On a sunny day The Valley was looking at its best for the bumper crowd
That was the ironic chant of the Covered End as Charlton defeated Stevenage 2-0 at The Valley today. Both goals came from open play with Bradley Wright-Phillips finding his scoring boots again. Indeed, he could have made more if it had not been for a couple of excellent saves by Stevenage's veteran keeper who had changed into a special magic boot halfway through the second half.
At London Bridge the driver of a Sevenoaks bound train leant out of his cab and said that he had a bad feeling about today, having been to the away defeat. He was only echoing what Charlton's many pessimists had been saying all week, arguing that a faltering Charlton would be no match for a team the calibre of Stevenage.
I had suspected all along that Stevenage were not really that special and it proved to be the case. With Solly back on the right and skipper Johnnie Jackson playing again, Charlton took charge of the game for most of the 98 minutes.
The day started with me being greeted by my CEO in the Marks & Spencers checkout queue in his jeans. I decided that on balance this was a good omen.
We started the game much more vigorously than we had against Rochdale which of itself was a good sign. The Stevenage supporters advised the crowd of 26,546 that 'you've only come to watch the Borough' which seems unlikely even given all the media interest surrounding the heroes of Hertfordshire.
Bradley Wright-Phillips won a corner for Charlton on five minutes which was followed by two more. The visitors then broke but Solly showed real skill in dealing with the situation and was able to clear. Green made a good run. Stevenage demonstrad their physical approach with a player standing on BWP's foot and he required some treatment.
Stevenage were then given a dubious free kick, but Hamer dealt with the situation well. A corner for the visitors was cleared without too much difficulty. Two players collided, but the referee ruled that where this happened a free kick should be awarded to the visitors.
Borough had to take off Chris Beardsley and bringing on Darius Charles who subsequently demonstrated an ability for arguing with the officials if nothing else.
The incompetent East Stand linesman contrived to give a throw in the wrong way, but the referee overruled him. Danny Green set up BWP well but with an open goal in front of him he put the ball over. A goalmouth scramble led to nothing. Chris Solly won Charlton a corner.
There was a penalty shout for a blatant push in the box which would have been seen by any normally sighted linesman, but instead we got a Charlton corner was caught by the keeper.
Green put in a good cross to BWP, but he headed over. Bostwick was given a yellow card for a foul on Solly. Four minutes were added on and Hamer was called on to make a save.
Half time: Addicks 0, Borough 0
BWP put in a speculative shot. Morrison saw his chance from some way out and put in a shot that caught the keeper unawares and put the Addicks 1-0 ahead. A shot from Green was not far wide. Bradley Wright-Phillips and put the ball in the net, although it has subsequently been claimed that it received assistance from two Stevenage players, but it was going in anyway.
Johnnie Jackson won Charlton a corner. Stevenage took off former Addick Stacy Long and brought on Jennison Myrie-Williams who has one of the most distinguished names in League 1. There was some trouble in the Jimmy Seed and a charm merchant was escorted out by security in front of the stand.
A good shot by Wiggins was beaten down by keeper Chris Day who in my view is one of their best players. Those looking for negatives have blamed BWP for not scoring more, but Day made some good saves. However, he was getting increasingly frustrated with this boots which he banged against the goalpost. Signals to the bench allowed a special magic boot to be fitted.
BWP had a chance, but a reinvigorated Day saved with his leg. Danny Green received a yellow card. Jackson was taken off and replaced by Haynes. An effort by Haynes was saved by the keeper at the expense of a corner. The keeper saved with his legs again from BWP. Charlton won two corners in succession. Hollands was given a yellow card for nothing in particular.
Wright-Phillips was taken off and replaced by Pritchard. In the time added on we kept the ball well and victory was deservedly ours.
Meanwhile, over at High Wycombe, they were chanting 'It's just like watching Charlton Athletic' after three of their five goals against Hartlepool came from our two loan players, two from Hayes and one from Doherty.
We can be fairly relaxed about the Sheffield derby today, but here are the permutations:
1. If it's a draw, the Blades will be 9 points behind us and the Massives will stay in 5th place on goal difference, 14 points behind us.
2. If the less massive team in Sheffield win, they will be 7 points behind us, still a tough challenge to overtake us.
3. If the Massives win, they will be 3rd and 12 points behind us.
Match analysis
Ivy the Terrible has awarded the Silver Bone to Bradley Wright-Phillips who was back to his old form. Hamer was not troubled that much by Stevenage's characteristically inaccurate shooting, but he did have some saves to make and, one fumble aside, exuded calm confidence. Taylor played his part and Morrison had an excellent game, not least his well taken goal. Wiggins was back to his old self in his usual position and Solly had some sublime moments of skill. Jackson was not at his very best, possibly not 100 per cent match fit after his injury, but he made a contribution. Hollands was more evident than he has been in some recent matches and Stephens made a contribution that was not always obvious but significant nevertheless. Green was greatly improved on Tuesday's performance. Kermorgant once again demonstrated his commitment and skills. Haynes was energetic and saw something of the ball. Pritchard had a cameo.
Juneau the Soccer Cat has brought back to Hiss of the Match duty after new recruit Reg had been associated with some less successful Charlton performances. She gave the hiss to referee C Pawson who was whistle happy and always inclined to look favourably on Stevenage, plus giving Hollands a card for a very trivial offence. Reg was allowed to hiss at the East Stand linesman who showed a remarkable dim incompetence. Finally, a hiss was given to rowdy Borough fans at London Bridge and King's Cross.
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