Charlton Athletic 3 Bristol City 2

Who said Santa’s work was done? A much welcomed three points won at a crackling Valley with Macauley Bonne and Alfie Doughty leading the plaudits. We conceded two again, and defensively we still have many things to work on, but that fighting spirit was there in bundles to give us all a big Boxing Day grin.

The Addicks deservedly led at the break after Bonne chased and finished superbly a lovely pass from Morgan, just knocking it over the onrushing keeper and in.

It was all good at the half, but I had not even finished my cold turkey and Piccalilli sandwich when City were level less than a minute after the break.

We did then hit the bar, but soon enough we were behind and for the third consecutive game we had conceded two, as we now have in four of the last five at The Valley.

Yet, we kept going especially Bonne whose sheer determination gave him his second goal and brought us back to 2-2. The festive home crowd were now willing the Addicks on and more ceaseless determination, this time from Lockyer, won him a 50/50 in his own half. He steadied himself and then sent a lovely pass sent Bonne away down the right wing.

Bonne put in a teasing cross and there was Doughty getting in before two defenders to finish after his first effort was blocked. That was the gravy on the top for the 20-year old who again was outstanding.

We played the regular three minutes over the stated injury time but held on for our first win in 12. Oh Santa baby!

Addicks at a festive filled Valley: VOTV; Drinking During the Game; Doctor Kish;
Bow: “This is an important part of the season for me. There’s a lot of points to be won and this was the first game and we’re on the turn now.”
Elsewhere: Barnsley’s recent good run of results continued with a good draw at home to WBA, Luton and Fulham shared a six-goal cracker at Kenilworth Road and Stoke proved for the umpteenth time that anyone can beat anyone coming from 2-1 down to beat high-flying Wednesday 3-2. Middlesbrough’s home form is on point and they beat Huddersfield today 1-0. Reading beat QPR 1-0 in the late game.
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