MX23RW : Monday, December 23 12:01:21| >> :120:46812:46812:

Half-Time Report: Dale Stephens stunner puts Charlton Atheltic ahead

Half-Time Report: Stephens stunner puts Charlton ahead
© PA Photos
Blackburn Rovers are frustrated in the first half by Charlton Athletic as Michael Appleton searches for his first win in charge.

Charlton Athletic contained Blackburn Rovers for much of the opening 45 minutes and took full advantage to take the lead going into the break.

Rovers boss Michael Appleton employed a new 4-2-3-1 formation, opting to play Ruben Rochina behind lone striker Jordan Rhodes.

Charlton shaded possession in the early stages but it was Blackburn who had the first strike on goal when Simon Vukcevic fired wide from range.

Danny Murphy also failed to hit the target with a free kick as Charlton restricted the home side to efforts from distance.

Charlton burst forward on the counter and took the lead midway through the first half when Dale Stephens slammed into the top corner from just outside the area.

It was nearly 2-0 just moments later when Johnnie Jackson's shot from close range was well-saved by Jake Kean.

Blackburn went close soon after when Colin Kazim-Richards had a strong header well-saved before Charlton scrambled clear a dangerous corner.

The visitors held firm in the closing stages to keep alive their chances of recording a third successive league win.

ID:64887: cacheID:64887:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2677:
Written by
Liam Power
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Blackpool boss Michael Appleton on the touchline against Wolves on December 21, 2012
Read Next:
Team News: Rovers, Charlton both unchanged
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd22155232112148
2Leeds UnitedLeeds22136341152645
3Burnley2212822891944
4Sunderland22127334181643
5Blackburn RoversBlackburn2111462518737
6Middlesbrough22105738281035
7West Bromwich AlbionWest Brom22811326161035
8Watford2110473028234
9Sheffield WednesdaySheff Weds229582830-232
10Millwall217772118328
11Swansea CitySwansea227692424027
12Bristol City226972628-227
13Norwich CityNorwich226883734326
14Queens Park RangersQPR2251072328-525
15Luton TownLuton2274112538-1325
16Derby CountyDerby2266102728-124
17Coventry CityCoventry2266102834-624
18Preston North EndPreston2241172229-723
19Stoke CityStoke2257102330-722
20Portsmouth204882535-1020
21Hull City2247112131-1019
22Cardiff CityCardiff2146111934-1518
23Oxford UnitedOxford Utd2146112137-1618
24Plymouth ArgylePlymouth2146112245-2318


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!