Charlton Brush Aside Struggling Bristol City

On a day of remembrance, it was another time to forget for Bristol City as they were defeated 2-0 by Charlton Athletic at Ashton Gate.

Former City striker Danny Haynes opened the scoring for the Addicks after Dale Stephens had hit both posts and Michael Morrison wrapped up the victory in the second half condemning the home side to their seventh straight defeat.

City boss Derek McInnes made five changes to the side that lost 2-0 at Birmingham in midweek.

James Wilson and Neil Kilkenny replaced injured duo Stephen McManus (knee ligaments) and Cole Skuse (fractured cheekbone) whilst Tom Heaton, Martyn Woolford and Ryan Taylor came in for Dean Gerken, Stephen Pearson and Jon Stead who all dropped to the bench.

Charlton manager Chris Powell made one alteration for the trip to BS3 off the back of an impressive 5-4 victory against high-flying Cardiff.

Daniel Seabourne traded places with Dorian Dervite after signing on loan from Southampton early in the week.

It was a slow start for both teams in a match McInnes described as a “six pointer” but the Robins were the first to have a clear cut chance.

Albert Adomah’s low cross into the box travelled a long way before finding Woolford at the back post but the former Scunthorpe man’s shot was well blocked by Charlton right back Chris Solly.

Charlton responded quickly and after Salim Kerkar forced Heaton into a smart save, the away side soon broke the deadlock.

Rob Hulse received the ball into feet and after his shot on the turn was cut out, Stephens struck sweetly from 20 yards only to hit both posts before Haynes tapped in from close range.

The visitors were in complete control and Haynes nearly added to his tally a minute later but could only find the outside of the post from Bradley Pritchard’s knock down.

Charlton goalkeeper Ben Hamer was finally called into action midway through the first half albeit from a weak Sam Baldock shot. The £1m striker gathered the ball from Woolford on the penalty spot but could only guide a scuffed effort into Hamer’s path.

Haynes continued to haunt his old club, squandering several chances before the interval and his liveliness carried on into the second half.

The striker beat the offside trap to latch onto Kerkar’s searching ball only to see his effort go high and wide into the Wedlock Stand.

The Addicks went on to seal their victory with help from a weary Bristol City defence. After Stephens’ speculative chip from 35yards was tipped over by Heaton, confusion in the City ranks saw Morrison strike for glory on his 150^th career league appearance.

The defender pounced after Taylor and Marvin Elliott both missed the chance to clear and coolly finished into the bottom corner.

Powell’s side took their foot of the gas for the remainder of the game but still had the better of the chances; the most noteworthy a free kick from skipper Johnnie Jackson that hit the stanchion behind the goal.

Bristol City never looked like causing a real threat but the Robins did savour one last chance at the death as Adomah’s cross caused a goal mouth scramble.

The Ghana international saw his cross parried by Hamer but neither substitute Steven Davies or Woolford could see the ball over the line as Charlton smuggled the ball to safety.

Charlton’s first back to back wins since 2007 saw City extend their run without a clean sheet to 17 games leaving the Robins rooted to the bottom of the Championship and in desperate need of a win.

Attendance: 13,009 (1,017 away fans)
Bristol City Man of the Match: Albert Adomah
Charlton Athletic Man of the Match: Bradley Pritchard

Bristol City Assistant Manager Tony Docherty:

“It’s a disappointing result. When we lost a goal we still had opportunities to get ourselves back in the game but to lose the second goal to a mistake was disappointing.

“We’ve been here before and it’s luck that changes it but we need to work hard to earn that luck. We’ll continue to work hard to turn this around.”

“I think the situation we’re in can affect the confidence of some players but there’s certainly still the hard work there we require from them.”

Bristol City Midfielder Martyn Woolford:

“It’s just going to be all down to hard work. I feel we’ve got the players and the ability in the squad.

“We’re lacking a bit of confidence at the minute and it’s going to be a matter of hard work that’s going to get us out of it.

“We’re on a bad run of form at the minute; I’m pretty sure we’ll turn it around.”

Charlton Athletic Manager Chris Powell:

“Obviously Tuesday night gave us a lot of belief and confidence going into today.

“I’ve got to say it was a complete performance from us today; my players were excellent. I’m really pleased with everything today; it was a really heartening performance.

“I felt we deserved to go in front and when the pressure was on we stood firm and came away with three points.”