Charlton 1 Coventry City 1
Charlton secured a well-earned point at The Valley on Thursday afternoon, sharing the spoils in a 1-1 draw with league leaders Coventry City.
The visitors took an early lead inside three minutes when Ellis Simms’ strike beat Thomas Kaminski and found the bottom corner.
Charlton almost responded immediately, but Carl Rushworth produced an excellent save to deny Miles Leaburn. Referee Josh Smith then waved away penalty appeals after Charlie Kelman’s effort struck the arm of Joel Latibeaudiere. Nathan Jones’ side continued to apply pressure but were unable to turn possession into a clear-cut chance.
A glorious opportunity fell to Luke Berry on the stroke of half-time, only for Latibeaudiere to make a vital toe-poke intervention to deny him a shot at goal.
Kaminski made a smart double save early in the second half to prevent Coventry extending their lead, before Jamie Allen fired narrowly into the side netting. At the other end, Tyreece Campbell delivered a searching cross into the penalty area that just evaded Kelman.
Charlton’s pressure eventually told in the 69th minute, and the equaliser was no more than they deserved. Kelman showed great determination to win the ball and drive into the area from midfield, but his effort was parried by Rushworth. Joe Rankin-Costello reacted quickest at the back post to tap home the rebound, netting his first goal for the Addicks in front of the Covered End.
Jones introduced late attacking changes in search of a winner, but Charlton ultimately had to settle for a share of the points.
Charlton return to action on Sunday as they take on Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park in the Sky Bet Championship (KO 3pm GMT).
The Addicks next Sky Bet Championship game at The Valley is when Sheffield United visit on Saturday, January 17th. Click here to get your tickets now.
Charlton: Kaminski; Burke, Jones (c), Bell, Bree; Coventry, Rankin-Costello (Carey 84), Berry (Knibbs 61); Campbell (Olaofe 88), Leaburn, Kelman (Gillesphey 88)
Subs (not used): Mannion, Docherty, Apter, Gough, Fullah
Goal: Rankin-Costello 69
Booked: Burke 27, Knibbs 74 Bree 90+5
Coventry: Rushworth; Van Ewijk, Latibeaudiere, Thomas, Kitching; Kesler-Hayden (Brau 61), Grimes (c), Allen; Eccles (Rudoni 61), Wright (Mason-Clark 86), Simms
Subs (not used): Wilson, Sakamoto, Bidwell, Woolfenden, Andrews
Goal: Simms 3
Assist: Van Ewijk 3
Booked: Kitching 15, Van Ewijk 42
Referee: Josh Smith
Attendance: 20,789
