Karlan Grant is spot on for Charlton

Posted Sunday, January 20, 2019 by PA

A stoppage-time penalty from Karlan Grant snatched Charlton a dramatic last-gasp 1-0 victory over Accrington at The Valley.

Both sides were a man down after Stanley goalkeeper Jonny Maxted and Charlton striker Lyle Taylor were dismissed following a mass brawl in the penalty box.

The hosts should have broken the deadlock in the 12th minute. Taylor delivered a low ball across the face of goal, but Darren Pratley and Grant both failed to apply what would almost certainly have been a scoring touch.

Naby Sarr looked like he was pulled back as Josh Cullen’s free-kick was whipped into the Stanley box, but no penalty was forthcoming despite Taylor’s protests.

Billy Kee’s glancing header was straight at Addicks goalkeeper Dillon Phillips, while a vital headed clearance by an Accrington defender prevented Taylor from meeting Grant’s dangerous cross.

Phillips made an excellent reaction save to deny Luke Armstrong from close range five minutes before the interval and was called into action again early in the second half to deal with Kee’s looping header.

Only a superb Maxted stop kept out a Ben Purrington header, while Phillips did even better at the other end to tip over Kee’s effort.

Grant dragged an effort agonisingly wide as Charlton began to dominate but things turned ugly 10 minutes from time when both sides were reduced to 10 men.

Krystian Bielik saw a headed effort ruled out after Taylor was adjudged to have fouled Maxted.

A goalmouth brawl broke out and after consulting his assistant, referee John Busby produced straight red cards for Maxted and Taylor.

But there was more drama deep into time added on when Ben Reeves’ shot was handled by Daniel Barlaser, allowing Grant to seal the three points with a decisive spot-kick.