Stevenage travel to The Valley for just the second time in history as the battle for the League One play-offs resumes…
An Easter weekend of football continues for Stevenage as they are met with yet another ex-Premier League club in League One. This time, it is Charlton Athletic looking to spoil the fun as the season approaches its dramatic end.
On Good Friday, Bolton Wanderers arrived at The Lamex Stadium and were held to a 0-0 draw as Stevenage worked incredibly hard to pick up a result against promotion hopefuls.
Boro have had a fantastic campaign in League One, and they have a superb opportunity to end it on a high note with just six games remaining, as they sit a point outside the play-offs.
The Opposition
Charlton Athletic’s campaign has been below expectation as they sit 16th in the table, having won just 10 of their 40 league games this season. In fact, they only sit seven points above the relegation zone with six games to play.
Despite their disappointing campaign, the Addicks have found some form as of late, and are now nine games unbeaten, with six of those nine being draws. Nathan Jones’ managerial appointment in early February has evidently been a stroke of genius, as he has turned their fortunes around and seemingly saved their season.
On Good Friday, Charlton travelled down to Devon and earned a point against Exeter City, thanks to a late own goal to make it 1-1. Their last victory came at home to Carlisle United three weeks ago as a brace from Alfie May, as well as Daniel Kanu’s goal, secured a 3-2 victory over the struggling Cumbrians.
Alfie May is certainly the player to watch this afternoon, as he currently sits at the top of the League One goalscoring charts. The forward signed for the Addicks in the summer and has since scored an impressive 25 goals in all competitions.
The Manager
Nathan Jones is the current Charlton boss after being appointed in February, and has lost just one game in his tenure so far. The Welshman is a former Premier League Manager, having previously been in charge of Southampton in the top-flight. He has also managed Luton Town and Stoke City in the past.
The Stadium
Charlton Athletic have played at The Valley since it opened back in 1919. The ground has a current capacity of 27,111, but it once saw far bigger crowds, with a record attendance of 75,031 being set back in 1938. The Valley is just a five-minute walk from Charlton Railway station.
Officials
Scott Oldham has been appointed Match Referee for Monday’s clash, with Declan O’Shea and Anthony Da Costa as his Assistants, and Justin Amey as Fourth Official. Oldham has dished out 100 yellow cards and six reds in 33 games so far this season.
