Charlton and Chesterfield Create Cup Classic
Posted by The Addickted in Charlton | 9 November 2006
On a cold Tuesday night in Derbyshire, Iain Dowie's men, following the likes of Man City and West Ham, were the third potential Premiership scalp of League 1 minnows Chesterfield. Charlton on the other hand, looking to defend their 5th consecutive clean sheet, fielded a strong starting XI and as the scenario promised, a great game was to follow.
Two minutes in and here came the first shock of the game. From a corner Colin Larkin arrived at the front post unmarked to divert the ball past a stunned Scott Carson, via the crossbar. Hasselbaink's 40th minute equaliser from long range was then cancelled out by another goal for the Spirites, once again only minutes into the half, and once again from a corner. Substitute Darren Bent pulled it back for the Addicks and kept them in the tie, end of 90 minutes!
Charlton led for the first time in the game in the first half of extra time, Hasselbaink tapping in his second from close range. The visitors looked set to cruise to a 3-2, but after Jimmy Floyd missed a good chance for his hat-trick there was another twist. Chesterfield veteran Wayne Allison headed home from another set piece in the 120th minute to take the game to penalties.
An epic penalty shoot out was ended when Hreidarsson scored Charlton's 4th spot kick after two top draw saves from Scott Carson. This secured a place in the last 8 of the League Cup for the first time in the Charlton's history. Credit to Chesterfield for really taking the game to Charlton and looking the superior side for prolonged spells of the game.
(Charlton) MoM: Luke Young - Remained solid whilst others around him were crumbling.
