Charlton 0-1 Shrewsbury - Nolan's Wonder Strike Gives Shrews Slender Play-Off Advantage
After years which have included relegation, League One mediocrity and dealing with the mass destruction caused by absentee Belgian owner, Roland Duchâtelet, Addicks fans finally have a little bit of excitement to look forward to in the form of the League One Play-offs. Charlton fans had extra reason to be optimistic and positive as potential new owner, Andrew Muir was in attendance. After four long, hard years of torrid ownership and numerous protests, multiple take-over rumours have popped up over the last year, but none have materialised. So, to see a potential new owner at the Valley was a sight for sore eyes and filled Addicks fans with joy, hope and optimism. They might finally be free from Duchâtelet's deadly grasp. Change could well be in sight (literally)! While Shrewsbury will be no easy opponent, Charlton have shown before, just a matter of months ago, that they can go toe-to-toe, head-to-head with the same opponent; especially after beating them 2-0 up at New Meadow. However, Shrewsbury have also beaten Charlton at the Valley at the beginning of the year by the same score line, so this Play-off clash will prove a tough one to predict.
Similarly to Charlton, Shrewsbury haven't been blessed with success over the years, but while this is likely a one-off season for Shrewsbury, they have been one of the best teams in the league. As well as going on a ridiculous 16 game unbeaten start to the League One season, they would also battle with recently relegated Blackburn and Wigan for an automatic promotion place and finish 8 points clear of the nearest challenger, Rotherham. The Play-offs could be make or break for Shrewsbury. Promotion could lead to the greatest period in the Shrews history. Key players could stay, as could manager Paul Hurst. Championship status will also attract better quality players and the likes of former European and Premier League giants Leeds, Nottingham Forest and, potentially Aston Villa will all visit the New Meadow. A welcome change to lower league football. However, should the Shrews fail to reach the Championship, it is highly possible that their key players and manager, Paul Hurst, will leave after proving they are too good for League One level and will be an asset for most Championship sides, leaving them with a monumentally tough challenge next season.
Charlton: Amos, Kashi, Bauer, Pearce (c), Ajose (Zyro 90), Magennis, Reeves (Aribo 76), Konsa, Mavididi (Fosu 62), Forster-Caskey, Dasilva
The Addicks started the game the better of the two sides and created a few glorious opportunities that should have seen them take an early lead. Charlton found some early success down Shrewsbury's left wing as Jay Dasilva and Stephy Mavididi linked up well on numerous occasions. Within the opening 4 minutes of the game, the skilful Mavididi pulled off a couple of step overs, beat two Shrewsbury defenders and flashed a ball across the 6-yard box, however Toto Nsiala got a vital touch to divert the cross away from the head of the awaiting Josh Magennis. Ezri Konsa revived the situation and sent another cross onto the head of Magennis, but he could only fire just wide of the goal. A good start for Charlton. Charlton again came agonisingly close just a minute later. Jake Forster-Caskey picked the ball up just ahead of the half-way line, dribbled into some free space and released a shot from outside the box that is tipped inches past the post by Shrews keeper Dean Henderson's finger tips. After a tense opening, Shrewsbury began to find their rhythm and grew into the game. Shrewsbury's attacks caused panic within both the Charlton defence and fans. Shrewsbury had their best chance of the half on the 20-minute mark, when a counter attack saw Jon Nolan turn one Charlton defender, but his shot was crucially blocked by another and went out for a corner. The Shrews continued to attack as Bryn Morris wound up a curling effort from outside of the area that was well palmed away by Ben Amos. As the half drew on, both teams had chances but none clear-cut and the game evened out. Charlton dominated the early stages of the half and were roared on by a vigorous Valley faithful, but Shrewsbury grew into the game and created good chances as their own as nerves started to creep in for the Addicks. A good, even encounter so far as the tie is a quarter completed.
Charlton came out for the second half a completely different team to that which was seen in the first, they created very little and Shrewsbury were dominant for the majority of the half. Neither team threatened the other and didn't test either goalkeeper within the first 15 minutes of the restart. Shrewsbury constantly looked a danger from set pieces, especially corners, throughout the game. The second half was as even as the first, but with very little happening. Charlton's best chance of the half fell to Ben Reeves, who after being nicely teed up by Nicky Ajose, thumped an effort just over the bar on the half-volley. Shrewsbury then had a half-volley of their own but the outcome was much different, as the Shrews found themselves a goal ahead 10 minutes from time. Rodman picked up a loose ball in the Charlton half, dinked the ball onto the head of Stefan Payne who laid the ball off for the on-rushing Nolan, who sent a sensational half-volley into the top right corner from 25 yards out. Amos tried his best but there was no stopping an effort like that! Charlton desperately pushed for an equaliser and came close almost immediately after going behind as Ajose volleyed a Konsa cross just wide of the goal. Charlton had a foray of corners towards the end but it wasn't to be and the resilient Shrewsbury defence held out, as Jason Pearce saw his header cleared off the line.
Jon Nolan's wonder strike was enough to separate the two evenly matched sides and give the Shrews a Play-off advantage. While Charlton may have lost the home leg and are now at a disadvantage as they have to go to New Meadow and get a result, the tie is far from over. While Shrewsbury had the fourth-best home record in the league this season, losing just 5 times; One of those losses was against Charlton and the Addicks also had the fifth-best away record. The second leg may be tighter than expected. Out of all the Play-off contending teams, Shrewsbury arguably deserve it most after having such a great season and what a story it would be to see a team that was fighting relegation just last season, achieve promotion the next via the Play-offs and a visit to Wembley.
