“Millenic Alli is introduced at half-time and goes on to have an immediate impact, setting up the winning goal ten minutes later.”
“Léo Leroy is booked for a foul as tensions rise following Charlton's second blocked effort in as many minutes.”
“Karlan Ahearne-Grant converts from close range after Millenic Alli's assist, breaking the deadlock for Charlton.”
Pivotal
Charlton Athletic
Preston North End
Outstanding performance
Charlton Athletic•DefenderCharlton dominated the possession battle, controlling 57% of the ball and completing 350 passes at 85% accuracy, but it took until the 56th minute for that control to translate into a goal. Ahearne-Grant was the direct beneficiary of sustained second-half pressure, having a shot blocked moments before Léo Leroy's booking, then finding the net with the assist from substitute Millenic Alli. Preston actually created the game's lone big chance and had more shots overall (10 to 7), but wasted their opportunity and were undone by their own profligacy in front of goal. For Charlton, sitting top of the table, this was a workmanlike three points that extends their fine form, while Preston will be frustrated they couldn't convert territorial moments and physical commitment - evidenced by their 16 fouls - into anything on the scoreboard.
How entertaining was this match?
Thierry Small comes on for Jordan Thompson.
Corner awarded.
Tyreece Campbell takes a right-footed shot, but it's blocked.
Jordan Thompson takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Miles Leaburn takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Alan Mwamba takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Offside.
On for Stanley Mills, off goes Callum Lang.
On Jusef Erabi, off Odel Offiah.
Callum Lang takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Corner awarded.
Lewis Gibson takes a right-footed shot, but it's blocked.
Shot - Harry Clarke Head Shot Missed
Alan Mwamba replaces Nathaniel Chalobah.
Tyreece Campbell takes a right-footed shot, but it's blocked.
Karlan Ahearne-Grant takes a shot with his left foot and scores.
assist: Millenic Alli
Goal! Karlan Ahearne-Grant scores to make it 1-0, assisted by Millenic Alli.
Karlan Ahearne-Grant takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Léo LeroyYellow CardYellow card shown to Leo Leroy.
Conor Coventry takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Harry Clarke takes a right-footed shot but misses.
Delano Burgzorg takes a right-footed shot, but it's saved.
On comes Millenic Alli, and off goes Sonny Carey.
Karlan Ahearne-Grant takes a right-footed shot but misses.
The first half ends with a score of 0-0.
Miles Leaburn attempts a header but misses the shot.
Offside.
Callum Lang attempts a header but misses the shot.
Leo Leroy takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Alfie Devine takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Corner awarded.
Tyreece Campbell takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Corner awarded.
Offside.
Andrija Vukcevic takes a left-footed shot but misses.
Andrija Vukcevic takes a left-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Corner awarded.
Alfie Devine takes a right-footed shot, but it is blocked.
Kick-off! The referee is Tom Reeves.
