Addick's Third Division Diary

Convincing win for Charlton?

2012-03-20T15:54:00.003-07:00

Charlton's 3-0 victory over Yeovil tonight looks like a convincing win on paper, but moaners are already saying it was a poor performance. Perhaps the Yeovil fan in the Sheepside stand at Leamington tonight was nearer the truth when he said that Charlton would simply have too much quality for the Glovers.

Danny N'Guessan grabbed a goal on his debut when his cross-cum-shot sailed through the hands of keeper Sam Walker to give the Addicks a half-time lead. Perhaps he is another Kermorgant style signing by Chris Powell, but moaners declared that it was a fluke goal.

Bondz Ngala's snap-shot was well saved by Ben Hamer but Bradley Wright-Phillips nodded in unmarked from six yards as the visitors switched off.

Nelson D'Ath struck a crossbar for the Glovers, but Darel Russell poked home a great Rhoys Wiggins' cross to seal victory for the Addicks.

For some of those who were there Cort was man of the match, winning every header. He replaced Taylor, who has been below par recently, and was relegated to the bench.

Elsewhere, Sheffield United did a 5-2 demolition job on Notts County, while the Massives scored a last minute equaliser to share the points with mighty Walsall. Another truimph for the 'we're already promoted' team.

Addicks are there for the taking

2012-03-20T08:02:00.001-07:00

Yeovil Town are in confident mood ahead of tonight's game at The Valley and are hoping to spring a surprise: http://www.yeovilexpress.co.uk/sport/yeovil_town_fc/9600673.Charlton_Athletic_v_Yeovil_Town__We_ve_got_a_chance__says_Johnson/

Former Charlton loan player Dean Parrett enjoyed his time with the Addicks which he thinks helped his development but is out to make an impression tonight: http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/Yeovil-Town-Dean-Parrett-keen-impress-colleagues/story-15567447-detail/story.html

The Pressure Is On

2012-03-19T23:25:00.001-07:00

Chris Powell has warned the team that they must 'embrace the pressure' of being the top club in League One. 'I think the pressure gets to any team, whether they're at the top or the bottom, but you have to embrace that pressure at the top,' the Addicks supremo said.

At this time of the season we face teams fighting to avoid relegation, of which there are many. Among the sides competing for promotion, only Huddesfield are left among our fixtures. But even mid-table sides like the glory of taking the scalp of the leading club.   It's tough and exposed at the top.

I have always found having to grind results out against Yeovil one of the most irritating aspects of playing in League 1.   The Glovers engage in an annual struggle to remain at this level and somehow they always manage it.

At the moment they are 3rd in the form table, above Charlton, having put together a little run.   On Saturday leading scorer Andy Williams scored two fluke goals to defeat Walsall.   One went in off his backside and the other was diverted into the net by a Walsall player.

Meanwhile, a Sheffield Wednesday fan writing in The League Paper has declared that automatic promotion is now secured.   I suppose that confidence comes from supporting a massive club and contrasts with the nervousness at The Valley. However, I think we will win 2-0 tonight.

Powell doesn't keep us guessing

2012-03-19T08:48:00.002-07:00

Chris Powell has moved quickly to bridge the gap in his forward line by signing Dany N'Guessan on loan from Millwall until the end of the season. The versatile attacker, who can play as a central striker, a wide forward or in an advanced midfield position, signed on at The Valley this morning. N'Guessan, who will wear squad number 39, will go straight into the Addicks' squad for the visit of Yeovil Town tomorrow evening.

The 24-year-old is a previous team-mate of Powell during his time at Leicester City and spent time at Southampton during their promotion-winning campaign in League One last season. Having initially joined Millwall on loan at the start of August, he completed a permanent switch at the end of the month and has made 19 appearances for the first team since then. He has played just four matches in 2012, including scoring in the Lions' 3-2 victory at Southampton in the FA Cup, but has been deemed surplus to requirements by manager Kenny Jackett.

Super Hoops winger Lee Cook has also been brought in on loan. He had a previous loan spell at Charlton in 2008. He will provide left-wing cover for Johnnie Jackson.

Charlton stay nine points clear

2012-03-17T10:18:00.005-07:00

The Addicks stayed nine points clear at the top of League 1 after a 1-1 draw at Scunthorpe today. Sheffield United drew 1-1 at home with Tranmere Rovers allowing the Massives to draw level with them on points after win at Notts County. Huddersfield in fourth place are five points behind the two Sheffield sides after their 1-1 draw at Colchester.

Scunthorpe thus confirmed their position as League 1 draw specialists. Bradley Wright-Phillips put the Addicks ahead after 6 minutes, the assist coming from a cross from the right from Scott Wagstaff. It almost became two sixty seconds later, following a Johnnie Jackson free kick, but the shot from Hollands was blocked.

The Iron levelled from the penalty spot after 21 minutes when Rhoys Wiggins cut down Thompson.

The home side had the better of the second half, but Hamer made some good saves which is encouraging to hear.

Elsewhere, Jose Semedo has made it clear how pleased he is to be playing for a truly massive club. The one time Valley hero replied to the question "As you know, Charlton now look certain for promotion, do you have any regrets in leaving?" - 'No, none at all. It was the best thing to do in my life. Sheffield Wednesday are bigger, have the better atmosphere, big fans, best fans'

Leon Clarke gone

2012-03-16T23:17:00.000-07:00

Leon Clarke has joined Crawley Town for the rest of the season and on loan and there is no recall clause: http://www.crawleyobserver.co.uk/sport/football/crawley-town-sign-leon-clarke-from-charlton-until-the-end-of-the-season-1-3637214

He was about to get on the coach for Scunthorpe when the news, which has been described as 'sensational' in Crawley, came through.

He has perhaps not added that much at Charlton. There are no known plans for bringing anyone else in as cover.

Local boy makes good

2012-03-16T10:42:00.001-07:00

Former Chard Town keeper Ben Hamer talks about his career: http://www.viewfrompublishing.co.uk/news_view/18361/5/1/weekender-sport-puts-charlton-athletic-s

Although the premise of this story that Greg Wylde might join Charlton rather than a Premiership side is flawed, the question whether 'ambitious' Charlton are a more attractive club than Aston Villa is an interesting one: http://hereisthecity.com/2012/03/16/is-charlton-athletic-really-a-more-attractive-club-than-aston-vi/

Morale high at Scunthorpe

2012-03-15T12:28:00.002-07:00

Morale is high at Scunthorpe after their 2-2 draw secured through a last minute goal at in form Yeovil on Tuesday. The Lincolnshire side have said that it felt like a win after the Glovers had declared beforehand that it was their cup final.

The view being taken is that the Addicks are there for the taking after their two recent shock defeats, giving a further boost to Scunthorpe's battle against relegation.

At the beginning of the season Scunthorpe were seen as potential promotion candidates rather than likely to be involved in a battle to escape relegation.

Scunthorpe are the draw specialists of the division, having shared the points in no less than sixteen games this season. At home they have won four, drawn seven and lost seven. It could be another draw on Saturday.

Charlton linked with Wylde

2012-03-15T04:36:00.002-07:00

Charlton are being linked with Greg Wylde, the Scottish under-21 international released by cash strapped Rangers. A number of Premiership clubs are interested in him, including Everton, but it is being claimed we have made the best offer.

We could certainly do with strengthening on the wing, but it seems that these were Wylde rumours. Commenting on a national newspaper report, Chris Powell told Pravda: "We haven't made any cash bid. It's like most players at Portsmouth and Rangers - names are being floated around everywhere - either through clubs trying to raise money or agents trying to fix them up with a new club."

"Wylde is someone I'm aware of but we know that Premier League clubs have been in for him. He's a good player, no doubting that. But as it stands I don't think we're in the running."

Blades draw at U's

2012-03-13T23:43:00.000-07:00

Sheffield United used up their game in hand yesterday evening with a 1-1 draw against Colchester, meaning that the Addicks retain a 9 point lead at the top of League 1.

There were extensive obituaries in the papers yesterday of Lord Wedderburn of Charlton. Born in Deptford, he was first taken to The Valley at the age of two. Although he lived in North London, he always said that Arsenal were never the same after he left Woolwich.

'Charlton Athletic' was listed as his sole recreation in Who's Who, although how much it is a recreation could be an interesting question. He often wrote to the Press Office at The Valley.

New Huddersfield triumph and news roundup

2012-03-12T03:25:00.001-07:00

Jordan Rhodes is the League 1 Player of the Year, giving Huddersfield a new undefeated record in award ceremonies. Johnnie Jackson gracuously tweeted that he had lost to a worthy opponent. However, a boost for the Addicks is that Jordan Cousins was named as League 1 Apprentice of the Year.

Commenting on the situation, a friend who is a Huddersfield fan said, 'My family is very disappointed at Lee Clark's peremptory dismissal by a jumped-up rich local businessman and are having a phase of distaste for Town and football in general. In my view too the Town team is not quite good enough to go up - weak defence (which Lee should have sorted).'

You can vote for Bradley Pritchard as Zimbabewe International Sports Personality of the year here: http://www.zimachievers.com/component/acepolls/poll/9-intl-sports-personality

Ben Hamer has tweeted that he is in the treatment room this morning, alongside Paul Hayes who picked up a hamstring niggle at Wycombe.

