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Club News

Charlton 0 Rovers 2

1 December 2018

Club News

Charlton 0 Rovers 2

1 December 2018

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Andy Butler and John Marquis were on target to fire Rovers into the third round of the Emirates FA Cup with a win at Charlton Athletic.

The goals both came in the second period, as attacking changes from manager Grant McCann paid dividends.

Captain Tommy Rowe made his first start since recovering from a hamstring injury, while Matty Blair was also elevated back into the starting XI.

Rovers opened the match brightly, with Rowe and Alfie May going close in the opening minutes.

Charlton showed some teeth, too, with a good ball into the area from Reeco Hackett- Fairchild threatening to ricochet to an attacking player, but Tom Anderson was on hand to clear.

Moments later Butler pulled off a vital clearance from Billy Clarke's shot after Nicky Ajose controlled the ball into his path.

Chances were at a premium for the remainder of the first-half, with Rowe heading over and Anfernee Dijksteel blocking Alfie May's shot.

Butler headed just over from a corner as the half drew to a close, with Herbie Kane firing a free-kick narrowly over.

There were no changes from either side at the break, and again the second period started with both sides attacking from the off.

Rowe had an early shot deflected wide, while home goalkeeper Ollie Phillips got down well to stop May's cross which was destined for Butler.

Grant McCann threw on Ali Crawford and Mallik Wilks with just under half an hour of normal time remaining.

That helped give Rovers an attacking impetus, with Butler heading just over from a corner after 65 minutes.

Moments later Rovers had another corner, and this time the ball was in the back of the net.

Butler again won the header, and it ended up in the back of the net after coming off a home player.

Rovers had their tails up looking for a decisive second goal, with Wilks doing well to force himself away from a defender before firing wide.

Shots from Marquis and Crawford were held by Phillips, before Rovers doubled their advantage.

Again it came from a set-piece, which Danny Andrew whipping a ball into the area which Butler headed back across for Marquis to turn home his 13th of the season.

That made the game safe, and McCann gave Marquis a rest for the final 10 minutes with Paul Taylor coming off the bench.

Rovers looked to grab a third goal, with Phillips again alert to deny Wilks and Taylor.

Ian Lawlor had not been overly tested all match, but he preserved his clean sheet at the death with a superb save from Mark Marshall.


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