Charlton extended their lead in League One with a comfortable 3-1 victory over promoted Chesterfield at The Valley.
This season’s ‘Football For A Fiver’ promotion was the success the club hoped for. A bumper 22,151 crowd witnessed a sublime first half performance, though there were some nervy moments after the break.
Soprano and Charlton fan, Victoria Stanyon, set the tone for the afternoon with a moving performance of ‘Jerusalem’ and an operatic version of ‘Valley Floyd Road’.
Chesterfield tried to play in the manner of their manager, the former cultured midfielder, John Sheridan. However, once the Addicks got their passing game going they went on to dominate the opening period.
Charlton took the lead in the 19th minute following a period of sustained pressure. A scuffed Wright-Phillips effort reached Paul Hayes who cleverly flicked home from close range.
Ten minutes later the hosts doubled their lead. Quick thinking by Stephens from free-kick on the left of the penalty area, saw him roll the ball perfectly into the path of the advancing Jackson. The skipper drove home from inside the area.
The Addicks were in complete control at this stage and could have added several more goals. Chesterfield were restricted to long range efforts and one horribly skewed shot from close in.
The Spireites were much improved after the break and Jackson was booked for a foul. John Sheridan was sent to te stands for an over zealous protest about an optimistic penalty claim.
A clear foul on Wagstaff went unpunished and, to add insult to injury, Chesterfield’s counter attack resulted in Morrison bringing Leon Clarke down in the box. Spireites’ captain, Drew Talbot, had to intervene in an incredible dispute between Clarke and Danny Whitaker about who was going to take the penalty. Eventually, Whitaker sent Hamer the wrong way, to halve the deficit after 72 minutes.
Another bizarre incident saw the Addicks denied an obvious penalty with Matt Taylor receiving a yellow card for diving.
Charlton reacted well to their setbacks and Yann Kermorgant, on for Hayes, slipped the ball to Scott Wagstaff who crossed for Wright-Phillips to seal the win in injury time.
With Sheffield United losing at Wycombe, Charlton are now three points clear with a game in hand. If they can win that game – at Milton Keynes on Tuesday night – they will have the opportunity to go nine points clear of the Blades at Bramall Lane next Saturday.
FULL TIME: CHARLTON ATHLETIC 3-1 CHESTERFIELD
Charlton line up: Hamer, Morrison, Taylor, Wiggins, Solly, Jackson, Stephens, Wagstaff (Hughes 90+4), Hollands, Hayes (Kermorgant 80), Wright-Phillips.
Subs not used: Sullivan, Cort, Euell.
Goals: Hayes (19), Jackson (29), Wright-Phillips (90+2).
Booked: Jackson (54 foul), Taylor (90 diving).
Chesterfield line up: Fleming, Ford, Grounds, Talbot, Smith, Allott, Whitaker, Mendy, Johnson (Morgan 81), Westcarr (Boden 88), Clarke.
Subs not used: Smith, Holden, Randall.
Goal: Whitaker (pen 72).
Booked: Talbot (85 foul).
Referee: Mr Graham Scott (Oxfordshire)
Attendance: 22,151 (1,225 Chesterfield)