[Archived] News Article -> 2012/13 Full-Time: Rovers 1 Charlton Athletic 2

[Eddie1363894574]

Michael Appleton's time in charge of Rovers has got off to a disappointing start after Rovers were beaten 2-1 by Charlton Athletic. It was a flat performance from both sides, but a well-organised Charlton side did enough to contain Rovers and pick up the three points.

Rovers started slightly the better of the two sides and had a good chance to take the lead from a corner, but Rochina could only head straight into the arms of Hamer. One of the few moments of quality led to the game's opening goal when Rovers only half-cleared a well-worked Charlton free-kick and Stephens gathered the ball on the edge of the area and beat Kean with a fierce left-footed effort that went in off the underside of the crossbar. Charlton nearly doubled their lead soon after, but Olsson did well to clear the ball off the line after Kean had saved Jackson's initial effort.

Rovers looked a different side at the start of the second half as they moved the ball quickly and with more intent and their play was rewarded just 3 minutes into the half when Kazim-Richards crossed for Rhodes to head home from close range. Rovers took control of the match and looked the more likely to grab the third goal of the match, but Charlton retook the lead when Rovers once again failed to properly clear the ball and Kermorgant's header crept into the corner of the net.

Kazim-Richards nearly brought Rovers level when he headed narrowly wide, but, despite throwing everyone forward, Olsson missed a decent chance deep into injury time when he fired over with his right foot and Rovers were unable to find another goal.

It was an extremely disappointing performance from Rovers and it brought an end to the four-match unbeaten run that the side had built under caretaker manager Gary Bowyer. Rovers are now 10 points off the play-off places and if Appleton has any ambition of seeing his side challenge for promotion, then it is essential that Rovers pick up wins from their next three games, all of which are at home.

View full article