Even with his side’s late resurgence on Saturday afternoon, Nathan Jones still came away from the match very deflated due to his side’s performance throughout the majority of the game. Addicks’ fans online also shared their thoughts on the 2-2 draw at the Valley.
Charlton were one of the most inform teams in League One going into the game on Saturday, especially at home. Alongside that, in their most recent home game before this one, they demolished Huddersfield 4-0. However, alongside the confidence they will have taken from these facts was a sense of nervousness and desperation due to Charlton clinging on to the possibility of an automatic promotion place ahead of the game. This is because they entered the game five points off Wrexham in second, so they really needed a win to keep that hope alive.
▶️ Underway in London.
⌚️ 1’ | 🗡️ 0-0 ⚪️ | #CHALIN
— Lincoln City FC 🇺🇦 (@LincolnCity_FC) April 5, 2025
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However, unfortunately for Charlton fans that hope didn’t turn into a reality and head coach Nathan Jones was disappointed with his team’s performance for the first 60 minutes of the game as he said: “For 60 minutes, nowhere near the levels we need to be and that’s the frustrating thing.”
“We’ve given ourselves too much to do at the end of the day from being passive, and inept and a mile off where we are.”
“The first 60 minutes, we were nowhere near the levels we needed to be and I take full responsibility for that.”
Bad goal to concede that. Need to wake up
— George Murfet (@GeorgeMurfet_) April 5, 2025
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As Jones said himself, for the first 60 minutes Charlton weren’t at their best but a big reason for that was how the Imps played and how they set up out of possession. It wasn’t just down to Charlton being bad. They started the game relatively well, putting some early pressure on which included an early chance for them as a Joshua Edwards attempt on goal forced the first of many good saves from Wickens. Tom Hamer then reacted quickest after the save to clear the ball away from incoming Charlton players. Thierry Small was a constant threat throughout the afternoon as he had a chance early on too. He actually completed more dibbles than any other player during the game with five which further demonstrated his threat.
However, that was stopped due to the opener from Collins 18 minutes in. Another set piece goal for Lincoln against a side with one of the better records in the league at defending them. A great cross from Erik Ring which facilitated the fantastic header that followed from talisman Collins. City maintained a good amount of control throughout the rest of the first half as they frustrated Charlton with their out of possession work. They limited Charlton to six shots, only one of those was on target which was Edwards’ effort that I mentioned previously(they only accumulated an xG of 0.26).
At the start of the second half, the game continued the same theme as Lincoln started positively and added a second goal within five minutes of the restart through star man Collins once again. A piece of individual brilliance saw him skip past the defender and slot it into the bottom corner on his weak foot. Charlton boss Jones reflected on the goals they conceded in his post match interview: “We don’t mark at a corner, we allow them to do what we know they’re good at.”
“Second one’s just catastrophic defending, passive, not aggressive. Allowed James Collins to win it and then to run through. He’s an excellent finisher, but he should’ve never been allowed to get into that position.”
Fucking this right up 🤦♂️
— Jason (@fey_jason) April 5, 2025
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After this point, Charlton tried to swing the game back in their favour. They made some substitutions and put the pressure on Lincoln who stood strong. Not long after this, Wickens managed another great save after a shot from substitute Aneke which set the tone for the rest of the game. Lincoln didn’t deal well enough with a corner and the lack of a clearance after Aneke mis-hit his strike saw the ball go through to Gillesphey in front of goal who finished well under pressure. That fully got the crowd and players going as it was still against the run of play at that time.
Come back kings? I hope so! COYA!
— Ryan Willett (@RyanWillett96) April 5, 2025
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Lincoln didn’t totally lose control of the game after this, it was still somewhat even as they were still causing issues in Charlton’s midfield. However, the Addicks were really piling the pressure on at this point looking for their equaliser. They eventually got the reward for their endeavour as Docherty’s clean volley following a long throw in nestled in the bottom corner. The pressure just continued for the rest of the game as Charlton looked to steal all three points which they didn’t manage to do in the end.
get in!!!!! come on let’s go for the win
— Alfie Lee (@alfiexlee11) April 5, 2025
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Jones also reflected on this in his interview post match when asked if he felt a winner was coming after that point:
“I don’t know what I felt really today. It was one of those days where anything could have happened- We didn’t have the control in the game. We created enough chances as we do. I think we had 17 chances, 17 shots, they’ve (Lincoln) had four and we’ve drawn 2-2.”
Did well to bring that back. Play offs is what we probably need to focus on now. Hard for anyone to catch Wrexham when they got dodgy decisions in their favour every other game… #cafc
— Connor Potter (@ConnorJfc) April 5, 2025
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Fantastic fight and spirit to get ourselves back into that one. Top two let’s be honest is almost impossible now it’s about consolidating play offs. A minor setback.
— Lewis Stubbs🏴🇲🇦 (@LewisStubbs1302) April 5, 2025
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Yet another joke official at the valley. The flat atmosphere got to the players. Both Lincoln goals were avoidable. Realistically it’s 2 points dropped. Still think Wycombe and Wrexham games pivotal. Basically an ugly point. Onto Cambridge.
— Dave Samways (@DaveSamways3) April 5, 2025