Charlton Athletic 4 Rochdale 0
Who would have thought it. We finish in 3rd place after improving our goal difference to better Portsmouth, who failed to beat Accrington Stanley whilst Sunderland lost at Southend meaning they drop to 5th.
Doncaster held onto 6th so we go there next Sunday with the 2nd leg at The Valley the following Friday.
Bowyer went with a strong team with Taylor, Bielik and Bauer returning. Albie Morgan was in the line up and Josh Parker started up front as Igor missed out to injury.
The Addicks sparkled early as they drove forward to get an early goal. Rochdale were struggling to keep up and in the 19th minute we took the lead. Joe Aribo began and ended the move when he curled into the corner after being set up by Parker.
We streamed forward looking for a second, and it came from a Rochdale player bundling into his own net with Purrington in close attendance. It was three before the half as the impressive Morgan played in Taylor with a delightful ball and Taylor delightfully finished.
Parker almost added another before half-time but the score-line had Addicks reaching out for the play-off permutation spreadsheets over their half time beverage.
Taylor was everywhere, and there were more chances created at the start of the 2nd half, but it was left to Krystian Bielik playing a one-two with Morgan, who finished well to claim the all important 4th goal that propelled us into 3rd place.
Hold tight everyone.
Addicks at The Valley: Doctor Kish;
Bow: “The results went our way, and it was a perfect performance. Obviously, a clean sheet and to score four goals.”
Elsewhere: Luton beat Oxford to claim the title whilst Barnsley lost at Bristol Rovers. Southend stay up after beating Sunderland. Portsmouth and Accrington drew, Peterborough beat Burton but to no avail as Doncaster beat Coventry 2-0 to stay in 6th. Wimbledon drew at Bradford to complete a remarkable survival battle. Plymouth beat Scunthorpe, but both teams went down along with Walsall, who couldn’t beat Shrewsbury.
Photo: @K_AndrewsPhotos
Chicago Addick 
As you know I am a big fan of Albie Morgan who once again showed his quality and outstanding potential . If Williams had been fit Albie probably would not have played. I know who I prefer. I thought Parker was poor so hope Vetokele is available for the playoffs .If not on current form I would move Aribo up front alongside Taylor and bring in Lapslie on the right side of the diamond.
Four goals scored, but it should have been much more…probably the best the team have played this season. At least we go into the play-offs in good form and in good spirits and the mood seems positive. Vetokele had a slight tightening of a hamstring but should be ok, Parker works hard and had an assist but I doubt we’ll see him again in a Charlton shirt other than that we have the strongest squad for some time and we’ve taken points off the other play-off contenders this season so we should not fear them. But from here we need to be ruthless and tap the spirit of ’98.
Hold tight indeed. What Bowyer has made here is quite remarkable. God i hope someone with some money was there on Saturday to see what they could have if they buy us.
On the Parker thing…obviously he’s not a particularly good player, but he tried so hard and i for one can forgive lack of talent if there’s plenty of effort. My son and i were willing him to score…and that tackle near the end, almost took his leg off! But even then he kept on going. Igor is fragile, so i reckon we probably will see Josh again and hope he bangs one in!