Bradford gained revenge for their 4-1 defeat at The Valley last September, but
they had little to spare against their enterprising, promotion-seeking
visitors.
The decisive goal was scored after 18 minutes by striker Robbie Blake, the
21-year-old beating goalkeeper Andrew Petterson with a 10-yard shot.
The score followed a superb build-up involving Peter Beagrie and Brazilian
striker Edinho, and it was a fitting way for Blake to celebrate the signing of a
new contract which will keep him at Bradford until the year 2001.
In an open game between two attack-minded sides it was remarkable that Blake's
effort was the only goal.
Charlton had missed one of the best opportunities of the match after 10
minutes.
Experienced striker Mark Bright took the ball away from teenage defender
Andrew O'Brien in the Bradford penalty area before blazing the ball over the
crossbar with only goalkeeper Gary Walsh to beat.
The miss seemed to spark Bradford into action and they almost scored after 15
minutes when midfielder Nigel Pepper saw a tremendous 25-yard shot rebound from
the Charlton crossbar.
Craig Ramage and Edinho missed other chances before half-time and the second
half pattern was much the same as the first half with both sides attacking in
turn.
Bradford had Walsh to thank for a great save to deny striker Steve Jones in
the 49th minute and there were some desperate defending by O'Brien and Eddie
Youds as Charlton stepped up the pressure for an equaliser in the closing
stages.
Match referee David Pugh from the Wirral had to be helped from the field after
slipping on a hard patch of ground in 67th minute and was replaced by one of his
assistants.
Teams
Bradford: Walsh, Wilder, Jacobs, O'Brien, Youds, Ramage,
Lawrence, Pepper, Edinho (Steiner 89), Blake, Beagrie.
Subs Not Used: Midgley, Murray.
Booked: Beagrie.
Goals: Blake 19.
Charlton: Petterson, Brown (Barness 64), Bowen (Allen 86),
Mortimer (Parker 75), Rufus, Chapple, Newton, Kinsella, Robinson,
Jones, Bright.
Booked: Brown.
Att: 14,851
Ref: D Pugh (Wirral).
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