Home   Kent   Sport   Article

Pardew gives thanks for Todorov

Charlton's saviour Svetoslav Todorov challenges Graham Alexander. Picture: Barry Goodwin
Charlton's saviour Svetoslav Todorov challenges Graham Alexander. Picture: Barry Goodwin

Charlton 1 Burnley 1

Under pressure Charlton manager Alan Pardew confessed that Saturday's draw with Burnley felt like a win after Svetoslav Todorov came off the bench to equalise and earn the club a much-needed point.

Pardew, whose faith in the Bulgarian international has been unshakable, saw that faith justfied when Todorov rose to glance Grant Basey's 76th-minute free-kick wide of Burnley goalkeeper Brian Jensen.

It was no more than the Addicks deserved after a wretched week in which they stared at a third straight defeat in eight days.

~ More pictures from The Valley >>>

"I believe that Toddy gives the side an indentity in much the same way that Zheng Zhi did before his injury," said Pardew.

"He showed he is almost there in terms of fitness after being out for a year and a month.

"Against Burnley he announced that he was back after such a serious injury."

Charlton appeared to be heading for another defeat after an inept first half in which in-form Burnley had what appeared to be a perfectly good goal disallowed.

They took a 13th-minute lead when Steven Thompson touched in Joey Gudjonsson's shot and always looked capable of building on it as they sought to improve on one defeat in 12 games.

Charlton supporters continually booed the side until the second half when the players produced a huge improvement following the introductions of Lloyd Sam and Todorow.

Though Gudjonsson was out of luck with a 79th-minute effort that hit the bar, Luke Varney should have won the game for Charlton two minutes from the end when Stephen Jordan's mistake allowed him a free run on goal. But he allowed Jensen to save and Michael Duff completed the clearance.


Charlton: Weaver, Moutaouakil, Primus (Sam 46), Hudson, Cranie, Ambrose, Wright (Holland 81), Bailey, Basey, Varney, McLeod (Todorov 46). Subs not used: Elliot, Bouazza.

Attendance: 21,884.

Close This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.Learn More