Charlton blunt Blades

Monday, 23/01/2012

by James Beavis

In the top of the table clash it was the league leaders who came out on top to extend their lead at the summit.

Charlton were victorious against Sheffield United at the Valley thanks to a fantastic free-kick from Johnnie Jackson in a match which saw Darel Russell sent off for the hosts and James Beattie for the visitors.

Huddersfield took full advantage of United’s slip as they beat Brentford, who had been leading 2-0 at one stage, 3-2 at the Galpharm, with that man Jordan Rhodes scoring the decisive goal.

Sheffield Wednesday also slipped up as a fantastic strike by Antony Sweeney late on rescued Hartlepool a 2-2 draw at Hillsborough.

Jeff Hughes’ penalty ensured it finished honours even in a 1-1 draw between Notts County and MK Dons at Meadow Lane.

The same score-line was also recorded at Glanford Park between Scunthorpe and managerless Stevenage, who stay in the last remaining play-off position.

Carlisle are still outside the top six on goal difference as they could only draw 1-1 at home to lowly Walsall at Brunton Park.

Bournemouth continued their rise up the division with a 2-1 victory against Tranmere on the South Coast with Marc Pugh’s cross-shot stealing the points.

Bury beat Yeovil 3-2 at Gigg Lane in an encounter that was overshadowed by a disagreement between Steven Schumacher and Giles Coke over who should take a spot-kick, which turned out to be the winner by the former.

Leyton Orient ruined Graham Westley’s debut as Preston manager with a hard-fought 2-0 triumph at Deepdale to move into the top half of the league.

Chesterfield picked up their first win in 18 matches with a 2-1 success at Colchester, but stay five points from safety.

Oldham and Exeter played out a goalless draw at Boundary Park.

Wycombe beat Rochdale 3-0 at Adams Park but both sides remain in the bottom four.

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