Third tier promotion wobbles

2012-03-11T12:16:00.002-07:00

Previous third-tier promotion wobbles below:

March 29th 1975 - Charlton 1 Grimsby 1 D
April 1st 1975 - Swindon 2 Charlton 0 _ L
April 5th 1975 - Charlton 2 Bournemouth 3 - L
April 7th 1975 - Tranmere 0 Charlton 1 - W
April 12th - Peterborough 1 Charlton 1 _ D
April 19th 1975 - Charlton 0 Bury 1 - L
April 22nd 1975 - Hereford 2 Charlton 2 - D
April 26th 1975 - Chesterfield 2 Charlton 0 - L
April 29th 1975 - Charlton 3 Preston 1 - W - promoted

P9 W2 D3 L 4

4th April 1981 - Charlton 1 Huddersfield 2 - L
11th April 1981 - Rotherham 3 Chartlton 0- L
14th April 1981 - Charlton 1 Portsmouth 2 - L
18th April 1981 - Fulham 1 Charlton 0 - L
21st April 1981 - Charlton 0 Oxford 0 - D
25th April 1981 - Carlisle 1 Charlton 2 - W - promoted

P6 W1 D1 L4

Second half fightback is not enough

2012-03-10T11:40:00.003-08:00

One Addick who had travelled a considerable distance to the game left in disgust five minutes before half time after Charlton had gone down 0-4 at home to Notts County.   He missed a second half fightback when Charlton started to play football as they can. But it was too late to compensate for the appalling defensive errors in the first half and the Addicks finished the game 2-4 down.

It might have been a different story if we had been awarded a penalty in the second half after Bradley Wright-Phillips was brought down and it was presumably this that Chris Powell was politely remonstrating with the referee about after the game. It was certainly as justified as the two free kicks that followed.

I was feeling relatively optimistic before the game.   Last Sunday Coventry Blaze won an against the odds victory at home to Nottingham Panthers and I might have known that the city of Nottingham would fight back.   Charlton have never won promotion in March and it's pretty certain that they won't again. Earlier in the day some of the Addickted were calculating at which match we would win promotion and I did think it was a hostage to fortune.

But today and Tuesday is a wake up call and a warning against complacency.   We need to revive our spirit, find our defensive strength and our skill again and all will still be well.

We started brightly enough with Solly efficiently shepherding out the ball from a Magpies attack. But then there was a warning of what was to come with Hamer conceding a corner, rather unnecessarily, and then forced to concede a second one.

Haynes, having not touched the ball, had to be taken off with a hamstring problem.   After that we began to lose our shape.

Judge then put a strike in from distance to put the visitors 0-1 ahead.   Post match commentary has been remarkably kind to Hamer, who has held his hands up on Twitter.   This strike probably could not have been stopped, but he might have tried.   As it was he was motionless.

Wiggins changed his boots to cope with the conditions, but County powered down their left with Solly out of position and two minutes after the first goal Forte had scored the first of his three.

Morrison drew a save on the line.   Kermorgant went down the first of a number of times.   He was putting himself about and getting some rough treatment in return.   Wiggins won Charlton a free kick, but we were not able to do anything with it.

A mix up between Hamer and Taylor led Forte to score his third goal on 35 minutes and he got his fourth with a header on 40.   Even the Bloke Behind Me was stunned into shocked silence.

Charlton won their first corner on 44 minutes but it led to a free kick for County and Kermorgant picked up a yellow card.

Half time: Addicks 0, Magpies 4

Chris Powell's half time team talk clearly had an effect and Charlton looked much livelier after the break, winning an early corner through good work by Wright-Phillips (worth noting because some have argued that all he did was score the goal).   I thought County were going to make it five but the ball seemed to come off the post.

Wright-Phillips raised the spirits of the Addickted with his goal on 50 minutes and he turned provider for Wagstaff to score five minutes later.   Another shot came in which was just wide.   Wright-Phillips was shoved in front of goal, but the referee, who has only just started his weight watchers course, wasn't having any.   He did then give two rather generous free kicks in promising positions as compensation for his poor decision-making, but we were unable to gain any advantage from them.

County made their first substitution on 60 minutes and perhaps we should have thought of bringing Clarke on as the intensity of our efforts start to subside as the physical tool involved started to be felt.

Charlton were awarded a free kick, but the below par Jackson put it wide.   A corner was conceded to County through naivety on the part of Taylor, but fortunately it was not productive for them.

The convention of ice hockey referees in the Jimmy Seed were revitalised by County coming back into the game and started chanting 'Give us five!'

Charlton won a corner and then County were given a dubious one courtesy of the lino. Another Charlton corner was punched out by the keeper.   Charlton were not able to take advantage of the four minutes added on with Kermorgant felled again.

Notts County boss Keith Curle, who has secured 16 points out of 18 with his 'quiet revolution' said afterwards, 'We [knew] we could cause them problems if we were prepared to keep the ball down and pass and play.'   Charlton might note that.   There was too much use of the long ball as the game went on in a desperate attempt to narrow the gap.

A lounge lizard reports, 'Had a chat with Kermogant after the game and he said the team are under too much pressure at home, whereas away the pressure is reduced and they can play without the fans on their backs.'

Scunthorpe will be a test of that.   We then face super, soaraway Yeovil who are now second in the form table.

Match analysis

No one really deserved the award of the Silver Bone so there is no recipient this week.   Although all the blame for the goals cannot be laid at the door of Hamer he had a mare of a match. Moreover, knowing that he is going through a bad patch the central defence should have done more to protect him.   Both Taylor and Morrison were at fault, although Morrison did have our one decent shot on goal in the first half. Solly competed well, but was at fault in relation to the second goal.   He also needs to speed up his throw ins. Wiggins was the player who came nearest to getting the Silver Bone, he did get forward well and his passing was accurate. Jackson had a very poor game by his standards and was involved relatively little, but much the same could be said of Stephens (apart from one nice move) and Hollands.   The early loss of Haynes to a hamstring problem disrupted our game plan. Wagstaff certainly made a contribution when he came on, including scoring a goal.   Kermorgant certainly got involved and got forward well, although he appeals too much for decisions.   Wright-Phillps gave his all and provided the assist for one goal and scored another.

Juneau the Soccer Cat has given the Hiss of the Match to referee B Malone. When I saw the stocky referee high fiving his linos before the game I knew we were dealing with a pratt who was well up himself.

Waggy unhappy

2012-03-09T04:56:00.000-08:00

Scott Wagstaff is unhappy with the amount of game time he has been given this season: http://www.southlondon-today.co.uk/sport.cfm?id=9151&headline=Scott%2520Wagstaff%2520frustrated%2520at%2520lack%2520of%2520game%2520time

I know that Waggy has a lot of fans among the Addickted and Danny Green has his limitations. However, pace is not everything and when he does come on he has made little impact. He also has acquired an unfortunate habit of whingeing to the officials about every decision that does not go his way

County ready to rise to the challenge

2012-03-08T23:58:00.002-08:00

Keith Curle's quiet revolution comes to The Valley tomorrow and with Notts County hoping to secure a play off place they are ready to rise to the challenge: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Notts-County-rise-biggest-challenge-says-boss/story-15430826-detail/story.html

On the whole, the tone of what is coming out of Nottingham strikes me as less confident than the very strong confidence coming out of Colchester earlier in the week.

Curle told Radio Nottingham, 'Charlton proved last week that they are not unbeatable. Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday will be difficult games but they have weaknesses.'

'If you ask everybody in the division they will say Charlton will get promoted as champions, but they have to get over the line. We have a gameplan that we will take there. The majority of times they play 4-4-2. Can we match them if we play 4-4-2? Yes. And can we give them problems if we play a different formation? Yes.'

Sounds like a 4-5-1 involving the team bus. Charlton should be good for a point.

Chris Powell has won his third manager of the month award, a further burden to overcome. Former Addick Jon Fortune has signed for Exeter City.

Now that the dust has settled

2012-03-08T02:28:00.000-08:00

Now that the dust has settled from Tuesday's defeat by Colchester United, we can take a calmer view of the situation. Essentially we lost because of a superb early goal and a mistake by Hamer. These things happen.   Sooner or later we were going to suffer a home defeat and it was likely to come in a midweek fixture with a low attendance.

Reaction among fans has been measured.   Earlier in the season it would have been 'we can kiss goodbye to any hope of promotion', 'I've seen this coming' and 'Powell's inexperience is showing through'.

One line of criticism has been that our football has been effective rather than scintillating.   I will settle for effective if it gets us out of this division. We are up against physical, negative teams with little protection from officials.   And we do have a League 1 side which we will need to rebuld following promotion.

Midfield does concern me.   Green needs to do more than provide a few good crosses. Stephens is effective enough, but rarely sets up an attack.   Sometimes I wonder if Hughes would add a bit more grit.

A Burnley fan told me last night that he was looking forward to playing us next season. He noted that whenever Charlton lost or drew a match, they went on to win the next three. Let's hope he's right.

Charlton lose unbeaten home record

2012-03-06T13:40:00.001-08:00

It’s an unchanged side for Charlton here at The Valley tonight with Ben Hamer pronounced fit reports Paul May. With Wyn Grant kept in Warwickshire by work commitments, yours truly will provide the report from a cold SE7. Word came through on Twitter on some Addicks stuck on the M25.

On five minutes Wordsworth hammered the ball beyond Hamer into the top corner to make it 0-1. It was some goal: Hamer could not have stopped it.

Colchester won a corner, Charlton eventually got it out of the danger area. The Addicks were rocking a bit defensively.

Green put in a cross, the shot from Wright-Phillips looked as if it might head for the bottom corner, but it took a deflection for a corner. Following a throw in, Stephens put in an effort which went over, a corner being awarded for a deflection. Jackson’s corner was claimed by the highly rated U’s keeper.

Green shot after a move started by Solly. The U’s were able to clear. Solly turned provider for Jackson with an excellent pass and the skipper put in a rasping drive but it hit the bar.

Solly prepared to put in a shot, but the ball was taken off him. Nevertheless, Charlton were starting to apply some pressure. Wiggins floated the ball in after a delicious pass by Stephens, but no one was able to connect even though there were five Charlton players in the area.

Wiggins put in a superb ball to Hollands which flashed across the goal. The resultant corner was cleared by the U’s and Gillespie pushed Solly leading to a Charlton free kick.

Green fed Kermorgant and the ball took a deflection for another corner. Jackson’s corner was punched clear by the keeper.

Wiggins was furious when he was caught and didn’t get a free kick. Stephens over hit a ball, reflecting a lack of quality in the final third from Charlton. There were a number of errors, misplaced passes and poor ball control. Chris Powell did not look too happy.

