Ipswich Town 0 Charlton Athletic 2

Way to bounce back Charlton.

A great result and a great performance. A return to the steeliness desire pre-Gillingham for Bowyer’s boys, and a fine midfield performance with Morgan and Watson outstanding, the latter having his best game for us. Williams was good too.

The back five, unchanged and unflustered. I thought Adam Matthews also had his best game since returning.

Ipswich started brighter but for a few minutes before we took the lead we had a really good spell, and although Morgan got lucky with the pass to him, the build up was nice, and when we gave the ball away, Aneke put in a great tackle to win it back. Shinnie picked the ball up, darted forward and his pass made it’s way to Morgan who finished masterfully.

Ipswich came back strongly but we stood firm, with Amos tipping their best chance, a header, around a post.

The 2nd half we were the better team, by a stretch. Aneke was a real handful and Smyth was finding space among tiring Tractor Boys’ legs. Unfortunately for Smyth he had to be carted off after getting injured attempting a foul of all things. Fortunately, well I say fortunately, it sounded more of a nasty gash than a muscle or ligament injury.

Smyth’s replacement made an immediate impact. We were too strong at a Matthews long throw into the box and when the ball fell for Pratley he lashed it low and hard across goal where Bogle shot in for his first Addicks’ goal.

Chuks took his well-earned rest and after we were mostly untroubled with the midfield peerless and Purrington a real stand out in those last 20-plus injury time minutes. He will get another chnace Wednesday as Maatsen is suspended.

It was a great comeback after the disappointment of Tuesday. Our play was far less obvious, with a good mix of long and short passing. Our midfield was uncomplicated, interchangeable and mobile. All this together with the return of the unyielding battling spirit.

Bowyer’s thoughts“We’re moving in the right direction. There is a long way to go. I am looking forward to Wednesday, to getting back home, it feels like we’ve been on the road for a long time.”
Photo credit: K_AndrewsPhotos