Charlton Athletic snapped a six-game winless streak on Saturday, taking down Oxford United 1-0 at The Valley. Charlie Kelman, back from injury, scored the only goal of the match shortly after coming on as a sub. Charlton rejoices over their first win since 4th November! This win improves their goal difference considerably, taking them from 19th and securing their position as a solid mid-table Championship side.
The victory represented the beginning of a recovery for Charlton that had been in dire form in the leadup to this match. With the move, the team had dropped from fifth to 19th. They did so with a new found ferocity as they took to the stage in their home town.
A Classy Return for Kelman
Charlie Kelman was an immediate wonder upon his return to the fold. After coming on to replace Isaac Olaofe just after the hour mark, he opened his account with a lovely cushioned volley. This goal ultimately clinched the points for Charlton. He sought to accomplish far more than personal advancement. This was the worst possible outcome for a team starving for a response.
Charlton’s manager Nathan Jones, captured what an achievement this result represents perfectly when he said –
“It’s a massive result and it was deserved. We should have been ahead earlier. We didn’t demonstrate the clinical killer instinct in the first half.” – Nathan Jones
It would be hard to oversell the boost that Kelman’s return provided the team. His goal gave them the jolt they sorely needed after having trouble putting their rhythm together. This team’s performance in this game was certainly a move toward getting their confidence and momentum back.
Defensive Challenges for Oxford
Although Oxford come away with the loss, they had a strong overall showing through the match. The visitors had begun with some pressure of their own, with James Bree forcing keeper Jamie Cumming into action after just 29 minutes. Bree’s right-footed strike was saved, showcasing Cumming’s agility as he fisted the ball out for a corner.
Cumming was forced into action as the No.1, showcasing great reflexes to deny Rob Apter and Sonny Carey with great saves. Each player pressed intensely, desperate to change the scoreline in favor of Charlton. Carey’s aggressive run towards goal and into the penalty area forced a high shot that went just wide of the far post on the ground with her left foot.
Oxford found it difficult to break down a well-organised Charlton defence while only carving out one big chance themselves. Mark Harris’s first-time attempt from Michal Helik’s lay-off went well over the crossbar.
Gary Rowett, Oxford’s manager, expressed disappointment after the match, acknowledging the competitive nature of the game:
“It is a difficult defeat to take. I felt like a pretty even game. I didn’t think Charlton were better than us but I also don’t think we were better than them.” – Gary Rowett
Missed Opportunities and Tactical Adjustments
Once the game was underway, both sides had opportunities to change the course of the match. Charlton’s Olaofe missed a great chance just before Kelman’s big moment. After receiving a pass from Sonny Carey, Olaofe’s touch let him down and Cumming was able to save his effort on goal. Carey’s follow-up attempt sailed high over the crossbar.
The introduction of Tyreece Campbell gave Charlton’s attack a layer of urgency that had previously been lacking. Less than a minute after entering, Campbell laced a curling right-footed effort that narrowly missed the near post.
Ciaron Brown almost equalized for Oxford in the second half but missed from close range, with Bree’s presence seemingly affecting his composure.
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