Wiggins was caught again and this time a free kick was awarded, leading to a falling out between two of the U’s players. Word came through that Paul Hayes had scored at Wycombe.

Hamer released Wiggins with a great kick, the left back advanced but Wright-Phillips put the ball wide amid a ruck of players.

Hollands showed good pace and put in a deep cross, Jackson headed it back across ball and Wright-Phillips could not get the angle right and put the ball wide.

Wright-Phillips went down in the box but no penalty was awarded.

Half time: Addicks 0, U’s 1

Jackson put in a good ball, Kermorgant swung his left foot at it, it took a deflection and Charlton won their fifth corner. The keeper flapped at it, but the referee awarded a goal kick. Kermorgant argued the point with the referee.

Wright-Phillips put in a shot, but the keeper made a good save. Solly put a good ball in, but Jackson put it straight at the keeper who started to time waste.

Wiggins was fouled by Wordsworth. Kermorgant could not get enough on the header off Jackson’s free kick. Cynical play acting by Gillespie tried to get a free kick off Morrison.

Hamer dealt well with a Colchester free kick. Hollands won the ball and Wiggins earned a corner. Green’s corner was a decent one and it led to a second. Jackson’s corner won another one. Stephens made an effort, there were appeals for handball. The Charlton pressure was raising the spirits of the Addickted.

Izzet got a yellow card. Jackson floated a decent ball in, but Kermorgant conceded a free kick for hand ball as he slipped at the vital moment. The game went a bit quiet after fifteen minutes of pressure from Charlton.

Izzet went down and stayed down, play continued, Green put in a cross, the ball went into the net from Kermorgant, but it didn’t count.

Gillespie put in a shot but Hamer saved. Charlton needed to up the tempo. Rowlands fouled Hollands and a yellow card was awarded to Gillespie for kicking the ball away. Wordsworth put in a horrible tackle on Green and received a yellow card. The keeper got to Jackson’s free kick.

Kermorgant flicked on the ball to Wright-Phillips, but it was defended, although the Addickted thought it was a foul. The U’s doubled their lead through Gillespie. Hamer tried to control the ball and took an extra touch. Hamer was distraught. The Addickted tried to keep their spirits up by chanting ‘We are top of the league.’

Green was taken off for Haynes. A Colchester player dived at Wiggins and got away with it. Jackson looked as if he was struggling. Odejayi got round Wiggins and won a corner off Morrison. The corner was taken short and the shot was poor.

Haynes turned well and won the ninth corner for Charlton. Izzet came very close to scoring an own goal at the Covered End. The corner from Stephens was decent enough but was ultimately unproductive. Clarke came on. Morrison was booked, I was no quite clear why. Dale Stephens shot but it was just over the top.

Haynes was fouled but the Colchester player went down. The keeper punched the free kick clear. A volley by Kermorgant was charged down. The corner was headed clear. Gillespie was substituted and took his time coming over from the East Stand side.

Four minutes were added on. Solly put a good ball in, Haynes claimed a penalty. Hamer had to deal with a back pass. An effort from Kermorgant went straight at the keeper.

So Charlton lost their record of being unbeaten at home this season. However, Sheffield United lost 3-2 at Walsall so Charlton's points lead was unchanged, although the Massives beat Bury 4-1.

U's full of confidence

2012-03-06T05:04:00.004-08:00

Colchester United are full of confidence for tonight's fixture at The Valley. In the view of one of their legends, the pressure is all on Charlton: http://www.essexcountystandard.co.uk/sport/9571972.U_s_will_be_full_of_confidence__says_legend_Hunt/

'Red hot' striker Steven Gillespie is out for revenge after a goal he scored last February at The Valley was disallowed after the intervention of the fourth official: http://www.gazette-news.co.uk/sport/headlines/9571955.Gillespie_out_to_banish_Valley_memory/

I think this is going to be a more difficult match than most people allow, but I still think we will be able to manage a 2-1 win.

Pathé Gazette footage recalls Charlton's promotion from third to first division in two seasons in the 1930s. Perhaps we should bring back Jimmy Seed's magnetic board, but not the baggy shorts!http://britishpathe.com/video/football-comes-in-charlton-athletic-in-training/query/charlton+athletic

Hamer has 'outside chance' of playing

2012-03-05T01:31:00.000-08:00

Ben Hamer's ankle injury is being assessed and there is an 'outside chance' that he will play against Colchester United tomorrow night, according to Pravda.

The U's are full of confidence after their 3-0 drubbing of a physical Preston side on Saturday. Although they are 11th in the table, they are 6th in the form table having last only one of their last six matches. Away from home, they have lost six, but drawn five and won four.

A Colchester source said, 'Sooner or later Charlton are going to lose at home. This could be our night The news that their first choice keeper is injured is a bonus.'

Addicks go 13 points clear

2012-03-03T09:46:00.002-08:00

Charlton have gone 13 points clear at the top of League One after their 1-0 victory at Bournemouth. Sheffield United suffered a surprise 2-3 defeat at home to Oldham while the Massives secured a point away in a draw with pub team Rochdale.

Yann Kermorgant headed a stoppage-time winner from Danny Green's corner for the Addicks, although the home side complained it had not crossed the line.

Cherries striker Wes Thomas hit the post early on but home keeper Darryl Flahavan kept his side in the game with saves from Bradley Wright-Phillips and Danny Green either side of the break.

Danny Hollands and Dale Stephens went close for Charlton while ex-Addicks man Harry Arter shot wide for the hosts.

The 13th away victory for the Addicks eclipsed the previous best achieved in 1999-2000 when we were promoted to the Premiership.

Chris Powell admitted that it was 'a smash-and-grab victory.' Bournemouth manager Lee Bradbury said, 'Charlton gave it a push towards the end and you would expect it of a team like them.'

Hamer suffered a slight twist of the ankle, but it does not appear to be too serious.

He would say that, woudn't he?

2012-03-03T01:21:00.001-08:00

Bournemouth manager Lee Bradbury says that he is confident ahead of this afternoon's clash with Charlton: http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/9568041.Cherries__Bradbury_confident_ahead_of_Addicks_clash
/

But then he's hardly likely to say, 'I think this one is a game too far us. They simply have better players than we do and a cast iron defence. This is one game we have just got to write off. I am confident that we will lose by a smaller scoreline than Chesterfield.'

I am going for a 0-2 win by the Addicks.

Hollands: boo boys will boost Wiggins

2012-03-02T01:56:00.001-08:00

Danny Hollands reckons that any boo boys among the home supporters at Dean Court tomorrow will only boost Rhoys Wiggins to greater levels of achievement: http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/9565505.Cherries__Hollands_insists_boo_boys_will_spur_on_Wiggins/

Many of the Addickted are making a day (or a weekend) of it tomorrow. Meanwhile, it's strange times at Dean Court with the Russian owner's wife delivering the half time team talk last week and the chairman on a misconduct charge from the FA for his expletive deleted remarks on Radio 5.

The Cherris' leading goal scorer Marc Pugh is out for three weeks with an ankle injury: http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/9565501.Cherries__Pugh_out_for_three_weeks/

Chesterfield pictures

2012-03-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

Lots of pictures of individual Charlton players, of the action and of the Addickted in this report from a young Chesterfield fan: http://ryan147.com/2012/02/29/chesterfield-0-4-charlton-athletic/

Massive departure

2012-02-29T22:35:00.000-08:00

Despte winning the Steel City derby, Gary Megson has been sacked as manager of Sheffield Wednesday by Milan Mandaric: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17214703

Former Cardiff and Wolves boss Dave Jones is being linked with the job.

I am not a great admirer of Megson, but it's still a bit of a surprise.

Sheffield United beat Scunthorpe last night to narrow Charlton's lead at the top of League One.

Difficult night for moaners

2012-02-28T14:47:00.002-08:00

It was a difficult night for moaners as Charlton won 4-0 at Chesterfield to go 13 points clear at the top of League 1 with Bradley Wright-Phillips scoring a hattrick. As I left the 0-1 home defeat of Leamington by West Bromwich Albion, I heard on Radio 5 that Charlton has dominated the game just as they dominated the division.

Charlton went ahead as Danny Green's shot hit the bar and Wright-Phillips prodded the ball over the line. The striker swivelled to hook home his second, before Johnnie Jackson met Chris Solly's cross.

Wright-Phillips completed his first career treble with a deflected shot inside the six-yard box. The Addicks, who equalled a club record 12th away win of the season, are now 15 points ahead of the third-placed Massives.

An Addick who was there reported, 'This was an excellent performance against a lively Chesterfield who failed to finish their attacks with goal attempts largely due to the quality of our defence. Solly had an excellent game and Hamer did ok too. The mid field started to create the attacking options now Stephens is back in the side and Jackson is also back to his best. Kermongant won everything in the air as always and BWP confidence grew as the game went on.'

One worrying sign was the presence of a number of scouts.

Pressure on 'big club'

2012-02-28T05:15:00.000-08:00

The general tone of the narrative coming out of Chesterfield does seem too confident about tonight's fixture, the main line being that as Charlton are a big club that need promotion the pressure will be on them (presumably as distinct from the Spireites as a smaller club needing to avoid relegation):http://www.chesterfieldpost.co.uk/sport/chest_fc/09_2010/sports_cfc_00000362.html

According to one tweet some of the discussion on CL is treating Chesterfield as if they were Real Madrid, but this does not seem very apt to me, to put it mildly.

And now for seventh versus third

2012-02-27T00:14:00.000-08:00

Charlton are now third in the form table with Notts County in the second slot who are enjoying a so-called 'quiet revolution' under Keith Curle. If you look at the real table they have crept up so that they are now just two points behind the heroes of Hertfordshire.

Boosted by an influx of new players, Chesterfield are now up to seventh.    They have won three of their last six games and lost three. In those games they have scored an average of one goal per match but have also conceded less than one goal.

In the real table they are, of course, rooted at the bottom.   Their home record is better than their away form, but even at the b2net stadium they have lost six games, drawn five and won only four.

