Charlton Live regularly attend the league and cup exploits of Chris Powell’s troops, so in a new feature for the website in 2012 we’re going to reflect on the Reds’ latest result here on the website. Up first is the newest member of the team and author of The End Of The Day (http://theendofthedayfootball.blogspot.com) Alex Stedman on Saturday’s win at St James’ Park:

Charlton opened up a nine point gap over second placed Huddersfield with a somewhat fortuitous second half goal from Danny Green. As has so often been the case this season, one goal was all that was needed for the league leaders to secure another vital three points in their march towards promotion. 

Charlton went into the game seven points clear of their Yorkshire rivals with a game in hand, whilst the hosts began the game in 18th place in League One, three points above the relegation zone.

In a tight first half, chances were few and far between. The visitors had to be on their guard to keep John O’Flynn at bay after good work down the left from captain James Dunne.

A Charlton corner was met by the head of Johnnie Jackson at the back post, who was looking for his third goal in as many games, but City keeper Krysiak denied the skipper.

It was after half time that the Reds began to assert their authority. Rhoys Wiggins combined well with Jackson, but nothing came of the cross. Moments later, Charlton came forward again with Danny Green, who beat Troy Archibald-Henville for pace and sent in an awkward cross. Krysiak made a mess of it and somehow the ball ended up in the back of the keeper’s net.

The 828 travelling fans behind the goal were finally rewarded for the long trip to the South west, and the team’s celebration in front of them showed just how important Green’s opener was.

Charlton could have put the game to bed when Yann Kermorgant met Bradley Wright Phillips’s cross from the left with a powerful header, but the ball flashed past the near post.

Exeter made their final substitution with the introduction of Guillem Bauza, and he was denied by the ever reliable Ben Hamer, who at the final whistle extended his run of clean sheets in the league to four.

News of Huddersfield’s 1-1 draw away to Tranmere meant the Addicks had further cause for celebration as their lead at the top was extended. The promotion favourites go into Tuesday night’s game at home to Bury knowing victory will further enhance that lead to 12 points, and then surely we can begin to talk about promotion.

There is a special feeling around the club at the moment, with another win of this nature reinforcing the widely discussed determination  and will to win within the team.