Brave, brave Charlton got their campaign off to a winning start, despite being reduced to ten men after seven minutes.
Lee Novak – in for the injured Josh Magennis – was dismissed after only seven minutes, when referee, Christopher Sarginson, deemed his challenge on Stuart Sinclair reckless.
Rovers had to make a change after 15 minutes. James Clarke could not continue and was replaced by Tom Nicholls.
Karl Robinson brought fit again Jason Pearce back to partner Patrick Bauer in defence, and
Novak came in for Magennis.
Robinson, as expected, started with a 4-2-3-1 formation but switched to 4-4-1 following Novak’s sending off.
The winning goal came after 38 minutes and was shrouded in controversy. Ricky Holmes swung in a corner from the left. Adam Smith clawed Bauer’s header onto the post, but the assistant referee on the far side adjudged the ball had crossed the line.
The Pirates had more possession after the break without causing Ben Amos any real problems.
The three debutants – Amos, Tariqe Fosu and Billy Clarke will be pleased with their performances.
The side looked, slick, sharp and inventive at times, though the sending off obviously changed the nature of the match.
Ahmed Kashi gave an awesome performance in midfield, and Robinson will be keeping his fingers crossed that the Algerian has an injury free campaign.
Addicks fans will be pleased with what they saw, and hope that it is the start of a successful season.
Charlton: Amos; Solly, Bauer, Pearce, Dasilva; Kashi, Forster-Caskey, Fosu (Ahearne-Grant 84), Clarke (Watt 70), Holmes (Crofts 90); Novak.
Subs (not used); Phillips, Konsa, Sarr, Reeves.
Goal: Bauer 38.
Sent Off: Novak 7 (serious foul play).
Bristol Rovers: Smith; J Clarke (Nicholls 15), Lockyer, Broadbent, Brown; Lines, Sercombe,
O Clarke (Broom 65); Bodin, Sinclair, Harrison (Gaffney 65).
Subs (not used): Slocombe, Burn, Bola, Partington.
Booked: Sercombe 27 (foul).
Referee: Christopher Sarginson (Staffordshire).
Attn:12, 968 (2,174 Bristol Rovers).
TAGS: Charlton Athletic