Charlton 2 Lincoln City 1
Charlton made it back-to-back wins with a 2-1 victory at home to Lincoln City.
The Addicks impressed dominating possession and chances and deservedly led 2-0 at the break with goals from the in-form Scott Fraser and Corey Blackett-Taylor.
Danny Mandroiu pulled one back for the Imps to give Charlton a scare but the home side held on to move into 12th ahead of the team’s trip to Old Trafford on Tuesday against Manchester United in the quarter-final of the Carabao Cup.
Dean Holden made just one change from the side that beat Portsmouth on New Year’s Day as Craig MacGillivray replaced Ashley Maynard-Brewer in goal, with the latter following concussion protocol after taking a ball in the face during the week.
The Addicks defence had to stand strong in the opening minutes but a couple of big blocks meant Lincoln failed to record a shot on target in the first half.
Charlton settled into the game though and began to take control as the first half went on. It was around the half hour mark when the Addicks really started purring. Miles Leaburn headed Fraser’s free kick just wide and then Fraser’s drilled cross just needed a Charlton player to touch in at the back post.
Leaburn’s lovely flick found its way to Jes Rak-Sakyi who cut inside onto his preferred left foot. Fraser got a head on Rak-Sakyi’s powerful cross/shot but couldn’t quite direct it goalwards. The midfielder then curled a shot just wide but a goal was coming.
Charlton got the goal they deserved in the 35th minute. Fraser did brilliantly to win a second ball and found Leaburn on the right wing. The striker’s deep cross to the back post was perfect for Fraser, running onto the ball, to power a header into the goal for his second in as many games.
Seven minutes later the Addicks doubled their lead with a nice passing move from defence. Dobson found Fraser who released Blackett-Taylor with a lovely through ball. The winger’s first touch set himself up nicely, he advanced on goal and leathered the ball into the roof of Lincoln’s net.
The dominant first-half performance forced Lincoln into a half-time substitution but it didn’t change the flow of the game as Charlton stayed on top. Leaburn had a chance to make it 3-0 shortly after the break but he hit wide when Lincoln goalkeeper palmed into his path from Rak-Sakyi’s shot.
Blackett-Taylor and Albie Morgan both shot wide as Charlton’s pressure continued and Rak-Sakyi forced another save from Rushworth.
Lincoln pulled a goal back with 14 minutes remaining when Danny Mandroiu smashed home after his first shot
Leaburn headed at Rushworth as the Addicks tried to restore their two goal lead and the Imps came close but Holden’s side held on for three points.
Charlton: MacGillivray; Clare, Inniss, Ness, Sessegnon; Dobson (c), Morgan (Payne 70), Fraser; Rak-Sakyi (Kirk 85), Leaburn (Leaburn 90+1), Blackett-Taylor (O’Connell 90+1)
Subs (not used): Harness, O’Connell, Chin, Henry
Goals: Fraser 35, Blackett-Taylor 42
Assists: Leaburn 35, Fraser 42
Booked: Payne 87 (foul on Bishop), Sessegnon 87 (timewasting), Dobson 90+8 (foul on Mandriou)
Lincoln City: Rushworth, Poole, Boyes, Sanders (Vernam 61), Hopper (c), O’Connor, Walsh (Makama 89), Mandroiu, Soresen, Eyoma, Diamond (Bishop 46)
Subs (not used): Wright, Oakley-Boothe, Benn, Kendall
Goal: Mandriou 76
Booked: Walsh 25 (foul on Leaburn)
Referee: J Oldham
Attendance: 12,165 (634 from Lincoln)