At the beginning of the season, Four Four Two forecast a finish in 8th place for the Spireites noting, 'You have to go all the way back to 1951 for the last time the Spireites played in the second tier, but it doesn't take much firing of the imagination to envisage that next step now.   The only way is up, it would seem.'   Mind you, the same magazine had us in 18th place.

Keeper Tommy Lee is reported as making two 'brilliant' saves on Saturday, but Chesterfield are playing a very young back four.

It's going to be another hard match, but I think we will manage a 2-1 win.

Top Powell interview

2012-02-25T23:03:00.000-08:00

A great interview with Chris Powell in the Mail on Sunday today in which he talks about the need to rebuild the relationship with the fans. Asked what would happen if a big club came in for him, he said that they already have.

Read more here: http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/sport/football/article-2106489/First-class-team-second-class-travel-How-Powell-makes-sure-Charlton-feet-ground.html

'We're better than Spurs'

2012-02-25T12:10:00.004-08:00

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.

Double deal for Chairboys

2012-02-24T04:36:00.001-08:00

http://www.wycombewanderers.co.uk/page/LatestNews/0,,10430~2622240,00.html Gary Doherty and Paul Hayes have joined the Chairboys on loan until the end of the season.

Neither side was likely to see any action with Charlton.

A rallying cry

2012-02-24T04:19:00.002-08:00

Rick from Ramsgate

A rallying cry from Rick from Ramsgate:

And won't the doomsayers be delighted if it is [a poor result tomorrow] - a whole evening of head-shaking told-you-so self-gratification. Some people need to get their heads out of their backsides.

Not only are Stevenage sixth on merit, but we are top on the same basis. By a wide margin.

Yes, the sky may fall in tomorrow, Powell may choose the wrong players and the ball might hit a beachball in front of Ben Hamer and be diverted in for a Stevenage winner. They might win by three, four or five goals.

We may go on a bad run and miss out on the automatic promotion places. Equally we may not.

Understandably people are nervous and want shot of this bloody awful division, but there is a big risk it becomes a self-fulfilling prophesy and the nervousness transmits itself to the players.

Come to The Valley tomorrow and enjoy the atmosphere of a near-capacity crowd. So much better than half-empty midweek games. Enjoy the challenge of playing a team that have recently shown they can frustrate one of the best sides in the country (not a statement I like making about Spurs) - and then lost to Notts County next time out.

If we lose, don't boo and don't blame the manager, the crowd, the referee or the opposition for cheating, accept that these things happen and move on. We will still have an outstanding chance of promotion next week and next month, whatever happens against Stevenage, Chesterfield, Bournemouth, etc.

[And don't forget that Victoria Stanyon will be opening the proceedings].

On the hand, if you prefer a good moan go here:
http://www.london24.com/sport/league-1/charlton-athletic/into_the_valley_are_charlton_shooting_themselves_in_the_foot_1_1218623

Are Stevenage the new invincibles?

2012-02-24T00:18:00.000-08:00

Earlier in the season Huddersfield were hailed as the invincibles, but it all went sour for the draw specialists and manager Lee Clarke exited under a cloud. Now Stevenage have been the subject of a certain amount of media hype.

We have to remember that their 0-0 draw against Spurs was achieved against a team playing below their best on a bobbly pitch.   If Parker hadn't made an otherwise good goal offside, Spurs would have won. But it does seem that the replay is serving as something of a distraction for the players.   During the week they lost 1-0 at mighty Notts County.

They will result to physical tactics and unfortunately these are likely to result in a blithe smile or a mild rebuke from the referee.   Their long ball tactics I think that our centre halves can handle.

Our midfield has disappointed recently and I would bring back Hughes in place of Stephens who has disappointed since his return from injury.   Hughes formed a great partnership with Hollands in a winning run.

Bradley Wright-Phillips needs to find his scoring boots. Someone remarked that he was putting in the effort, but he seemed to do better when he gave the impression of being lazy.

The nervy Valley crowd may be a factor.   Victory at home is expected as an automatic right and after twenty minutes if we haven't scored and aren't winning every ball the discontent will make itself felt.

I find this a difficult match to call, but I fear a 2-2 draw.

Valley of Disappointment

2012-02-21T22:22:00.003-08:00

The boos rang out round The Valley last night after Charlton's disappointing 1-1 draw with Rochdale. It was a salutary warning about the dangers of reading results off the table.   As Chris Powell noted in the programme, relegated sides have their own reason for battling for points.

And battle Rochdale did.   Their Hungarian keeper, on loan from West Ham, made two excellent saves that denied the Addicks goals (they could have used him at Upton Park where Green was sent off) and centre backs Amankwaah and Barry-Murphy intercepted ball after ball.

Nevertheless, it was a lacklustre performance by Charlton.   The side was weakened by the continued absence of Johnnie Jackson and, even more important, unbalanced by the absence of Chris Solly.

Solly is a key player, but even so we should have taken the game to Rochdale more.    Particularly in the first half, we let them impose themselves on the game.   Perhaps reflecting the number of matches we have played recently, we needed to up the tempo, but many of our players seemed to lack the required energy.   Rochdale should have been pressured more, as then they started to make mistakes, as was evident in the second half.

Just as one can't read results off the table, one cannot generalise from this result to that against Stevenage. This performance should serve as a wake up call and we may well play better against a better side, or at least show more motivation and interest.

Transport difficulties on the way to the game are also a bad omen. First our normally reliable local bus service failed to turn up and I had to hoof it to the station.   Then when I got to Marylebone the tube station was closed.   When I arrived at the ground Steve from Petts Wood informed me that Solly was ill and unable to play. Possibly we should have simply slotted Hughes in at right back.

The quiet start to the match was not a good sign and there was relatively little to note down in the first half.   There was a half chance on eight minutes and then Bradley Wright-Phillips put the ball wide on twelve. In a subsequent attack he should have passed the ball to Green who was free on the left rather than forging forward.   Charlton were getting caught quite often by the offside flag, although possibly the West Side lino was a little zealous.

A black cat was seen running in front of the control box, but it was not a good omen. Bradley Wright-Phillips won the first Charlton corner on 35 minutes. I was relieved to get to half time with the scores even.

Half time: Addicks 0, Dale 0

The inebitable hapened on 52 minutes when Adams went on a run and scored for the visitors.   Given our difficulty in scoring from open play, or indeed making much a corners, we needed a free kick in a promising position. Kevin Long duly obliged in an incident with Kermorgant and was shown the only yellow card of the game.

A Charlton corner was caught by the keeper.   Stephens put in a shot from distance that was just wide. Green was withdrawn in favour of Wagstaff and then Clarke came on in place of Wright-Phillips.

We started to win more corners, but were unable to do anything more with them. Evina off and was replaced by Cort.   An effort from Pritchard nissed the target.

We had two more corners in the three minutes added on, but they were unproductive.

Match analysis

Ivy the Terrible awarded the Silver Bone to Bradley Wright-Phillips who was lively and trying to make things happen. Hamer did not have a lot to do and I doubt whether he could have stopped the goal. Morrison was very much involved, particularly in the closing phase. Taylor conceded an unnecessary free kick in the first half, but otherwise was solid.   Evina did well, showing some pace and an ability to get forward.   Wiggins did not adapt to his enforced role well, but even when he switched back he made a mistake that gave the game to Rochdale for five minutes. Pritchard was energetic as always, but does he have the guile needed at this level?   It was not a great night for the midfield, Stephens sending the ball way over when he could have put in a decent cross and Hollands was not that involved. Green can put in a good cross but he tends to wait for the ball rather than chasing for it. Kermorgant provided an excellent free kick to score.   I had hoped that Wagstaff might unsettle Dale when he came on, but he was a disappointment. Clarke chased well, but did not make a real difference.   Cort had a cameo.

No complaints about the officials and none of the Rochdale players were obnoxious.   Reg has given the Hiss of the Match to the Bloke Behind Me for his non-stop monologue of complaint. We could see that Charlton were not playing well without his commentary.

Curbs pulls out of Wolves job

2012-02-20T07:43:00.003-08:00

As anticipated, Alan Curbishley has pulled out of the race for the manager's job at Wolves. Apparently he does not share the owner's vision for the club: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17098513

It now appears that there will be a second round of talks, at least according to a tweet from Curbs.

But attention has now switched to Reading manager Brian McDermott: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2104138/Wolves-consider-Reading-boss-McDermott.html

Keep calm

2012-02-20T00:19:00.001-08:00

There seems to be a slight air of panic in some quarters.   Our performance against the Dons did stutter, although I agree with Chris Powell that a draw was a good result at Prenton Park.   As The Times points out this morning, it is the automatic promotion places that matter and we are eleven points ahead of the Massives with two games in hand.

The Blades are clearly motoring, but although going up as champions would be great, at the end of the day it is a bonus. What we must avoid are the play off places.   Remember also that the massive side of Sheffield have to play the less massive side next Sunday.

Wednesday seem to be imploding at the moment.    Drinking During The Game noted that they would be taking a private jet to Chesterfield, but did not reveal the itinerary:

Kit coach leaves Hillsborough and heads south on M1
Team coach with onboard sauna and leopard skin accessories departs for Leeds/Bradford airport
Private jet from Leeds/Bradford to East Midlands airport
Kit coach collects players and takes them to Chesterfield

Just two games behind Wednesday and with two games in hand over them are Huddersfield.   It is difficult to see how the sacking of Lee Clark will play out, although many Huddersfield fans seem to think it was the right decision.

It has been pointed out that Huddersfield would be in a far worse position without the goals scored by Jordan Rhodes.   I don't think all the media hype about their invincibility did them any good. It was really all about being draw specialists combined with an ability to bottle it in the play offs.

Stevenage put up a good showing against Spurs, who were below their best.   The bobbly pitch helped the home side. They have a combination of physical play and being able to pass the ball, although we should be able to cope with their aerial threat.   What struck me was how wildly inaccurate a lot of their shooting was.

