Charlton Athletic 3 Luton Town 1
Lovely. A vitally important 3 points today.
After an even first half we produced a dominant second led by captain for the day and all-round paladin Lyle Taylor who gave everything and scored twice.
One of those goals was perfection, even down to the boos from the away fans just as he hit sumptuous half volley into the far corner of the net. This after controlling a difficult ball from behind him before teeing it up to fire us into the lead.
Unfortunately that lead lasted just two minutes as Cornick slotted home in the box after Davis gave him the ball.
Naby Sarr also hit the bar when it was goalless, but it was evenly balanced at the break.
Early in the 2nd half Green should have scored after a peach of a cross from Taylor. That may have been crucial, especially if the next big incident went against us. Fortunately it did not.
Luton had a goal disallowed for offside. No VAR no cigar. Although there was a flare.
Just after, Oshilaja made way for the returning George Lapslie, and this turned out to be a pivotal moment in the game. Five minutes later a corner is worked to Lapslie on the edge of the box, whose shot hits a Hatters’ arm. Penalty.
Half hour later Taylor had strolled into the box and sent the ‘keeper the wrong way to put us ahead in front of a rabid, but relieved Covered End.
After, we continued to control proceedings with Lapslie dominant in the middle, allowing Davis to drop to defensive lynchpin giving Cullen more freedom to roam and dictate.
Bonne then joined the field and made an instant impact. In a tight space Lapslie found Bonne, who twisted and turned and returned to ball to George to score a huge 3rd. What a fantastic afternoon for Lapslie.
Great win, huge three points. Come on!
Addicks at The Valley:
Bow: “George brings you energy and willingness and fight and he’s improving in possession as well. I brought him on to go and do exactly what he did; to win the ball back and get in the box.”
Elsewhere: Barnsley won again, at home to Middlesbrough. An own goal gave Wigan the 3 points over Millwall and Stoke beat Cardiff 2-0. Huddersfield were beaten at Swansea 3-1 and Hull lost at Preston 2-1.
Photo: @K_AndrewsPhotos
Chicago Addick 
Great performance particularly in the second half although Luton were unlucky to have a goal ruled out for off-side, TV replays indicated it should have stood. Very pleased for Lapslie who made a difference when he came on, winning the penalty and scoring the third goal after good inter play with Taylor and Bonne. Bonne looked sharp when he came on and the move to put him upfront and drop Taylor behind him to find more space worked well. The only blot on Taylor’s game was picking up another unnecessary booking, he must now be close to another suspension. Oztumer had his best game for Charlton providing four vital passes two of which led to goals the others led to Sarr hitting the bar and putting Taylor away down the left to make the cross and chance for Green to score,which he fluffed.
Pleased that we are starting to see the best of Oztumer. He’s had a stuttering start and I was hoping that he could make a difference. As long as his fitness is 100% he needs to stay in the team for Tuesday.