Not a classic this afternoon but exactly what we needed. A comprehensive win and a decent performance. It took about twenty minutes for the first goal, which resulted from an own goal deflection from a free kick, won by Thierry Small splitting two defenders and being brought down some twenty yards out. The Addicks needed another to show for their dominance but it wouldn’t come in the first half.
It was on about sixty eight minutes that Tyreece Campbell cut in on his right foot and unleashed a low, curling effort that beat the Exeter keeper from eighteen yards. That second goal took any remaining pressure off and substitutions were made, with Berry and Godden coming off for Alex Gilbert and Miles Leaburn. The final goal came when Leaburn broke down the right and, in seeming slow motion, held off the defender, swept the ball from right to left, then back again, before nonchalantly brushing the ball into the back of the net to make it three to the good for the Addicks.
The Addicks may have scored more on another day, having a few clear cut opportunities and a penalty shout when looking for the second, but they never gave up on pushing for more and eventually the goals came. Mannion was largely quiet though he commanded his box well and came for crosses as necessary. A clean sheet and three more points set us on our way to regain one of the promotion spots.
Charlton 3 Exeter 0
Over to you.
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Comments
Thats a discredit to how we played though, as we never let them get a foothold on the match from the first minute - On to a big week with Leyton Orient next, just got to approach things game by game still, and hope that things work out in our favour come the end of the season.
Cant see anyone running away from us in the Play-Offs now, nor can I see doing similar, think apart from Birmingham and probably Wycombe, it'll be something that'll be decided down to the last game of the season.
But I thought Karoy did very well filling in for Docherty. He was all over breaking up play, keeping things moving in the right direction, and then even popping up in the box on more than one occasion. I thought his header was well saved. He put it down and back from where the keeper came, just a shame the keeper was able to get to it. It was a very good save.
Thats right Exeter... YOU'VE BEEN SUNK!!
Now we have that total after 32 games.
Yet another clean sheet win at home.
1 vote: Tyreece Campbell - excellent down the left wing, great finish for his goal
2 votes: Kayne "Thou Shalt Not Pass" Ramsay
3 votes: Karoy Anderson - that's your benchmark son, brilliant effort today ... now go and do it again next week.
Really happy for TC. It wasn't his best performance (though he did use his strength well) however his choice and execution of finish was perfect. Felt a bit sorry for Godden as he didn't get any chances but he worked his nuts off.
I was just thinking how well Anderson was playing and then he missed that sitter! He was excellent apart from that though. I hope those that "don't see what he does" could see it today.
Jones, Gillesphey and especially Ramsay were rock solid at the back. Mannion commanding. Edwards good defensively and got forward well at times. Small was typical Small, going from the sublime to the ridiculous but he has to play because his unpredictability worries the opposition to the extent they often double-up on him.
Another quietly effective performance from Coventry who I don't think put a foot wrong. I thought Berry put in a good shift as well.
Last but not least - Leeeeeaburn! What a goal! Absolutely brilliant.
On the train home with a smile on my face. Up the addicks!
Being able to rest players and protect Coventry was a bonus too.
1) That was one of the most one sided games I have ever seen. The Exeter manager must be on borrowed time based on that display.
2) Our pressing, tackling, chasing back was unbelievable today. Exeter just couldn't deal with it.
3) And Karoy Anderson played a major part in that. That was his best game for a very long time.
4) Kayne Ramsay just oozes class. He glides past people as if they are not there. And fair play to Jones for playing him in the back 3 as he just looks so comfortable there.
5) And finally, young Leaburn doesn't look happy to me. He's scored an absolute dream goal and didn't crack his face and whereas everyone else looked delighted at the final whistle, Leaburn just looked miserable. I hope I'm wrong but I wonder if he is fed up because he never got a move last month or because he's not starting.
Particular credit to Anderson if only because he has not actually been featuring much in our run of form.... but you'd never guess that from today. He keeps that up and the position is his to lose.
Was starting to think it had smash and grab 1-1 written all over it, so a relief to get the second goal.
Been very critical of Anderson in the past, but he was excellent today. Only criticism is that he missed an absolute sitter when he headed straight at the keeper.
Ramsey is becoming an absolute Rolls Royce of a player. He is going up either with or without us. Suspect there will be serious interest in the summer.
Results went out way and let's hope this is the start of another run for ourselves and wobbles for Stockport and Orient.
Massive game next weekend.