Next Up: Charlton Athletic vs Exeter City

While City have earned the plaudits for their EFL Cup exploits, the early great start in the league has given way to a worrying run of three defeats in the last four, the other being a 1-0 win over a toothless Cheltenham side – and it’s City’s own woes in front of goal that will give Gary Caldwell the most cause for concern as the games continue to come thick and fast. To that end Caldwell will be happy he now has James Scott and Jack Aitchison to call upon, although the injury to Ryan Trevitt has probably caused the most issues in terms of City’s creativity. Demetri Mitchell will also come back into the side having been suspended for the 2-0 reverse to bogey club Northampton on Saturday.

After a miserable start to the season, Charlton were quick to pull the trigger and replace their manager, Ben Garner giving way to Michael Appleton, a manager with vast experience at this level. The Addicks go into this game on the back of a three match unbeaten run having drawn 0-0 at Shrewsbury on Saturday. Their key signing over the summer was Alfie May from Cheltenham, and he has hit the ground running with four goals, while Miles “Son of Carl” Leaburn has recently returned to the side and has two goals to his name.

Charlton, like Northampton, have a strong recent record in this fixture – having won the last five in all competitions. Last season’s match at The Valley, postponed following the death of the Queen, saw Charlton win an entertaining game 4-2. Leaburn and an Alex Hartridge own goal gave the hosts a 2-0 lead before a stunner from Jay Stansfield reduced the arrears at the break. Charlton then led 4-1 through late goals from Aneke and Payne before an injury time penalty from Nombe reduced the deficit. The reverse finished 2-1, Rak-Sakyi and Taylor with early goals before Mitchell pulled one back. Those wins extended Charlton’s league head to head lead to 15-10, five matches finishing level.

The match official for the game will be:-

Referee: David Rock
Assistant Referees: David Harrison and Alan Cresswell
Fourth Official : Ben Atkinson

David Rock last refereed Exeter City in January this year which ended in a 1-1 draw with Forest Green Rovers at St James Park. He’ll be best remembered for awarding a goal to Cambridge in the FA Cup the previous season which he apologised for afterwards admitting he made a mistake.