Charlton 4 Ipswich Town 4
What a game! Buoyed by fantastic home support the Addicks twice fought back from two goals behind to draw 4-4 with title-challengers Ipswich Town at The Valley.
Despite a good opening half the Addicks found themselves two goals behind in the 52nd minute but after the sending-off of Ben Garner, who was not happy with the display of referee Josh Smith, Charlton fought back valiantly with goals from Jes Rak-Sakyi and Albie Morgan.
Two stoppage-time goals from Ipswich appeared to have won them the game but Terell Thomas, on his full league debut, and George Dobson netted to send the home fans crazy in an instant-classic.
With Ryan Inniss suspended, Thomas came in for his first league start and Steve Sessegnon also returned to the start lineup, with Mandela Egbo moving to right midfield in what looked like a 4-4-2.
Charlton nearly had the perfect start when Jayden Stockley intercepted a pass from goalkeeper Christian Walton in the first minute, the goalkeeper just recovered in time to keep out Stockley’s effort.
Unfortunately for the Addicks, Egbo was forced off with an early injury and Eoghan O’Connell was carried off just before the break with Garner having to make two first half-substitutions.
The injuries and a delay for a supporter blowing a whistle in the crowd slowed down Charlton’s momentum after some lovely passing football in the opening stages of the game.
It was in first-half stoppage time that Ipswich took the lead with George Edmundson benefitting from a smart block in the box to lose his marker and head home a dangerous corner.
The Tractor Boys doubled their lead shortly after half-time this time Tyreece John-Jules heading into the net after the visitors were awarded a free kick when George Dobson appeared to win the ball. Garner was not happy with the decision to give the free kick, book Dobson and then a missed offside decision in the resulting goal.
Garner was initially booked for dissent and then dismissed by referee Smith. An angry Garner, leaving the pitch, was cheered off by the home crowd and he responded with a passionate call for the Charlton faithful to continue their support for the team.
Shortly after the sending off Chuks Aneke and Corey Blackett-Taylor came on from the bench and made an immediate impact.
Aneke broke down the right beating numerous Ipswich defenders and crossed to the back post. Blackett-Taylor’s header was saved by Walton but into the path of Rak-Sakyi who made no mistake from close range.
Charlton levelled when Blackett-Taylor cut inside from the left and fired at goal. Walton was unable to handle his shot with Morgan on hand to poke home.
The Addicks chased victory but long-range strikes in stoppage time from Freddie Ladapo and Sam Morsy appeared to have sealed three points for the visitors.
This side never gives up though and a deep free kick found Blackett-Taylor who passed across goal for Thomas to score at the back post.
The improbable comeback was complete when Morgan found Dobson at the back post who headed past Walton to the delight of the home supporters in the ninth minute of stoppage time.
Charlton: Wollacott; Clare, O’Connell (Lavelle 43), Thomas, Sessegnon; Egbo (Morgan 14), Dobson, Fraser, Kirk (Blackett-Taylor 63); Stockley (c) (Aneke 62), Rak-Sakyi
Subs (not used): MacGillivray, McGrandles, Payne, Blackett-Taylor, Aneke
Goals: Rak-Sakyi 63, Morgan 77, Thomas 90+6, Dobson 90+9
Booked: O’Connell 17 (kicking the ball away), Dobson 50 (foul on Ball), Clare 51 (dissent), Garner 53 (dissent), Marshall 90+2 (dissent)
Sent-off: Garner 54 (second-bookable offence)
Ipswich Town: Walton, Davis, Edmundson, Morsy (c), Woolfenden, Burns (Keogh 90+2), Chaplin (Harness 71), Ball, John-Jules (Ladapo 71), Jackson (Edwards 71), Donacien
Subs (not used): Hladky, Vincent-Young, Humphreys
Goals: Edmundson 45+3, John-Jules 52, Ladapo 90+1, Morsy 90+4
Booked: Ball 12 (foul on Rak-Sakyi), John-Jules 45+3 (celebrations), Morsy 58 (foul on Rak-Sakyi), Walton 63 (timewasting), Burns 83 (foul on Sessegnon)
Referee: Josh Smith
Attendance: 16,625 (3,139 from Ipswich)