Bristol Rovers 3 Charlton 2
Two late goals gave Bristol Rovers a scare as Charlton’s difficult run continued with a 3-2 loss at the Memorial Stadium.
Alex Mitchell and Matty Godden both netted in the final 11 minutes as the Addicks chased a dramatic comeback but were unable to find a crucial third goal.
It was a difficult first half for Nathan Jones' side who were given an early warning when James Wilson dragged wide from a second-minute corner.
In a half of few chances, the home team took the lead in the 30th minute through a wonderful left-footed strike from just outside the area by Scott Sinclair that gave Will Mannion no chance.
The Addicks showed some life with some pressure towards the end of the half, with Lloyd Jones coming closest two minutes before the break when he headed over from Karoy Anderson’s deep cross from the right.
Charlton started the second half brightly and Conor Coventry saw his fizzing 55th minute half volley saved expertly by Bristol Rovers’ keeper Josh Griffiths
Two minutes later though and Rovers doubled their lead with another goal from just outside the penalty area – this time it was Jamie Lindsay who found the top corner of the net.
With Chuks Aneke already on the pitch, Nathan Jones brought on Godden and Miles Leaburn, returning after an 11-month absence, as the Addicks looked to get back into the game.
Lloyd Jones was again in the action and saw his headed shot from a Josh Edwards-corner hit Sinclair on the line and bounce behind for a another corner.
Chasing a goal the Addicks left themselves open defensively and Wilson was able to take advantage, heading in at the back post from an Omochere flick.
Charlton pulled a goal back with 11 minutes remaining, Alex Mitchell heading in his first Charlton goal from one yard out from Godden’s header across goal.
In the third minute of stoppage time Godden then neatly finished Aneke's cross from the right, however with just minutes remaining the Addicks were unable to find an equaliser.
Nathan Jones’ side are next in action back at The Valley on Saturday against Birmingham City.
Bristol Rovers: Griffiths, Wilson, Mola, Sinclair (c) (Forde 78), Omochere (O’Donkor 78), Sotiriou (McCormick 72), Taylor, Conteh, Bilongo, Lindsay (Garrett 72), Hunt (Forbes 72)
Subs (not used): Thomas, Hutchinson
Goals: Sinclair 30, Lindsay 57, Wilson 67
Assists: Hunt 30, Omochere 57, 67
Booked: Conteh 11 (delaying a free-kick)
Charlton: Mannion; A.Mitchell, Jones (c), Gillesphey; Watson (Godden 61), Anderson, Coventry (Docherty 79), Berry (Leaburn 61), Edwards (Ramsay 79); Ahadme (Aneke 54), T.Campbell
Subs (not used): Maynard-Brewer, A.Campbell
Goals: A.Mitchell 79, Godden 90+4
Assists: Godden 79, Aneke 90+4
Booked: Coventry 31 (foul on Lindsay), Anderson 73 (foul on Bilongo)
Referee: David Rock