They are not prolific goal scorers, having scored 15 fewer than MK Dons one place above them. However, they have conceded fewer goals away from home (11) than any League 1 team.   Their experienced goalkeeper clearly plays a part there.

As for Rochdale, one must never read results off the table.   They won on Saturday with a penalty in the 92nd minute, although the Cherries had been rocked by one of their defenders being carried off with a broken leg.   Rather than claiming that his team are massive, Dale manager John Coleman said, 'Every game we play now will be massive.'

That applies to Charlton as well, but we should keep the faith.

Is Curbs out of the running for Wolves job?

2012-02-19T00:01:00.000-08:00

There has been speculation that Alan Curbishley is out of the running for the vacant managerial post at Wolves despite appearing to be the favourite at one stage: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11699/7530566/Wolves-manager-hunt-on-course

Earlier in the week it was suggested that the interview had not gone too well and there were rumours yesterday that Curbs had been offered the job but turned it down.

Another 1-1 draw with Tranmere

2012-02-18T08:57:00.001-08:00

With Jackson out with a leg injury, Bradley Pritchard starts at Prenton Park reports Erith Addick Paul May. Wright-Phillips retreats to the bench and Haynes starts up front.

It was a tepid start in bright sunshine but cold conditions on The Wirral. Tranmere put in a shot from distance after Stephens hesitated on the ball and was dispossessed. Quite a lot of possession was being given away on the bobbly surface and the play was quite scrappy.

Charlton won the first corner. Eventually the ball was put well wide by Stephens from outside the penalty area. Weir was unmarked on the penalty spot but put the ball over. Haynes won Charlton a free kick on the left a few yards outside the penalty area. Green’s effort was blocked by the one man wall but the Addicks won a corner. This led to a second corner, but the pressure produced nothing.

Taylor made a mistake with his header and conceded a corner to Tranmere. Hamer had to make two good saves to deny Brunt, although the flag went up at some point.

Tranmere won their second corner from a teasing cross by Devaney. However, the corner was a waste of time for the home side. Haynes accelerated well, but the move ended in a goal kick.

Charlton were not winning all the midfield battles on the hard and bouncy surface while Haynes and Kermorgant were hardly forming a partnership. A shot from Kermorgant was a good one, but it was deflected and fon Williams was able to save.

A shot from Hollands was blocked, but Tranmere launched a counter attack through a good run, Stephens looked like he was running in treacle, the ball was looped over the two centre halves and the home side scored through Brunt.

Tranmere attacked again, but Stephens was able to clear. Charlton looked a little shell shocked. Green threatened and stretched the Tranmere defence, but Goodison was able to clear. Charlton were looking brighter in the last five minutes, but an attack was broken up by the referee getting in the way.

Morrison gave the ball away, but Hamer gathered the volley from Devaney. A Charlton free kick was unproductive.

Half time: Tranmere 1, Addicks 0

Haynes put the ball across goal, Kermorgant was not able to connect, but Green won a corner. Hollands headed the ball down, but Williams put it over for another corner. Haynes nearly got through the defence and could have gone down for a penalty, but won a corner, leading to a second. Tranmere won a free kick.

Haynes looked as if he had pulled his hamstring and went off. Bradley Wright-Phillips waited to replace him. A cross by Wiggins was turned behind for another Charlton corner. The header from Morrison bounced off the underside of the bar and over the line, the referee pausing before making the decision.

The shorts of Wright-Phillips dropped to his ankles revealing his red underpants. A Tranmere free kick from McGurk was initially misjudged by Hamer with the wind making it difficult but then he back pedalled and dealt with it well by pushing it on to his own bar.

Once again the Charlton attack was broken up by the referee, setting up a Tranmere attack. Hamer had to respond promptly when he was the last player defending against Wallace. Tranmere got their third corner of the game as a result, but the effort from the home side went well wide.

Tranmere threatened, but the shot didn’t go anywhere. A Green cross was put in as a volley by Hollands but Taylor managed to put it over for a corner which was unproductive. Hamer had to deal with a shot from long range. Kermorgant was booked for a foul on Goodison.

Wright-Phillips threatened with a great run, but Taylor dealt with it. Wiggins made a great run, a decent cross came in, but Kermorgant put it well wide. The flag went up against Wright-Phillips, saving him from the disgrace of a miss from three yards out.

Fon Williams was shown a yellow card for time wasting. Four minutes were added on. A header from Kermorgant went over the bar.

For the fifth time in a row a match between Tranmere and Charlton ended 1-1.

The Massives lost at Chesterfield, but the Blades beat Preston to narrow Charlton's lead at the top of the table.

Rovers go all out for win

2012-02-17T09:48:00.000-08:00

After going without a victory for nearly two months, Tranmere Rovers are going all out for the three points against Charlton tomorrow: http://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/9538700.Tranmere_Rovers_playing_for_a_win_against_Charlton_this_weekend/

The last four games between the two sides have ended in 1-1 draws, but according to one Tranmere fan site I read Rovers are playing better than some of the best teams in the division.

Drinking During the Game thinks this a potential banana skin and he could well be right. Every match, wherever the opposition is in the league, represents a challenge. However, I think that we might be able to win and am going for a 2-1 victory for the Addicks.

Jackson is injury doubt

2012-02-16T09:08:00.000-08:00

It is uncertain whether Johnnie Jackson will be fit to travel to the match at Tranmere Rovers on Saturday. Some of us were concerned when he was pulled off relatively early on Tuesday.

The physios have been hard at work and he has received treatment yesterday and today, but no final decision has been taken on whether he will travel which does not sound too promising.

We have a strong squad, but the skipper is a key player.

Gloom and mean spirits on The Wirral

2012-02-16T04:28:00.000-08:00

After a good start to the season was followed by a slump in performances, Tranmere Rovers have been beset by 'gloom and mean spirits' on The Wirral:
http://www.wirralnews.co.uk/tranmere-rovers-fc/tranmere-rovers-fc-news/2012/02/16/tranmere-rovers-fc-defender-david-buchanan-keen-to-keep-things-in-perspective-80491-30337223/

However, ahead of Saturday's clash with Charlton, they have drawn heart from their 1-1 draw at The Valley when they reckon they had the better of the game.

Three Points, But Below Par Performance

2012-02-14T23:20:00.000-08:00

After what I and many others thought was a below par performance, Charlton took three points against MK Dons last night with a 2-1 win.   The match turned on two incidents just before the break which gave the Addicks penalties neatly slotted home by skipper Johnnie Jackson.

With the visitors down to ten men, Charlton did not really press for the third goal after the break but seemed content to hang on to their lead.   Their play was often casual, careless and complacent.   Inevitably, MK Dons got one back, but we managed to hang on, in part because of a couple of great saves by Hamer.

Elsewhere, the Massives went down 0-1 at home to Stevenage.   As I anticipated, Sheffield United won at Huddersfield, meaning that they move into the second slot eight points behind us.

The teams changed ends at the beginning of the game.   Dons won an early corner, but it was cleared. Hamer made a good save.   Solly but in some good work, but the team as a whole seemed rusty after their enforced break and the tempo was rather slow.   Charm merchant Gary MacKenzie received a yellow card which should have served as a warning to him.

Wright-Phillips won a corner for Charlton but it was caught by the keeper. An effort by Wright-Phillips was caught on the line by the keeper.   The Covered End seemed to think it might have gone over the line, but I am sure that it didn't.

Hollands put in a good run, but he was cynically fouled. No yellow card was awarded. Jackson was not far wide with the free kick.

The visitors had a real scoring opportunity, but Hamer dealt with the situation well.   Good work by Green and Wright-Phillips won Charlton a corner.

I was watching play going forward when it became apparent that Scottish charm merchant Mackenzie had Kermorgant in a headlock.   The referee was alerted by the noise from the Covered End and the East Stand lino spotted what had happened.   Mackenzie was shown the red card for the second time this season, although he was none too happy about and appeared to be ready to strike the referee.   Jackson stepped up calmly and slotted the ball home to make it 1-0.

Then Smith brought a Charlton player down in the box (I am not sure who it was and others give different accounts) and a second penalty was awarded, Jackson putting it into the opposite corner of the goal from his previous effort to make it 2-0.

Half time: Addicks 2, Dons 0

Immediately after the break the Dons took off Charlie MacDonald, who was thus unable to score his birthday goal and replaced him by lomg-standing player Kouo Doumbe.

Solly won Charlton a corner.   Stephens received a yellow card for a foul.   The free kick led to a Dons corner which was eventually cleared.

An effort by Wright-Phillips was wide.   A rather dubious free kick for the visitors led to an equally dubious corner.   Jackson was taken off and replaced by Haynes.   An effort by Wright-Phillips was wide.   The visiting fans started a conga in the Jimmy Seed stand, not a very impressive one given their small numbers.

Some of the Addickted were becoming frustrated by the way in which Charlton were trying to play possession football which invariably involves playing the ball backwards rom time to time.   Hamer saved a Dons corner, but then Bowditch broke through and put in a good strike which provided Dons with what turned out to be their consolation goal.

The closing minutes of the game were understandably nervous ones for the Addickted, but we held on, surviving a Dons corner in the three minutes added on.

Match analysis

Ivy the Terrible did not find it easy to award the Silver Bone as no one player had an outstanding game. However, despite the fact that he conceded a goal that a top class goalkeeper might have saved, Ben Hamer receives the award.   He made one outstanding fingertip save and at least one other excellent one. Our two centre backs had a less good game than usual. Taylor made some agricultural clearances and Morrison wanted too much of the ball at times.   Wiggins was also below his best, conceding one foul throw and, with a few exceptions, not getting forward as effectively as he usually does.   Solly gave his all as always, although sometimes he was caught out of position.   Jackson took the two penalties well, but had to go off quite early, possibly because of a niggle. Hollands was very active, but he didn't see that much of the ball.   Despite a shot that set up the second penalty, Green had a bit of a 'mare. Stephens had an effective game.   Wright-Phillips certainly made an effort and contributed a good deal in that respect, but he has still not found his scoring boots, although two opportunistic efforts were not that far wide. Kermorgant had a few sparkling moments, but did not make his presence felt as much as I would have liked.    Haynes apparently made a big impact at the Bury game with his energy, but he didn't see much of the ball this time.   Pritchard was limited to a cameo: his energy might have been useful earlier in a team that seem to be lacking it.

