AILING ADDICKS MAKE A MARK
AN EMOTIONAL Karl Robinson paid tribute to the bravery of two of his Charlton players as they ended a chastening week by battling past bottom side Bury.
Mark Marshall’s second-half strike took the visitors into the play-off places and earned them a first away win since October, as Bury’s 12-hour wait for a goal continues.
Addicks star man Ricky Holmes has been aggressively pursued by Sheffield United and takeover talks continue to rumble on, with only 12 fully-fit outfield players travelling to Gigg Lane.
Robinson reserved praise for Chris Solly and Jake ForsterCaskey – two of only five named on the bench – who came to him determined to travel and play injured.
“I’m so proud of the players, I really am,” he said.
“Chris and Jake were unfit but knocked on my door and said they wanted to play, that it was about us sticking together as a club.
“I couldn’t believe it when they asked me. It’s Bury as well – a proper journey.
“They put their bodies on the line for this club. That’s what we need.”
Charlton bossed a tight first half, creating the first chance when Ben Reeves fired wide from a Jay Dasilva centre.
Josh Magennis shot straight at Connor Ripley’s body in the box before failing to lob the keeper after a goal-kick had sailed right through the Bury back four.
The Shakers threatened only when James Hanson headed Harry Bunn’s cut-back wide on 17 minutes.
Robinson’s side began to build pressure and came within the width of the woodwork before half-time, Nathan Cameron’s ill-judged defensive header striking his own post.
The Addicks led after the hour mark, just their second goal in five away games, as Marshall slotted home a side-footed shot from Joe Aribo’s fine cutback after the youngster had cleverly twisted through the home defence.
It was nearly 2-0 moments later, Stephy Mavididi weaving his way into the box, but the Arsenal loanee’s shot deflected onto the underside of the crossbar off Joe Skarz’s leg.
Josh Laurent came close for the hosts as Hanson’s headed knock-down fell to him, only for the midfielder to scuff his shot wide of the right-hand upright.
Ezri Konsa saw a shot deflect off his shin and dribble past the upright, and Bury couldn’t avert a seventh straight defeat.
“We just didn’t create enough to the win the game,” boss Chris Lucketti said.
“I think there is a mentality problem in the group, with the run we’ve had and the lack of goals.
“It becomes a problem in the mindset of everyone; the midfielders, the strikers, the defenders. “The players are suffering in terms of confidence but we just need a win to spark that off.”