Charlton Athletic 2 v Lincoln City 1

Back-to-back wins ahead of Tuesday's day out at Old Trafford. The points edge us into the top half of the table and gives us a welcome cushion against talk of relegation. In truth it was another much improved performance over the 90 minutes and Dean Holden has certainly caught the players attention.

We started very slowly against a Lincoln side who looked determined to open the scoring. There was a worrying casualness about the defence in the opening 15 minutes as we strolled whilst the Imps ran. It took a late block by Inniss to prevent Lincoln taking the lead and after that we woke up.

There was still too much Clare-Inniss-Ness-Sessegnon and back again in front of a high Lincoln line but we eventually broke that up and began to get balls into Dobson, Morgan and Fraser who got us moving upfront. We were creating half-chances before Miles Leaburn got free down our right flank and swung a peach of a cross to the back post where Scott Fraser was running in and dunked a header across Rushworth and into the goal. 

Seven minutes later and Cory Blackett-Taylor, out to ensure his start at Old Trafford, ran on to a through ball down the left from Fraser. He cut in on goal and hammered a left foot shot over Rushworth's head and it was 2-0. After that we really should have sewn it up but we lacked the killer instinct and looked like we were content to keep playing and see what happened. 

After the break we really should have scored that third. Rak-Sakyi beat his man to get one on one with the goalie but his shot was well saved by Rushworth. Blackett-Taylor continued to skate down the left and fire hopeful shots in from distance but we failed to really open then up. Payne came on for Morgan after 70  minutes and Kirk was eventually introduced for Rak-Sakyi although I don't know why as all he did was stray offside and lose possession. We really should have seen the last of him by now.

It was good to see Brendan O'Connell finally get back onto the pitch after a long lay-off, even if it was just for the 7 added minutes. Lincoln managed to find an 89th minute consolation after loading our box and finding a shot to beat McGillivray. We played the time out but Lincoln did get a final chance with a low shot across the goal which squeaked past the far post. A draw would have flattered the visitors.

On to Old Trafford and I note that the club have decided to open the ticket office today (11am-3pm) after all. I suspect the torrential downpour at the end of the game yesterday meant far fewer tickets were collected than anticipated and that we might still have a few thousand to be collected.

After the disappointment of not getting general sale tickets on Wednesday, I was encouraged on Thursday that we weren't going to sellout again quickly. Managed to find a hotel in Manchester and an affordable train journey, albeit via Liverpool, so I will be at the ball after all.