Bristol City 0 Charlton 2 (Haynes 20, Morrison 57).
Kevin Nolan reports from Ashton Gate.
Managing two successive wins for the first time this season, Charlton began the process of placing clear water between themselves and the relegation maelstrom below them with this coldly efficient win in the West Country. No doubt to manager Chris Powell’s profound relief, Bristol City were put in their place at the bottom of the division with a minimum of fuss.
Following Tuesday evening’s chaotic victory over league leaders Cardiff City, Powell had made his rubber-legged way along the touchline like one of those Specsavers pensioners who settle down for a quiet cheese sandwich but find themselves whisked aloft on a death-defying, face-contorting fairground ride. What kind of game was that, he was entitled to enquire. It was certainly not conducive to his mental well-being and robbed him of the energy for his usual fist-pumping eruptions from the dug-out.
This important win made no such demands on his emotions. A steady tape-to-tape performance, featuring a well-timed goal early in each half, provided evidence that the Addicks are finding their feet at this higher level, as well as further proof that Powell’s handling of his ongoing injury crisis has been masterly. For this game, Danny Seaborne had been loaned from Southampton to cover the problem spot at left back, fitted in seamlessly and did everything his new boss asked of him. Elsewhere, Rob Hulse and Danny Haynes have manfully picked up the scoring slack with two goals apiece so far while the return to form of Dale Stephens has galvanised midfield. Those furrows on the boss’s brow are softening visibly. Sack Chris Powell! You surely jest!
Down at drafty Ashton Gate, a 2nd minute incident demonstrated Charlton’s resolve. Closing in on Albert Adomah’s clever pullback from the right byline, Martyn Woolford drew a bead on goal and made meaty contact on a 10-yard shot. Before the ball had travelled a few feet, a flying block by Chris Solly sent it caroming back into the midfielder’s body. The battlelines had been clearly drawn.
At the other end, Haynes embarked on a sinuous solo run, which set up skilful left midfielder Salim Kerkar for a crisp daisycutter, which Tom Heaton nimbly turned round his left post. Kerkar’s deceptive cross then drifted narrowly over the bar but the Addicks were not kept waiting long for their opening goal.
Slick passing between Seaborne and Kerkar was carried on by Hulse, who shovelled a pass back to the supporting Stephens. A raking, low drive beat Heaton, hitting both posts before Haynes calmly converted the rebound at close range. Taking the lead was a novel experience for the visitors but, even at this early stage, they suggested they were capable of building on their advantage.
Haynes did his best to double his tally but scuffed awkwardly wide after Bradley Pritchard headed Kerkar’s accurate cross down to him. City, meanwhile, had their moments with Ben Hamer required to save bravely at Adomah’s feet and Sam Baldock making a tame mess of topping Ryan Taylor’s centre into Hamer’s waiting hands. Further chances eluded Haynes and Hulse before the interval rescued the Robins.
Haynes’ pace continued to trouble the West Countrymen but his finishing failed to match his enthusiasm as he chased down Kerkar’s lofted delivery but shot wildly off target shortly after resumption.
Another typical block by Solly frustrated Neil Kilkenny before a moment of inspiration from Stephens, who took over from Pritchard to shoot first-time from 30 yards, was foiled by Heaton’s athletic tip-over the bar. From Johnnie Jackson’s resultant corner, the visitors put the issue beyond reasonable doubt with a second goal from an unexpected source. Turning sharply in the penalty area as Jackson’s inswinging delivery caused confusion, centre back Michael Morrison was given clear sight of goal by Marvin Elliott’s error and made the most of it by applying a striker’s finish into the bottom left corner.
With over a half hour remaining, there were, needless to say, motions to be gone through but this important result was already secured. The closing stages brought further good news for Powell with the welcome return from injury of experienced old sweat Ricardo Fuller. And this time, the travelling fans were saluted with his customary gusto. Then, who knows, maybe he was off for a cheese sandwich.
Kevin Nolan’s Match Report is brought to you in association with , 294 Burnt Ash Hill, London, SE12 0QD.
Bristol City: Heaton, Foster, Fontaine, Wilson, Briggs, Adomah, Elliott, Kilkenny (Pearson 70), Woolford, Baldock (Davies 57), Taylor (Stead 57). Not used: Gerken, Carey, Anderson, Bryan.
Charlton: Hamer, Solly, Cort, Morrison, Seaborne, Stephens, Pritchard, Kerkar (Taylor 90), Jackson, Haynes (Dervite 78), Hulse (Fuller 86). Not used: Button, Green, Wright-Phillips, Hollands.
Referee: Philip Gibbs. Att: 13,009.