Charlton 2 Sheffield United 1
Matty Godden came off the bench to bag the winner as the Addicks claimed all three points with a 2-1 victory over Sheffield United at The Valley on Saturday afternoon.
Millenic Alli's first-half strike set Charlton on their way, before they were pegged back by Jordan Ayew's leveller ahead of half-time.
But Alli turned provider with 11 minutes left on the clock to tee up Godden, who hooked home what has been a long-awaited winner, ending a run of 11 games without tasting victory.
Nathan Jones made four changes to the side that started against Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday evening, with Lloyd Jones, Nathaniel Chalobah, Miles Leaburn and Karlan Grant all missing through injury. Tyler Bindon, Alan Mwamba, Joe Rankin-Costello and Alli came into the starting line-up
The visitors got proceedings underway in SE7, but it was the Addicks who started brightly, showing plenty of attacking intent in the opening stages.
Charlton’s positive start was rewarded on 12 minutes when Alli opened the scoring. Finding himself in space on the edge of the area, he let fly from distance, with his effort sneaking in at the near post beyond Michael Cooper to give the hosts a deserved lead.
The Addicks continued to press, with Tyreece Campbell’s cross finding Mwamba on the goal line four minutes later. However, the midfielder was unable to make contact as the ball bounced away from him.
Despite Charlton’s promising start, Sheffield United drew level in the 24th minute. Kalvin Phillips’ free kick caused problems for Will Mannion, whose attempted punch ricocheted back into the danger area. Jordan Ayew reacted quickest to head home and bring the visitors back into the contest.
Nathan Jones’ men responded with a spirited showing for the remainder of the first half, but both sides headed into the break level.
The Addicks boss made a double substitution shortly after the hour mark, with Rankin-Costello and Mwamba making way for Sonny Carey and Harvey Knibbs as Charlton looked to regain the advantage.
Alli continued to pose a threat and tested Cooper from range in the 65th minute, although his effort lacked the power to trouble the Sheffield United goalkeeper.
The visitors threatened themselves four minutes later, with Harrison Burrows trying connect with Ayew’s cross on the volley. Mannion was equal to the effort, gathering comfortably.
Charlton made their third change in the 75th minute, with Matty Godden replacing Charlie Kelman as the Addicks searched for the winning goal.
Four minutes after Godden’s introduction, he had an impact. Alli drove towards goal before clipping a ball into the area, where Godden was perfectly placed to convert first time in front of the Covered End. The Valley erupted as Charlton regained their well-deserved lead.
The Blades pushed forward in the closing stages in search of an equaliser and nearly found it but for an outstanding Mannion save - the keeper got down to his left to keep out Peck's goalbound effort.
Charlton stood firm and saw out the remainder of the game to secure a valuable and deserved three points in SE7 going into the international break.
Charlton: Mannion; McNamara, Bindon, Koumetio, Bell; Coventry (c), Mwamba (Knibbs 63), Rankin-Costello (Carey 63); Alli, Kelman (Godden 75), Campbell (Skipp 87)
Subs: Okonkwo, Edwards, Mesík, Skipp, Nkeng, Hebert,
Goals: Alli 12, Godden 79
Assists: McNamara 12, Alli 79
Booked: McNamara 32 (foul on Donovan) Bindon 36 (foul on Brereton Diaz) Mwamba 38 (foul on Kitching) Rankin-Costello 60 (foul on Chong)
Sheffield United: Cooper; Choudhury (Seriki 46 (McGuiness 50)), Tanganga (c), Kitching, Burrows; Chong, Peck, Phillips (Campbell 87), Donovan; Ayew (Cannon 70), Brereton Diaz (Arblaster 87)
Subs: Davies, McCallum, McGuinness, Baptiste, Riedewald
Goals: Ayew 24
Booked: Choudhury (foul on Campbell 35) Peck 60 (dissent)
Referee: Matt Corlett
Attendance: 18,474 (2,705 from Sheffield United)
