Three off as leaders nick it

Photo: Alan Howarth

NEAT FEET . . . Robbie Simpson displays his agility against Charlton.

ATHLETIC 0, CHARLTON 1
ATHLETIC failed to make their extra-man advantage count in a game against the npower League One leaders ruined by three red cards.

Visiting captain Danny Hollands saw red for a reckless challenge on Kieran Lee in the first half, before the numbers were levelled up as a result of Jean-Yves Mvoto’s second booking.

After Yann Kermorgant had netted with a 49th-minute close-range header from a superb Rhoys Wiggins cross, Scott Wagstaff got his marching orders for a second yellow card.

All three dismissals seemed harsh.

Athletic manager Paul Dickov saw his side push the Addicks all the way for their three points, but afterwards pointed to a lack of "guile" in opening up the visitors' defence.

"I don't think there was a lack of effort or application," Dickov said, after a ninth home league loss of the season.

"We just didn't have that final bit of guile we needed in the final third, despite all of our possession. We have got to keep doing the right things."