Four takeaways from Charlton’s 2-1 loss at Oxford United – as 10-game unbeaten away run is ended
Charlton suffered their first defeat of the League One season as they went down to a deserved 2-1 reverse at Oxford United.
Ryan Williams put the home side ahead on 23 minutes with the impressive Cameron Brannagan doubling their advantage shortly after the half-hour mark.
Conor Washington cut the deficit on 36 minutes, converting from the penalty spot after referee Thomas Bramall ruled that Jayden Stockley’s shot had been handballed.
AWAY RUN IS OVER
Charlton came into today’s match on the back of a 10-game unbeaten away run stretching back to January 26 – winning six of those. But they really couldn’t have any complaints at the outcome in Oxfordshire with the home side full value for their victory – and it could have been a heavier loss. Sam Winnall missed from a couple of yards out and there were other fraught moments for the visitors.
ADDICKS GET THEIR FIRST GOAL OF THE CAMPAIGN
But they still haven’t got one from open play yet. Washington was denied early on as he latched on to a Stockley flick before the Northern Ireland international did beat Jack Stevens from the spot. Charlton struggled to create chances in the second period as they chased the game – Ryan Inniss headed comfortably over at the back post from a Morgan corner. Diallang Jaiyesimi touched the ball just eight times before he was replaced by Josh Davison, who had nine in his 33 minutes of action.
CLARE CAN’T MAKE AN IMPACT ON HIS OXFORD RETURN
The midfielder was back at his former club for the first time since his recent switch to SE7 but a fluid and slick Oxford side – with Brannagan and James Henry impressing – made it a tough afternoon. Did produce one deft touch to set Washington up for a shot that was charged down.
KIRK’S DEBUT HAS TO WAIT
There is plenty of excitement after Charlie Kirk’s arrival from Crewe earlier this week, but the winger did not even travel with Adkins’ squad – instead doing a session at the club’s Sparrows Lane training ground. Adkins confirmed after the match that Kirk will be in his squad for Tuesday’s trip to Milton Keynes. Adds more competition and pressure for the likes of Washington, arguably Charlton’s best attacker this afternoon, and Jaiyesimi.
PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS
