his stinging drive finger tipped on to the post by Rob Elliot before opening the scoring just before the half-hour mark. Tomlin cut in from the left before curling a shot beyond Elliot from the edge of the box.

For the second time in the last three games at The Valley, the referee had to be replaced when David Webb collided with a Peterborough player and fell awkwardly following a Charlon attack. A lengthy delay ensued before the game could be re-started.

Some of the crowd showed their displeasure of Charlton's performance at the break. Powell responded by withdrawing the ineffective Wagstaff, switching Eccleston to the right and bringing Pawel Abbott on to partner Wright-Phillips.

It was Abbott, a player who would not have been involved if Benson and Anyinsah had not sustained injuries, who provided the catalyst. Everything Powell touches is turning to gold right now. He won headers and brought others into the game as the Addicks started to pose a threat.

After 56 minutes, Simon Francis delivered a peach of a cross for Johnnie Jackson to nod home at the far post. Two minutes later, the feelgood factor returned to The Valley big time when Eccleston hung up a cross from the right for ace marksman, Bradley Wight-Phillips, to apply the finishing touch to.

With Posh chasing the game, play became even more open and further goals seemed assured. What looked to be the clincher arrived 10 minutes from time when Abbott got a richly deserved goal. His drive from the edge of the penalty area was deflected in to give the Addicks a 3-1 lead.

Nothing is ever that simple with Charlton though is it? Two minutes into the six that were added at the end of the game, Craig Mackail-Smith spectacularly volleyed home a right-wing cross to set up a nervy end to the game.

Charlton's nerve and defence held firm and they accomplished their task without serious threat.

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