Those who were at Boundary Park will long remember an extraordinary game that saw Trevor Kettle brandish eleven yelow and three red cards.

The resolve Charlton showed to hang on after being reduced to nine men was unbelievable. Powell was bursting with pride about his team’s performance:

“My players keep making me lost for words, we were under real duress with what went on, it was complete nonsense, but the most important thing for us today was doing our best to get three points, which we did.

“I’ve got to say we’ve got some huge results this year. Last week was a big one for us, Sheffield Wednesday away was and there are a number of games I could mention, but I’ve got to say today was the result of the season. What transpired throughout the 90 minutes, and for us to get three points with nine men I’ve got to say it’s a very proud moment for me, my football club and my supporters today,” said the Gaffer.

The one moment of quality in a game played on a poor pitch sealed the points for the visitors. But it is the refereeing performance that will come in for for most comment. Powell continued:

“It was a fantastic goal when you take out what else went on today but it’s (the two dismissals) almost making my team out to be an ill-disciplined team.

“Scott Wagstaff should never have been sent off. He slipped but got the ball as well, so it was an amazing decision.

“Danny’s one is seen as violent conduct but it wasn’t a dangerous tackle. He did miss the ball, but that’s a booking.

“Anyone here today could see that if you are going to book players within the first few minutes for stuff that does not warrant yellow cards, then you know it’s going to be a tough day and it ended up being that way, but I’m so proud of them because of the pressure they are under.

“I’m not sure they knew the score of the early kick-off (Wednesday’s 2-0 win at Huddersfield) but they played like Trojans.

“They were outstanding and to put in that effort now before another game in less than 48 hours shows me the commitment and character to want to achieve something this year.”

That incredible effort will have taken a heavy toll on the players’limbs and Powell will be pleased that Monday’s opponents, Walsall, also played in midweek, so may be even mire fatigued. The manager hinted the club may appeal Hollands’ red card:

“I’ve got to look at it as soon as possible, because if we want to get it overturned it has to be done straight away so he’s available for Monday.

“I’ve got to be careful as if they see it as not warranting an appeal they could increase it. I haven’t looked at it enough as yet.

“I didn’t think it was a real violent game as such, and to have that many bookings and that amount of sending-offs I’m still stunned really but I’m happy with Rhoys Wiggins getting another assist and Yann Kermorgant getting the goal.

“He’s been due one for while He does such hard work up front and was up there alone today for large portion of the game and got his just rewards and we got our three points,” said Chris

It would be wise not to risk an appeal. Hollands did lunge in when there was no need to and under the current interpretation, his challenge merited a red card. Hollands has played in every game so is long overdue a rest.

Following the heavy midweek snow, the Boundary Park pitch was in poor condition. Chris had these thoughts:

“The conditions are tough but they always are here regardless of what time of year you play them.

“For us to come here knowing we needed the points for us to stay in the position we’ve been in since September, we negotiated it quite well.

“It did harm one or two clearances and goal-kicks but in the main I thought my players put their bodies on line and made some brave blocks.

“I brought Bradley Pritchard on and he did ever so well. Matt Taylor came on to play in the rearguard and he was exceptional. Alongside him was Leon Cort, Michael Morrison and the two full-backs who have been exceptional all year. I can’t praise them enough.

“It wasn’t Dale Stephens’ natural game today, he wants to get on the ball and play and he was immense for us.

“Dany went off and I had to take Lee Cook off. Before his sending off, Scott Wagstaff showed real energy and we all did ever so well.

“The sending-offs asked questions of these players and they keep answering it. It’s wonderful for us to be in this position but we have just got to keep calm, keep 11 players on the pitch and do our best to get the points we need.”

Powell now has to patch his battle weary troops up for Walsall’s trip to The Valley on Monday. Physio, Erol Umut, will be working overtime to keep the promotion drive on track. Sparrows Lane will be a hive of activity today.