Rescue cat Reg has given the Hiss of the Match to charm merchant Alan Smith.

Chris Powell interview

2012-02-14T03:44:00.002-08:00

Long interview by Mihir Bose (how have the mighty fallen) in the Sub-Standard with Chris Powell who talks about being racially abused as a player and his baptism of fire as a Charlton manager:
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-24035240-chris-powell-racist-abuse-between-players-was-accepted-in-my-day.do

Dons to go for win

2012-02-13T11:01:00.000-08:00

MK Dons are going all out for a win at The Valley tomorrow night, according to assistant manager John Gorman. At least that means we won't see the team bus parked in front of the goal, making for an open game and scoring opportunities.

Dons have a full squad to choose from while ex Addick Charlie MacDonald is hoping to celebrate his birthday with a goal.

Read the full preview in the Milton Keynes Citizen here: http://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/sport/football/mk-dons/dons_target_charlton_scalp_1_3517740

Cartoonist Gorman has had a varied managerial career, the early part of which was closely linked with Glenn Hoddle. Indeed, despite being Scottish, he was for a time assistant manager of England. I seem to remember some kind of run in with him when he was at Swindon, but have forgotten the details.

Curbs throw his hat in the ring

2012-02-13T04:56:00.000-08:00

Alan Curbishley has thrown his hat in the ring after the dismissal of Mick McCarthy from Wolves: http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11699/7518206/Curbishley-willing-to-talk

It's some way beyond the M25, but given that Curbs has been out of management since 2008 he is clearly keen to get back in the dugout.

Valentine card

2012-02-12T23:00:00.000-08:00

After the postponement of two matches where we might have hoped to gain six points, live football hopefully becomes available to the Addickted again when we face MK Dons on Valentine's Day at The Valley.

It's an interesting evening as Sheffield United go to Huddersfield.   While this Yorkshire derby may appear to have a draw written all over it, my hunch is that the less massive of the two Sheffield teams will sneak a win.   Meanwhile the Massives themselves entertain Stevenage, currently top of the form table.   Despite their setback against the Grecians, Wednesday must be favourites to win, making it more important that we secure all three points against MK Dons.

Perhaps the outcome is not so clear at Hillsborough as Gary Megson thinks that the Owls 'got away with it' against Yeovil at home.   He feels that a lot of his players at the moment are not playing in the right manner, are lacking energy and some think that they are a lot better than they are.   However, the defeat at Exeter was apparently down to the referee.

The Dons are currently 12th in the form table, having drawn four of their last six games.   They have actually won more games away from home and have only been defeated four times on the road.

Despite a playing budget that falls every year they fail to win promotion, the expectations are that the Dons will secure a play off place at the end of the season.   Much of the credit must go to ambitious 30-year old manager Karl Robinson.   The so-called 'Scouse Guardiola' has a good young passing side.

I don't think this is going to be an easy game and I am going for a 1-1 draw.

Charlton retain 7 point lead

2012-02-11T08:58:00.001-08:00

Charlton retained a 7 point lead at the top of League 1 despite their match at Chesterfield being postponed. Sheffield Wednesday lost 2-1 at Exeter, the Grecians scoring the winning goal against the Massives in the 83rd minute. Sheffield United beat Wycombe 3-0.

Game off

2012-02-11T03:18:00.000-08:00

As expected today's game at Chesterfield has been called off because of a frozen pitch. Those on the coaches had already set off and have had to turn back. The club will have to meet the bill for an overnight stay for players and staff at a hotel near Nottingham.

Leamington's game against Swindon Supermarine has also been called off so I may be reduced to watching egg chasing this afternoon. At least I know that tomorrow evening's clash with the Sheffield Steelers at the Skydome will be on, a frozen rink being an advantage.

Danny Green interview

2012-02-10T00:19:00.000-08:00

Danny Green is featured in this BBC London and South-East interview: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16917556

Not much news from Chesterfield, let's hope that the weather doesn't scupper this fixture. A local fan site is forecasting a 'handsome win' for Charlton. Reading results off the table is always risky, but hopefully we can defeat the Spireites.

The pitch has passed its inital lunchtime inspection but there will be a further inspection by the match referee tomorrow afternoon: http://www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk/page/ClubAnnouncements/0,,10435~2606217,00.html

Chris Powell has been named npower League 1 manager of the month while Johnnie Jackson gets the player of the month accolade.

The pitch will be covered, but freezing temperatures are forecast for the Midlands overnight.

Enar Jaager to sign

2012-02-07T05:22:00.000-08:00

Recently on trial with Rangers, full back Enar Jaager is poised to sign for Charlton, unconfirmed reports are claiming. He is currently a free agent.

If he did I think that he would be our first Estonian player. However, we are well supplied with full backs.

The 27-year old has been capped 85 times for Estonia. He has played in Russia, Norway and Italy as well as in his home country, although his spell in Italy was not successful. He turned down an offer to play for the New York Red Bulls in the MSL.

Game off

2012-02-04T03:00:00.000-08:00

The temperature overnight in The Valley was not dissimilar to that here in Montréal at -6 degrees C. The Stanford le Hope based referee was asked to make an early pitch inspection and the game was called off, saving long distance fans from starting out.

The warm heating system no longer works and the company involved went bust. A well informed source stated, 'We should have installed underosoil heating when we were in the Premier League. The cost was peanuts to us, but the board chose what turned out to be a temporary fix and we have paid the price since. Running costs would still be high, but in terms of gate receipts we will have lost tens of thousands if the game goes to midweek.'

Incredibly, one moaner has argued that Bradley Wright-Phillips should not have been dropped on Tuesday as Chris Powell should have foreseen that the game would be called off. Clearly weather forecasting should now be added to his skill set.

From a narrowly selfish point of view it means I will now be able to go to the rescheduled game. I wouldn't have even been able to listen here as I would have been working.

Go away snow

2012-02-03T17:39:00.000-08:00

Seems that it's pretty cold round The Valley tonight, at least -4 deg C. which is about the same as here in Montréal. Snow and freezing conditions can be costly for clubs and the later a match is called off the more costs that cannot be recouped while many fans may have already set off. I know that some Addickted are coming from the north-west for the Rochdale game.

Once we used to play on packed snow as the picture from The Valley accompanying this article shows:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1242142/Footballs--10m-deep-freeze-Once-snow-didnt-stop-costs-mounting.html

Game on

2012-02-03T01:05:00.000-08:00

It looks as if any snow will not arrive in SE7 until Saturday night so it should be game on against Rochdale tomorrow. It's going to be cold, but not as cold as Montréal where I will be where the weekend forecast is for -8 to -9 degrees centigrade.

It was something of a stuttering performance against Bury on Tuesday with Leon Clarke disappointing, but hopefully Bradley Wright-Phillips will return tomorrow and end his goal drought. Our record at home against Rochdale has been a good one and I am going for a 3-1 win.

A Rochdale fan writes

2012-02-01T05:02:00.000-08:00

On paper Saturday's fixture against Rochdale should be easier than last night's contest with Bury, but then playing the Shakers should not have been such a test as we made it through a below par performance.

A Rochdale fan previews Saturday's game:

It has been an awful season. We had got used to success. Under Keith Hill we made the play-offs twice, went to Wembley, won automatic promotion, then equalled our best ever league place in our first season back in league one. Hill departed at the end of last season, taking Matty Done and Scott Wiseman with him , Craig Dawson, as expected, moved to West Brom and Chris O’Grady signed for Sheffield Wednesday.

The decision to appoint Man City youth coach Steve Eyre was a mistake, he had no knowledge of football at this level and his 21 games in charge produced just four wins, an inability to hold the ball in attack and an appalling goals against record. We were heading for relegation and a very low points total. Despite some promising signs, caretaker manager Chris Beech failed to halt the slide, picking up just three draws from his six games in charge.

Then, we appointed John Coleman, a seasoned campaigner who had been in charge at Accrington Stanley for twelve years. He has a difficult job on his plate but got off to a great start with a 3-0 derby day win over Bury last week, a more attacking approach, some tactical nous and already has made some good signings, with Michael Symes and Kevin Long plugging some definite gaps in the squad.

With 18 games to go and with a new found belief as a result of Coleman’s appointment, we are hoping there is enough time to make a fist of staying in the division. The game at Charlton is going to be very difficult. Anything at all will be a bonus. Bury took a point off you on Tuesday so who knows? From what I have seen though, I am very impressed by Powell’s managership and Charlton are nailed on certainties for the title.

Dale Stephens saves us from being Buryed

2012-01-31T13:40:00.000-08:00

Leon Clarke replaced a rested Bradley Wright-Phillips in tonight’s match against Bury at The Valley reports Paul May from a freezing Valley, standing in for Wyn Grant who could not get away from work in time to get to the match. Bradley Pritchard dropped to the bench to make way for a returning Dale Stephens. The referee was the banker from Billericay, Andy d’Urso.

An early effort by Danny Green from 35 yards out went over the top of the bar. The gloved Wiggins defended well as Bury tried to advance. A number of players combined well, but Jackson’s effort was disappointing. A strong challenge went in on Kermorgant and the referee had a word with the Bury player.

The Addicks were looking dangerous every time they went forward. A free kick from Green created an opportunity, but Hollands and Taylor went for the same ball and the keeper was able to gather. Jackson put in a good ball to Clarke and the keeper had to dive to his left to make a good save.

Kermorgant tried to play in Jackson, but the Shakers defended well. Green put in a cross, but it was cleared at the expense of a Charlton throw in and the move ended in a Bury free kick. Charlton won a free kick after Hughes fouled Clarke, but Bury were able to clear the danger. Bury made a rare attack but Hamer gathered comfortably.

