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Addicks eye derby success

Author: Lynda Collins
Date: 25/01/2010
Football betting

Charlton Athletic will hope to continue their push for an immediate return to the Championship when they play host to London rivals Leyton Orient on Monday evening.

The Addicks are hot on the heels of Norwich City and Leeds United, having embarked on an 11-game unbeaten league run since a 3-1 reverse at Carlisle United at the end of October.

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Manager Phil Parkinson's position was in question earlier on this season, but he was left to hail his side after their latest success - a 2-1 victory at home to Hartlepool United last Tuesday evening.

He told the club's official website: "The spirit was absolutely first-class and I said that to the boys afterwards. I say it every week and hopefully I'll be saying it right until the end of the season - spirit is everything."

Parkinson is still without central defender Sam Sodje, who finally completes a four-match suspension, while Frazer Richardson should continue at right-back after coming through unscathed against Pools following a recent injury lay-off.

In Sodje's absence Miguel Llera will partner Christian Dailly at the heart of defence.

The Addicks will need to be on their mettle, however, with the visiting O's having clinched a morale-boosting 2-0 victory over Yeovil Town las week to move out of the relegation zone.

That game saw three new signings make their debuts, with striker Jonathan Tehoue, midfielder Nicky Adams and defender Matthew Briggs all playing a part against the Glovers.

Geraint Williams' side had previously been without a win in their last five league games, with goals a major concern for the Brisbane Road outfit.

Scott McGleish is their top scorer with nine league strikes, while centre-back Tamika Mkandawire is second on the list with five goals.

Mkandawire was on target last week and later admitted that it had been tough in recent weeks, with Orient having gone three weeks without a game due to the big freeze.

He had told the club's official website: "It's a great start to the year. It's great to get out on the pitch again finally and great to pick up three points.

"It's been quite difficult over the last few weeks. We haven't been able to train properly because of the weather. That's been frustrating but the break has also been good for us because it means we're well rested."

Earlier this season, Mkandawire opened the scoring against Charlton at Brisbane Road, but replies from Jonjo Shelvey and Deon Burton gave the Addicks a 2-1 victory.

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