Runaway leaders Charlton, just three favourable results from establishing an
all-time record in English football of 14 straight League victories, were
brought down to earth by Swindon.
Charlton keeper Dean Kiely was at fault when he allowed a soft shot from Steve
Cowe to slip through his grasp and set up the shock Division One result of the
season.
Rock bottom Swindon showed great determination and resilience to keep the
Charlton attack at bay and in goal Aussie Frank Talia was equal to anything the
home side could throw at him.
Charlton top scorer Andy Hunt was a shadow of his usual self, spurning two
excellent opportunities when it looked easier to score. His misery was completed
when he was substituted late in the match.
Charlton's play was strangely disjointed with passes going astray, in contrast
to their usual precise build up.
Despite having the territorial advantage Charlton could not turn this into
goals.
With the forwards firing blanks all afternoon it was left up to the centre
back Richard Rufus to come closest to levelling the scores.
His first half effort rattled the woodwork and late on he evaded the
challenges of two Swindon defenders only for his shot to narrowly go over the
bar.
Despite the disappointment of seeing their side's run of victories so
dramatically come to an end, the Charlton fans applauded Swindon off the pitch.
It was no less that they deserved for such a whole hearted, gutsy display.
Swindon's attack was rarely seen as all their efforts were devoted to their
defensive duties but, in a rare breakaway, on-loan striker Wayne Gray should
have made the score 2-0 to the visitors but this time Kiely saved well with his
feet.
In the final analysis this result may not alter either club's fate.
Charlton look set for Premier League action next season and Swindon need a
miracle to escape relegation.
But the visitors still celebrated as if they had won a cup final and they
delighted their small band of travelling supporters.
Teams
Charlton: Kiely, Powell (Salako 67), Rufus, Brown, Barness,
Newton, Stuart, Kinsella, Robinson, Hunt (Pringle 77), Svensson.
Subs Not Used: Tiler, Konchesky, Royce.
Booked: Tiler.
Swindon: Talia, Robinson, Reeves, Willis, J. Williams, Cowe,
Collins, Leitch, A. Williams (Hall 67), Hay, Gray (Griffin 80),
Griffin (Cuervo 88).
Subs Not Used: Mildenhall, McAreavey.
Booked: Reeves.
Goals: Cowe 5.
Att: 19,569
Ref: R Olivier (Sutton Coldfield).
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