Kermorgant put in a good header from 12 yards out but the keeper was able to make a very good save. Green put the keeper under pressure, but his follow up went into the Bury fans in the Jimmy Seed stand.

A handball was ignored by the referee and Bury won a corner. Bury won a free kick 15 yards inside the Charlton half. The header went in just wide of the target.

An effort from the edge of the 18 yard box by Lewis four minutes from half time caught out Hamer and the visitors went ahead. It was a soft goal to give away, the first one in the league of 2012.

Danny Green was shown a yellow card for an unnecessary tackle. The free kick went straight into the hands of Hamer.

After the first five minutes, the quality of Charlton’s play dropped away while Bury stuck to their plan with a lone striker.

Half time: Addicks 0, Shakers 1

Hopefully fired up by Chris Powell’s half time team talk Charlton came out first for the second half. Bury won an early corner after being allowed in too easily. Stephens charged the ball down at the expense of a Bury throw.

Kermorgant put in a shot when he could have laid the ball off to Green. Jackson put in a good cross but the ball went over the bar. Green put in an effort but the keeper saved well. Charlton won a corner after another handball was ignored. Morrison headed the ball back in and Taylor had a free header but put it over the top.

Green got the ball into the box, but Kermorgant was unable to seize the opportunity. He was not at his best. Bury won their third corner. The Addickted were getting restive. A header from Clarke went just wide.

Solly did well to keep the ball alive. Wiggins defended well. Charlton won a free kick in a promising position after Sodje fouled Kermorgant. Green’s delivery had too much height on it and not enough pace and the keeper gathered comfortably.

A shot from Wiggins deflected off Sodje to produce a corner for Charlton. Jackson’s corner was put wide by Kermorgant when he should have headed it across goal. Haynes came on for Clarke. There was a handball on the line at the Covered End by a Bury player to deal with a volley by Solly, definitely hand to ball, but nothing was given by d’Urso.

Wiggins put in a good delivery and Kermorgant headed back across goal but no one could get on the end of it. Green put in a poor delivery to the box. Stephens gave the ball away but won it back. A ball into the box by Wiggins led to a Charlton corner. The keeper got on the end of Green’s delivery who then indulged in a bit of time wasting.

Morrison gave the ball away. This was happening on Charlton’s part too often during the game in front of the crowd of 13,264. Wiggins floated the ball in to win a corner. The keeper conceded another corner. Jackson’s delivery was good, but it was cleared.

Pritchard replaced Hollands. Jackson got the ball on his left foot and put it over the top. A shot from Dale Stephens took a deflection for a corner. Green put the corner in and an excellent effort from Stephens went just wide of the post.

Wiggins was caught to win a free kick 25 yards out. Five minutes were added on. Kermorgant’s free kick went over the top. Taylor got a yellow card for a challenge on Lewis. Stephens produced a pile driver from 35 yards out to make it 1-1 as the bench went wild. It could be an important point.

Wiggins to Barca

2012-01-31T08:04:00.000-08:00

For £83m. It's a spoof, of course, but quite amusing: http://www.skybet.com/cms/breaking-transfer-news.shtm?name=Rhoys+Wiggins

I am sure that over time there will be increasing interest in him, but hopefully he will find playing for us in the Championship sufficient challenge.

Northern lights

2012-01-30T08:52:00.000-08:00

We've met quite a few teams from oop north recently.   First we were away to the massive Sheffield Wednesday and then the not quite so massive but still rather large Sheffield United visited us. After an away trip to cider country we entertain two of the smaller northern sides in League 1, Bury tomorrow and Rochdale on Saturday (by which time I shall be in Montréal).

The Shakers and 'Dale are deadly rivals and it was quite a blow when Rochdale beat them 3-0 on Saturday to complete the double over them this season.   Bury, however, remain just in the top half of the table and this is quite a feat for a team that was expected to be in a relegation struggle at the beginning of the season. As the Bury fan reviewing the match in The Football League Paper put it, 'The main objective remains to avoid relegation.'

Will Bury be one of those sides that park the team bus in front of the goal? I remember seeing them play at The Valley when we were both in the second tier and being disappointed with a 0-0, but then they did have Dean Kiely in goal.

This season they have only drawn once away from home but they have won six matches against losing seven.   They have conceded 24 goals away, which is more than any team down to fifteenth, while they have scored 18.   All this does not suggest a particularly defensive stance.

The bookies don't give them much chance, giving them 7-1 against to win and 3-1 for a draw. It could be an occasion for putting money on them to win as insurance.

Chris Powell has some selection dilemmas as it looks as if Dale Stephens will be fit again after a cameo at Exeter.   He is a very creative midfielder and might be able to feed Bradley Wright-Phillips the quality balls he needs.

However, it would be difficult to drop the hard working and often skilled Bradley Pritchard or Hollands for that matter.   I wouldn't play a 4-5-1 and drop either Kermorgant or Wright-Phillips.

I am entertaining a Rochdale fan to lunch tomorrow and he has already been e-mailing me about how they will win on Saturday under their new manager.   Indeed John Coleman has already confidently predicted, 'We're at Charlton next weekend so we'll just go there and expect to win again.'   Of his team's performance, he said 'it was just like watching Real Madrid. If we'd seen anything like that in the Premier League, we'd never hear the last of it.'

We were told that the Blades are the Barca of League 1, but it is quite a surprise to learn that Rochdale are the Real Madrid. Quite where that puts Charlton for a Spanish comparator I don't know.

We haven't had a goal scored against us in the league this year so I am going for a repeat tomorrow and a 2-0 win for the Addicks.

Chris Powell: I am doing it the Curbs way

2012-01-29T00:24:00.000-08:00

Chris Powell says that he has gone back to Alan Curbishley's tried and tested methods in a major interview forming a centre spread in today's The Football League Paper.

He said, 'We've got to keep the same mindset that we want to win games, we want to score, we want to play with style and we want to use the ball well. When we come up against tough teams, a moment of quality and a moment of brilliance can win it for you.'

'I learnt that under Alan Curbishley, who was a great manager for this football club, and it was a great loss when he left because we were the club that had stability. A club needs stability. It needs a group of players the club identifies with, and when I came back last year I quickly realised that wasn't happening.'

'I felt the only way was to start anew, start with a fresh group who wanted to impress not only myself, not only my staff but also a new group of supporters.'

'It is huge for this club to have someone who knows what it means because ever since I walked through the gates at the Valley in 1998 I've known what makes the club tick. The fans want you to be proud of playing for their club, they want that real work ethic and if you can play with a little bit of style even better - and we've done that this year.'

'I needed that feeling of community, involving ourselves with the fans. We needed to get back to that, in a big way. You can sense the atmosphere is changing again.'

After months when they have been obsessed with any League 1 club playing in Yorkshire, it's good to see The Football League Paper giving Charlton some recognition at last.

One is enough times three

2012-01-28T10:01:00.000-08:00

Charlton went nine points clear at the top of League 1 thanks to a second half Danny Green goal against Exeter while Huddersfield drew at Tranmere.

Grecians goalkeeper and local lad Artur Krysiak flapped at Green's miscued cross, which found its way into the net to the delight of the 878 Addicks who made the trip to the west country. There were hints of an own goal.

After 11 minutes Matt Taylor marked his return to St. James's Park by performing an acrobatic overhead kick that was cleared off the line by Richard Duffy. Later in the first half Wiggins put in a low drive which Krysiak saved by diving to his right while Morrison provided great defensive work with a header just before the break.

The Addicks could have killed the game off but Yann Kermorgant headed Bradley Wright-Phillips's cross wide.

Substitute Guillem Bauza almost rescued a point for the Grecians but his shot was saved by Ben Hamer as Charlton recorded another clean sheet.

Exeter manager Paul Tisdale complained that Charlton won from a 'fluke' goal at a time when he was trying to make substitutions.

Michael Smith made a great start to his loan spell at Accrington scoring a hat trick in the first half in their 4-3 win over the Gills.

Grecians hope to put one over Taylor

2012-01-27T01:41:00.000-08:00

Matt Taylor has been a key player for Charlton this season and one of our stand out signings, but he spent four years with the Grecians and they are hoping to use their knowledge of him to give him a torrid time tomorrow: http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/Richard-Logan-inside-line-Addicks-star-Matt/story-15051838-detail/story.html

Apparently they also have a secret weapon in the form of a magical flat cap worn by manager Paul Tisdale. It looks as if it came from a shop supplying farmers and has drawn some heckling from Grecian fans.

The Grecians reckon that they do better against top clubs. They certainly have a miserly defence, but they also have problems in scoring. I am going for a 2-0 win for the Addicks tomorrow.

Now we're the big club

2012-01-26T04:12:00.000-08:00

After the privilege of being allowed to play the Massives and our win over Sheffield United, suddenly we're 'the big club from up country' and the 'runaway' league leaders: http://www.thisisexeter.co.uk/Tisdale-calls-forwards-help-City-s-defenders/story-15041115-detail/story.html

The Grecians have kept three clean sheets in their recent games, but I think we can unlock their defence. The contract extension for Bradley Wright-Phillips has (to my surprise) been criticised by some of the Addickted, but I think that he may well end his goal drought in Devon. Despite charges of 'laziness', he has been working hard enough off the ball for me.

The word from Huddersfield is that the Invincibles should 'easily' be able to overtake us at the top of the table, so after the stimulus of the battles with the steel city sides, we now need to undertake the mundane task of beating Exeter and Bury. Chris Powell is not one to encourage complacency or over confidence but I think that we can secure all six points.

Clive Mendoca collection

2012-01-23T04:49:00.000-08:00

Sir Clive Mendonca is selling off his collection connected with the Wembley play-off victory and also other Charlton items:
http://www.mendoncacollection.com/

The sale is being organised by Steve Jones whom I recall had to conduct a similar auction himself.

It's all very sad. I hope the sale goes well. Possibly the club may wish to purchase items of special interest or significance.

