High Drama In Bristol

PIRATES PLUNDER A POINT
24-Apr 06:16, by Ketts
An eventful afternon at the Memorial Ground which eventually saw the spoils shared.
Two red cards, Chris Powell sent to the stands, a two goal lead and in complete control before the game was stood on its head.

At the back, Simon Francis was recalled, his height being needed against a tall Rovers side. Scott Wagstaff's hamstring niggle allowed Dean Parrett to return and Kyle Reid replaced Therry Racon on the left. Up front, Nathan Eccleston replaced Wright-Phillips as Benson's partner.

Just seven minutes had gone when Eccleson's right-wing cross was met by Benson's diving header, to put the Addicks one up. Other than one or two dodgy goal-kicks from John Sullivan, the Addicks were scarcely bothered in the opening period.

The second half started in much the same vein and when Kyle Reid drove in from the left to unleash a thunderbolt from just outside the area, Charlton seemed on course for a comfortable win.

Nothing is ever that simple where Charlton are concerned of course. Six minutes after scoring, Reid was booked for a needless challenge on Byron Anthony. Three minutes later a clumsy tackle on James Tunnicliffe saw the defender stretchered off and Reid sent off. Worse was to follow. Just four minutes after Reid's dismissal, Jose Semedo joined him in the dressing room.

Booked early on for a foul on a foul on Gavin Williams, Semedo received a second yellow for a challenge on Stuart Campbell, leaving the Addick to play out more than half-an-hour with nine men.

Rovers seized their unexpected lifeline with glee and, understandably, the rest of the game was played almost exclusively in and around Charlton's penalty area.

After 67 minutes, Wayne Brown halved the arrears. Following a block by Fortune, the Pirates' substitute had time to pick his spot.

The leveller came five minutes from time in hugely controversial circumstances. Williams clearly controlled the ball with his upper arm before drilling home. Somehow the offence was missed by the officials and so vehement were Charlton's protests, that Powell was sent to the stands and Michael Stewart booked.

With six minutes of added time to negotiate, the Addicks still had plenty to do, but do it they did. Even after the final whistle the drama carried on. Substitute Frank Nouble became involved with some of the Rovers players and had to be shepherded away by his colleagues.

The game will long live in the memory of those fortunate enough to witness it and they will reflect that, on this occasion, Charlton were genuinely unlucky not to cling on to all three points.

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