100 (AND A BIT) YEARS OF PRIDE & PASSION

After a difficult week Charlton returned to winning ways in spectacular fashion at a wet and very windy Valley. Phil Parkinson predicted an open game and his words proved to be prophetic.



The much needed physical presence up-front was unvieled ahead of kick-off. Akpo Sodje, signed on Saturday morning, arrived on a 28 day loan with a view to a permanent deal.



Parkinson reverted to a 4-4-2 formation with David Mooney getting his first League start alongside Burton. Frazer Richardson took his place for the first time since the draw at Gillingham. The most significant move however, saw Bailey move inside with Racon playing wide left.



Bailey scored, had a hand two of the other goals, hit a post and had another effort tipped over.



Despite the 5-1 scoreline, things could have been different. Skipper Aaron Wilbraham fired the visitors in front after ten minutes with a crisp, dipping shot from outside the area. Just two minutes later he should have scored again. Wilbraham was six yards out and seemed certain to convert a ball from the left but somehow Youga cleared off the line.



Charlton immediately countered down their left and won a free-kick some 30 yards out. Bailey's kick was flicked on by Burton to the unmarked Mooney. The Irishman's composed finish beat the keeper's right-hand.



The Addicks took the lead after 21 minutes when a sweeping move down the right between Richardson and Sam ended with the winger's driven cross skewing up for Bailey to head home at the far post.



The Dons also had chances before the break. The referee waved aside a claim for a penalty when Christian Dailly clearly handled and Ikeme had to make a smart save to foil the rampant Wilbraham.



Charlton also went close with a Bailey free-kick that came back off the bar. Unfortunately for the hosts, the ball rebounded to safety.



Bailey was relishing his return to the centre of the park and had a fine match and was the catalyst that sparked a fine performance. Three goals in seven second-half minutes put the game beyond the visitors.



A through ball was chested down by Burton to Sam. The lively winger, showing quick feet, cut inside before firing home. Three minutes later Sam Sodje rose unopposed to power home a Bailey corner from the right. Finally Sam played Burton for the leading scorer to lob home with his left foot.



A recurrence of Richardson's injury and a scuffle involving McKenzie in injury time were the only blots on a perfect afternoon. On the basis of this game, the promotion push is very much back on course.



Charlton: Ikeme; Richardson (Basey 63), Youga, S Sodje, Dailly; Sam, Semedo, Bailey, Racon; Burton (McKenzie 77), Mooney (A Sodje 77).



Subs not used): Randolph, Llera, Wagstaff, Shelvey.



Goals: Mooney 13, Bailey 21, Sam 70, Sodje 73, Burton 77



Booked: Sam 24 (foul), McKenzie 90 (tussle)







MK Dons: Gueret; Kouo-Doumbe, Davis (Woodards 74), McCracken, Powell; Gobern (Ibehre 83), Leven, Puncheon, Chadwick (Johnson 69); Wilbraham, Baldock.



Subs not used: Swailes, Morgan, Carrington, Howell.



Goals: Wilbraham 10



Booked: Davis 6 (foul), Leven 81 (unsporting behaviour), Woodwards 90 (foul), Puncheon 90 (foul), Powell 90 (tussle)



Ref: K Hill



Attendance: 17,188

We are introducing a new feature where readers are invited to nominate their Man Of The Match. If you would like to choose the MOTM at a future game, just e-mail and let us have details of which matches you will be attending.

The MOTM for this game, as nominated by Upper North Stand season-ticket holder Liam Meadows was Sam Sodje, 'head and shoulders above the rest'.

Thanks for that Liam, Nicky Bailey would have got my vote by the way.

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