Huddersfield Town 2 Charlton 1
10-man Charlton battled brilliantly and created plenty of chances in a hectic second half but lost 2-1 at in-form Huddersfield Town.
The scores were level at 1-1, following Matty Godden’s seventh goal of the season, when Greg Docherty was controversially dismissed in the 36th minute. The Addicks didn’t give up and their front-footed approach with one less player deserved a point.
After an opening 13 minutes which saw little goalmouth action, as both sides adjusted to the wet and windy conditions, the home side took the lead from a corner from their right. The in-swinging ball was headed home by Matty Pearson.
Five minutes later and an unmarked Pearson, attacking a free kick from the home side’s left wing, headed against the crossbar.
The Addicks equalised in the 33rd minute and it came from a corner that was well won by Karoy Anderson. Miles Leaburn picked up a loose ball at the back post and skillfully beat two defenders to get into the penalty box. His cutback cross was only half cleared and Rarmani Edmonds-Green got to the ball first ahead of Brodie Spencer who had no complaints when the penalty was given. Godden stepped up and sent keeper Jacob Chapman the wrong way with an excellently taken penalty.
The first-half drama wasn’t over with skipper Docherty dismissed for a foul on Nigel Longwijk. The home fans and players were quick to let referee Simon Mather know that they thought the foul was deserving of a sending off, and despite Docherty’s pleas the Addicks midfielder was shown red.
Down to 10 men the Addicks started the second half the better of the two teams and Godden’s snap snot from just outside the area went slightly wide of the post.
After the positive start to the half by Nathan Jones’ side, they went behind when the home side were able to make their extra man tell. Herbie Kane found David Kasumu on the edge of the area who struck powerfully into the bottom corner of the goal.
The Addicks were inches away from equalising when Thierry Small beat his man and crossed for Leaburn whose header went just wide of goal. Gassan Ahadme then headed just wide from a wonderful in-swinging Josh Edwards corner.
At the other end Ashley Maynard-Brewer did brilliantly to rush out quickly and deny Ben Wiles.
Despite some late Charlton pressure, the Addicks were unable to find their equaliser. Jones' side will aim to return to winning ways when they travel to Burton Albion on Tuesday.
Huddersfield Town: Chapman, Pearson (Helik 32), Wiles, Koroma (Marshall 64), Healey (Radulovic 45+3), Miller, Kane, Spencer (Turton 64), Kasumu, Longwijk, Lees (c)
Subs (not used): Maxwell, Hogg, Iorpenda
Goals: Pearson 13, Kasumu 63
Assists: Miller 13, Kane 63
Booked: Hellick 59 (foul on Leaburn), Kane 86 (foul on T.Campbell)
Charlton: Maynard-Brewer; Edmonds-Green (T.Campbell 66), A.Mitchell, Gillesphey; Small, Coventry, Anderson (Berry 80), Docherty (c), Edwards; Leaburn (Hylton 80), Godden (Ahamde 74)
Subs (not used): Reid, Laqeretabua, A.Campbell
Goal: Godden 32 (pen)
Assist: Edmonds-Green 32
Booked: Coventry 54 (foul on Miller), N.Jones 86 (dissent)
Sent-off: Docherty 36 (foul on Longwijk)
Referee: Simon Mather
Attendance: 18,550 (914 from Charlton)