Brighton took another giant step towards their Premier League dream with a 3-1 win at The Valley on Saturday afternoon.
The game was played in a surreal atmosphere, as the protests in the stadium reached a new high. There was a total of 15 added minutes played in the game.
The match was halted just after kick-off as balloons and beach balls rained down on the pitch. Later, smoke bombs were released at both ends of the ground, and there was a demonstration in front of the directors’ box.
Shortly after the game restarted, Sam Baldock put Brighton ahead, converting a right-wing cross from close range.
Charlton equalised seven minutes after the interval. Jordan Cousins cut in along the byline, and though his pull back was missed by Igor Vetokele, fit-again Johann Berg Gudmundsson was on hand to fire into the open goal.
The goal stirred the Seagulls from their lethargy and almost immediately, Chris Hughton’s side were in front again. Baldock played Jiri Skalak in on the left, and the winger’s firece drive found the far top corner of Nick Pope’s net.
Yaya Sanogo was fit enough to claim a bench spot, and replaced Vetokele just past the hour mark. Unfortunately, his return lasted little more than 20 minutes, before he suffered a recurrence of his hamstring problem and had to be replaced.
Brighton continued to press and Pope had to make a smart save in stoppage time. The respite for the Addicks was short lived though, Rod Fanni brought Anthony Knockaert down as he cut in from the left.
Tomer Hemed sent Pope the wrong way from the penalty spot to sew up three precious points for the visitors.
Charlton: Pope; Motta (Lennon 63), Fanni, Teixeira, Fox; Gudmundsson, Diarra, Cousins, Lookman) Harriott, Vetokele(Sanogo 63, Makienok 84 ).
Subs (not used): Mitov, Bergdich, Yun, Jackson.
Goal: Gudmundsson 52.
Brighton: Stockdale; Bruno, Dunk, Goldson, Rosenior (Bong 69); Knockaert, Stephens, Kayal, Skalak(Murphy 84); Baldock (Sidwell 79), Hemed.
Subs (not used): Maenpaa, Greer, LuaLua, Wilson.
Goals: Baldock 8, Skalak 54, Hemed 90 (pen).
Referee: Simon Hooper ( Wiltshire).
Attn: 17,160 (3,079 Brighton).
TAGS: Charlton Athletic