MATCH OF THE DAY: Charlton 2, Huddersfield 1

PHIL PARKINSON expects his Charlton players to rush out for the papers today after his half-time rallying call helped send them top.

Boss Parkinson's words inspired Izale McLeod to head home the winner on his first league start of the season to send the Addicks soaring.

The home side went into the break having just seen Sam Sodje's opener cancelled out by Anthony Pilkington's ferocious free-kick.

But while his side had been largely outplayed, Parkinson decided not to be too harsh.

He said: "I could tell the lads were flat and it was just a case of reminding them that, if we won, we'd be top.

"What better incentive could there be than to pick up the papers and see ourselves top of the league?

"The lads really drove on in the second half and deserved the victory."

McLeod was busy changing his red boots for white ones while listening to Parkinson.

But he used his head to nod the winner just four minutes after the restart.

Parkinson admitted that Huddersfield had given his side their toughest task yet at The Valley.

Terriers boss Lee Clark was left frustrated as his side's away-day misery continued despite some excellent attacking football.

But the former Newcastle and Sunderland midfielder refuses to change his tactics and said: "These are the sort of games you want to play in and you want to win. We wanted to come here and beat them, just as we'll want to go to Leeds and beat them. We're not scared of anyone.

"There were nearly 17,000 fans here, it was a great atmosphere, and you have to entertain people. That's the business we are in. They don't want to sit there bored, wishing they'd done something else with their Saturday.

"But it's no consolation to play well and lose, I want to play well and win."

Clark must begin by having words with his defenders after Charlton scored with free headers from two set-pieces.

Sodje, back in the side after international duty, gratefully leapt to nod home Matt Spring's eighth-minute corner to end the Addicks' three-match wait for a goal.

And he was the provider for the winner, flicking Nicky Bailey's deep free-kick to McLeod, alone in the area.

Yet in between times, the Terriers were by far the more threatening side and ended the first half with a real head of steam.

Robbie Williams' 35-yard free-kick forced a smart diving save from Rob Elliot before Antony Kay volleyed straight at the keeper from distance.

Parity was finally restored after 38 minutes when Pilkington's rocket flew in off a post with Elliot stranded.

Gary Roberts almost dinked Huddersfield into a half-time lead, with Elliot plucking the ball from above his head.

Terriers captain Peter Clarke's header from a corner was disallowed for a push in the 53rd minute.

And Jordan Rhodes blew the best chance of a leveller as Elliot blocked his effort.

This article has 0 comments