I just finished match report number 2 (the first one being for the Bury game), if anybody wants to read it:
Charlton Athletic 2 - 1 MK Dons (14/02/12 - Match Report)
A Johnnie Jackson double helped Charlton past MK Dons in a tight match not short in controversy.
The Addicks’ skipper fired home from the penalty spot twice in quick succession shortly before the break, prior to a late Dean Bowditch consolation for the visitors, who had been hampered by a first-half red card..
The Valley encounter was one of three potentially season defining games in the chase for Championship status. All members of League One’s top six faced fellow promotion rivals in an intriguing Valentine’s Day fixture list, as Stevenage travelled to Sheffield Wednesday, whilst Huddersfield hosted Sheffield’s other half. If results went their way, Chris Powell’s men could see their lead at the top stretch to an impressive 10 points, but wins for United, Wednesday and the Dons would open up a furious battle for the top two slots.
Love was certainly not in the air for the players, despite the romantic date and a marriage proposal at half-time over the intercom. The highlights of a scrappy first half largely focused around numerous fouls, and the decisive opening goal arose after the tireless Yann Kermorgant was fouled by Dons’ defender Gary MacKenzie in an off-the-ball incident. The tireless Frenchman had penalty claims twice previously denied by the officials, but MacKenzie’s head butt earned himself a red card, a four match ban and a first-half spot-kick for Charlton. He later apologised “to my team-mates and my manager and the fans” for what turned out to be the game-changing incident. Charlton’s captain and designated penalty-taker Johnnie Jackson stepped up to rifle the ball past opposition ‘Keeper David Martin into the bottom left-hand corner . Martin got a hand to the ball, but it was not enough to deny Jackson his eleventh goal of the season.
Just minutes later, and deep into first-half injury time, Karl Robinson’s side conceded another penalty. Danny Green picked the ball up from the half-way line, before surging forward and unleashing a powerful drive from 30 yards that crashed back off the face of the crossbar. The ball eventually came to Jackson, who was then fouled inside the box by Newcastle loanee Alan Smith. He stepped up and again placed the ball past Martin, this time into the opposite corner, before celebrating an impressive twelfth goal this season from midfield. Since arriving from Notts County in 2010, Jackson has scored every league penalty he has taken, including 5 this season.
The two penalties were by no means the only chances of the first half. Bradley Wright-Phillips, who hasn’t scored since grabbing the winner against Brentford on the 19th of November, nearly ended his goal-drought with a spectacular ricochet from outside the area. MacKenzie’s clearance was charged down by the Addicks’ striker, and the resulting rebound flew towards the goal. The ‘Keeper managed to scramble back and keep the ball out, but the uncomfortably close distance prompted calls from the Charlton faithful that it had crossed the line. Nothing was given, but it would have been a stunning way for Wright-Phillips to end his 3 month barren spell.
This drought is nothing compared to that of opposition attacker Alan Smith, however. The former-Manchester United man hasn’t scored in nearly five years, and he came close to ending that spell after the half-hour mark. After good work on the right by fellow Newcastle loanee James Tavernier, Smith stooped to head in what looked like a certain opening goal. A fantastic reaction save from Charlton stopper Ben Hamer kept him at bay, and Chris Powell’s number 1 went on to complete a solid display. The gaffer hailed that save as “a moment of brilliance”, and praised his solid all-round performance.
In the second half, it was MK Dons who dominated, despite their numerical disadvantage and two goal deficit. Clear cut chances were few and far between, as Charlton seemed content to play the ball at the back. For periods, Hamer saw the ball much more than any opposition player, but with the ball in their possession the visitors looked the most threatening side. Their little triangles of passed were pleasing on the eye, but for all the build-up play, their attack lacked bite. As a result, Robinson may have regretted his half-time decision to swap striker Charlie MacDonald for defender Mathias Kouo-Doume.
Jackson made way for Haynes shortly after the hour mark, with Green switching to the left and the substitute coming in on the right. Vice-captain Taylor took over the armband, and his calming presence was crucial in helping the Addicks see out the win. Haynes’ pace threatened the Dons’ defence, but the main chances for the hosts fell to Wright-Phillips. The out-of-form striker pulled several shots wide, with the home crowd chanting his name in a bid to raise his performance. He hassled the opposition defence valiantly, but came up short in front of goal.
With just three minutes of normal time remaining, Dean Bowditch grabbed a deserved goal back for MK Dons. Substitute Jay O’Shea slipped in the number 9, who finished with aplomb across Hamer. In the final stages, Robinson’s troops rallied, with the goalkeeper going up for set pieces. However, it was Charlton who had the best chance in the dying stages. Green drove forward on the left, before playing in Wiggins, whose fierce drive was beaten away. The Addicks held on for the win, with another typically sound defensive display. These heroic performances from Powell’s back line have been crucial to his side’s league success this year.
WG.