Similarly to Charlton, Shrewsbury haven't been blessed with success over the years, but while this is likely a one-off season for Shrewsbury, they have been one of the best teams in the league. As well as going on a ridiculous 16 game unbeaten start to the League One season, they would also battle with recently relegated Blackburn and Wigan for an automatic promotion place and finish 8 points clear of the nearest challenger, Rotherham. The Play-offs could be make or break for Shrewsbury. Promotion could lead to the greatest period in the Shrews history. Key players could stay, as could manager Paul Hurst. Championship status will also attract better quality players and the likes of former European and Premier League giants Leeds, Nottingham Forest and, potentially Aston Villa will all visit the New Meadow. A welcome change to lower league football. However, should the Shrews fail to reach the Championship, it is highly possible that their key players and manager, Paul Hurst, will leave after proving they are too good for League One level and will be an asset for most Championship sides, leaving them with a monumentally tough challenge next season.
Charlton: Amos, Kashi, Bauer, Pearce (c), Ajose (Zyro 90), Magennis, Reeves (Aribo 76), Konsa, Mavididi (Fosu 62), Forster-Caskey, Dasilva
Shrewsbury Town: Henderson, Godfrey, Sadler (c), Beckles, Whalley (Riley 88), C Morris (Payne 74), Bolton, B Norris, Nolan (John-Lewis 90), Nsiala, Rodman
A Sun-Kissed Valley Pitch Sets the Stage for Charlton and Shrewsbury's Bid for Play-Off Promotion
The Addicks started the game the better of the two sides and created a few glorious opportunities that should have seen them take an early lead. Charlton found some early success down Shrewsbury's left wing as Jay Dasilva and Stephy Mavididi linked up well on numerous occasions. Within the opening 4 minutes of the game, the skilful Mavididi pulled off a couple of step overs, beat two Shrewsbury defenders and flashed a ball across the 6-yard box, however Toto Nsiala got a vital touch to divert the cross away from the head of the awaiting Josh Magennis. Ezri Konsa revived the situation and sent another cross onto the head of Magennis, but he could only fire just wide of the goal. A good start for Charlton. Charlton again came agonisingly close just a minute later. Jake Forster-Caskey picked the ball up just ahead of the half-way line, dribbled into some free space and released a shot from outside the box that is tipped inches past the post by Shrews keeper Dean Henderson's finger tips. After a tense opening, Shrewsbury began to find their rhythm and grew into the game. Shrewsbury's attacks caused panic within both the Charlton defence and fans. Shrewsbury had their best chance of the half on the 20-minute mark, when a counter attack saw Jon Nolan turn one Charlton defender, but his shot was crucially blocked by another and went out for a corner. The Shrews continued to attack as Bryn Morris wound up a curling effort from outside of the area that was well palmed away by Ben Amos. As the half drew on, both teams had chances but none clear-cut and the game evened out. Charlton dominated the early stages of the half and were roared on by a vigorous Valley faithful, but Shrewsbury grew into the game and created good chances as their own as nerves started to creep in for the Addicks. A good, even encounter so far as the tie is a quarter completed.
Shrewsbury's Alex Rodman Pushes for a Goal to Give Them Play-Off Advantage
Charlton came out for the second half a completely different team to that which was seen in the first, they created very little and Shrewsbury were dominant for the majority of the half. Neither team threatened the other and didn't test either goalkeeper within the first 15 minutes of the restart. Shrewsbury constantly looked a danger from set pieces, especially corners, throughout the game. The second half was as even as the first, but with very little happening. Charlton's best chance of the half fell to Ben Reeves, who after being nicely teed up by Nicky Ajose, thumped an effort just over the bar on the half-volley. Shrewsbury then had a half-volley of their own but the outcome was much different, as the Shrews found themselves a goal ahead 10 minutes from time. Rodman picked up a loose ball in the Charlton half, dinked the ball onto the head of Stefan Payne who laid the ball off for the on-rushing Nolan, who sent a sensational half-volley into the top right corner from 25 yards out. Amos tried his best but there was no stopping an effort like that! Charlton desperately pushed for an equaliser and came close almost immediately after going behind as Ajose volleyed a Konsa cross just wide of the goal. Charlton had a foray of corners towards the end but it wasn't to be and the resilient Shrewsbury defence held out, as Jason Pearce saw his header cleared off the line.
Jon Nolan's Wonder Strike Sinks Charlton and Breaks Charlton Fans' Hearts
Jon Nolan's wonder strike was enough to separate the two evenly matched sides and give the Shrews a Play-off advantage. While Charlton may have lost the home leg and are now at a disadvantage as they have to go to New Meadow and get a result, the tie is far from over. While Shrewsbury had the fourth-best home record in the league this season, losing just 5 times; One of those losses was against Charlton and the Addicks also had the fifth-best away record. The second leg may be tighter than expected. Out of all the Play-off contending teams, Shrewsbury arguably deserve it most after having such a great season and what a story it would be to see a team that was fighting relegation just last season, achieve promotion the next via the Play-offs and a visit to Wembley.
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