Month by month review of 2018/19 | December

Today we look back at how Charlton fared in the festive period and as 2019 approached...

The success of November was followed by a frustrating December, plagued by inconsistency and fixture congestion. The month began with two defeats, a 2-0 loss to Doncaster bringing The Addicks' FA Cup run to an end before an 87th-minute Blackpool winner curtailed the four-match League One winning streak in a 2-1 defeat.

However, once again displaying their mental toughness, the squad recovered from the successive defeats to win three matches in a row.

Karlan Grant and Nicky Ajose struck first-half goals in a superb 2-1 victory against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

That win was followed by a 2-0 triumph against AFC Wimbledon, Lyle Taylor and Mark Marshall getting the goals in a strange match that saw both sides reduced to 10 men, with Naby Sarr seeing red in the first minute for a mistimed sliding challenge. The third win in a row was secured with another 2-0 victory, Ben Reeves and Tariqe Fosu the goalscorers in an assured performance against Gillingham in SE7.

Charlton’s phenomenal run of form was quelled with a pair of disappointing 2-1 defeats to bring 2018 to a close. Late drama again proved decisive in defeat to Coventry City as Tom Bayliss won all three points for the Sky Blues in the 89th minute. A damaging opening against promotion rivals Barnsley saw us concede twice in the opening quarter of an hour before Ben Reeves reduced the deficit in the second half in a game which Lee Bowyer's men were denied the point their recovery deserved.

A 2018 that offered clear signs of progression ended with the Addicks in sixth place, firmly in the play-off hunt.

For our review of November, click here...

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