Jackson makes Sheffield steel brittle

2012-01-21T11:46:00.000-08:00

Once again Johnnie Jackson secured victory for the Addicks over a Sheffield side with his well struck free kick making the difference between Charlton and Sheffield United at The Valley.   Last week he scored against the Massives just after 20 minutes into the game and his timing was virtually the same against the Blades today.

United are a good passing side and they had had the best of the first twenty minutes, but they seem somewhat deflated after conceding a goal. In the second half their confidence returned and they put us under some pressure but we held out to secure all three points and stay firmly in command at the top of the league.

Travelling down on the train it was interesting to hear a young supporter explaining to his brother who Sam Bartram was.   He was well informed.   The numbers of us who saw Bartram play are dwindling.

Conditions at the ground were very windy which did not encourage quality football.   Taylor conceded an early corner when he could have let the ball go out or put it out for a throw in.   Fortunately the Blades missed from the corner.

On the whole we conceded a few too many corners in the game.   The view around me was that a defence looked nervy in the early exchanges which is why I didn't make either of the central defenders man of the match as some have done.

Fortunately our nerves were settled by Jackson's superb free kick which was not taken from the easiest of positions but he put the ball in the one place where the keeper could not reach it.

Taylor redeemed his earlier error by avoiding conceding a corner.   Wiggins got a yellow card, I am not sure what for now, but as became apparent later, the referee likes flourishing the cards and one has to admit that he has an emphatic hand movement which no doubt he has practised in front of the bathroom mirror.

The Blades were awarded a free kick in a potentially dangerous position but Hamer was able to make the save at the expense of a corner.

A great cross came in but Wright-Phillips was unable to connect, perhaps if Kermorgant had been there he would have done so.   Great work by Johnnie Jackson secured Charlton a corner but the ball ended up on the roof of the net.

Solly made a potentially serious error by heading the ball to a Blade near goal.   Hamer fumbled a United corner and the ball went over the line but the referee blew up for a foul.   A Blades free kick led to a corner for them but the ball ended up on the roof of the net.

Half time: Addicks 1, Blades 0

Taylor conceded a free kick but Hamer was able to catch it.   United were continuing with their tactic of playing the ball across the pitch to Jean-Francois which seemed to catch us out unawares.

Green was gifted the chance of a shot but it went straight at the keeper.   A fierce drive from Green led to a Charlton corner.   There was a shout of handball in the subsequent play, but there didn't seem to be anything in the claim.

Hamer made a good save (this was not from a cross).   Bradley Pritchard got a yellow card, I'm not sure for what, possibly for putting himself about.   Hamer then got a yellow card for time wasting.

Green won Charlton another corner with a snot.   The Blades won two corners in succession and Hamer fumbled the ball again but managed to get it clear.   The Blades made a double substitution, introducing Beattie, and we brought on Russell in place of Green.    Doyle and then MacDonald got yellow cards.

Russell got sent off for a two footed tackle, although there has been quite a lot of dispute subsequently about whether it was.   I did not have a clear view although I was surprised by the decision at the time.   In the subsequent fracas Beattie put his arm round Kermorgant's throat and was sent off.   Kermorgant got a yellow card, again I am not quite clear what for.    Wright-Phillips came off and was replaced by Haynes for his debut.

Five minutes of time were added on but despite a corner the Blades were unable to take advantage.

Charlton now have the highest points total of any club in all four leagues.    Following their dubious victory over Brentford, Huddersfield move into second place.    Always in search of a favourable Yorkshire angle, the Football League Paper has proclaimed that they are 'gnashing at our heels'.   I can take the gnashing with a seven point advantage.

Match analysis

Ivy the Terrible has awarded the Silver Bone to Johnnie Jackson for his decisive free kick, albeit he made a mess of one at the end of the game. Hamer was fumbling the ball a bit today, but he also made some good saves.   Taylor made a mistake early on but redeemed himself with some good defensive work subsequently.   Morrison was a model of solidity.  Solly was once again impressive and made some important interceptions. Wiggins defended well and was a real threat going forward. Hollands was not that involved, although he did win the free kick that led to the goal. Pritchard was a bundle of energy and showed some real flair at times.   He is not greedy when he has the ball but lays it off well.   Green put in a couple of good shots, but got a bit unreliable as the game went on and it was sensible to substitute him.
Kermorgant was less involved than he often is.   Wright-Phillips put in a shift but his goal drought continues.   Russell had little chance to make an impact before he was sent off.   Haynes had a cameo on his debut.

Reg has given the Hiss of the Match to referee Mr Deadman who started quite well but eventually lost control of the game.

All set for top of the table clash

2012-01-20T23:05:00.000-08:00

Blades manager Danny Wilson thinks that they will have to deliver creativity and good defending to win at The Valley today. He dismisses Charlton's victory at Bramall Lane as down to lucky goals:
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/wilson_pledges_blades_will_try_to_cut_down_leaders_charlton_1_4166456

Wilson makes it clear that the Blades are going for all three points, arguing that if they play for a draw they will lose:
http://www.sheffieldtelegraph.co.uk/sport/we_ll_go_for_the_win_1_4160088

First versus second clashes are getting familiar for Charlton. Not long ago we defeated the Invincibles at The Valley 2-0 to end their historic record. Last week we faced a massive club, possibly the biggest outside the Premier League, on their home ground and won. Now we face the Barcelona of League 1, at least if one believes what one reads in the Sheffield Star.

It's going to be a tough test and could be a nervy match but I will go for 2-1 to the Addicks. COYR!

'Boring' Charlton

2012-01-20T00:38:00.000-08:00

The Sheffield Star has finally hit on a narrative in the build up to tomorrow's match between Charlton and Sheffield United at The Valley. The Blades, it is argued, play with flair and are easy to watch. The Addicks are, it is implied, a boring side who grind out results with hard graft and organisation. Not sure that Wright-Phillips, Kermorgant, Jackson or Wiggins fit that description for starters.

Read more here: http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/top_stuff_at_the_valley_1_4162440

Good news, by the way, that an approach from Celtic for Kermorgant has been rebuffed.

Searching for a narrative

2012-01-19T06:09:00.000-08:00

The Sheffield Star seems to have more difficulty in writing coherent stories about Sheffield United than Sheffield Wednesday. Admittedly their Sheffield Wednesday narrative is now creaking through repetition about how massive a club the Owls are.

As far as the Blades are concerned, they have had to resort to printing non-stories as a number of fans point out at the end of this story:
http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/settled_squad_benefits_united_1_4156424

The assertion that the Blades are 'oozing class and self-belief' reads all right at a superficial first reading, although I wouldn't describe their team as 'classy'. Competitive and combative perhaps.

Quite possibly the Sheffield paper recruits people who haven't made the grade at the Sub-Standard.

Still licking their wounds in Sheffield

2012-01-18T10:20:00.000-08:00

They're still licking their wounds at Hillsborough over Saturday's defeat and now owner Milan Mandaric has contributed his four ha'peth:
http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/we_have_the_strength_to_bounce_back_says_milan_1_4152192

His view is that Wednesday are better than they showed against Charlton.   This, of course, had nothing to do with how the Addicks played.   Instead Mandaric goes on about the 'massive numbers' of supporters as if this guaranteed victory.

Nevertheless, the notion of Wednesday as a massive club does seem to be gaining traction.   I received an online questionnaire today which included a 'which club do you support?' question. Of course, only League 1 club was listed: the mighty Owls.

I actually think the Blades are more of a threat to us on the pitch which is why I am looking forward to Saturday.   They seem to be quite big themselves as away seats having been selling at well above average numbers.

Smith out on loan

2012-01-18T04:33:00.000-08:00

Michael Smith has joined Accrington Stanley on loan. His only appearance for Charlton so far was as a substitute in the FA Cup match on Halifax.

The loan will give him valuable experience. Keepers Rob Elliot and Darren Randolph were loaned out to the Lancashire club in the past.

Former Addick Carl Jenkinson looks likely to go out on loan at Norwich until the end of the season 'to improve his quality and confidence':
http://www.squeakybumtime.com/premiership/3286/norwich-city-showing-interest-in-carl-jenkinson-loan-deal-from-arsenal/

'Lucky' Charlton to hit skids against Blades

2012-01-17T05:31:00.000-08:00

'Lucky' Charlton Athletic will receive their come uppance against Sheffield United this weekend, according to Owl and former Addick Miguel Llera. He claims that Charlton's luck is exemplified by Johnnie Jackson scoring from a free kick, but it was clearly a superb strike rather than a lucky one.

Llera evidently still has the hump about the manner of his departure from Charlton: http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/llera_sure_owls_can_hunt_down_leaders_charlton_1_4148895

Charlton show their steel

2012-01-14T09:01:00.000-08:00

Charlton showed their steel with a 1-0 defeat of Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough this afternoon, the first home defeat for the Owls this season.

It was essentially the same side for Charlton at Hillsborough reports Paul May with Hamer returning from suspension and Stephens back from injury on the bench. Meanwhile news reached us that those Addicks travelling on the 10.25 from St. Pancras were stuck just outside Leicester by a signal failure with Rick Everitt among their number.

The first Charlton attempt of the game came from Wright-Phillips after good link up play with Kermorgant, but his shot was from a difficult angle and Weaver was able to make the save. Green put in a good cross but no one from Charlton was able to connect.

Wiggins put in a good cross but Kermorgant was unable to connect. Green put in good defensive work. Green threatened to break, but Lines defended well. Hamer had to punch out a floating ball.

Wednesday threatened with a cross from Marshall on the left, but Hamer made a brilliant save to keep it off the line with Wiggins in support. Wright-Phillips advanced, but he was crowded out. Jones cynically fouled Hollands, but no yellow card was given.

A ball from Marshall took a deflection off Solly for a corner, but Hamer did just enough to get it away. Wright-Phillips was hacked to the ground by Jones giving Charlton a free kick in a good position just outside the box. Jackson’s superb left footed strike went into the top corner of the goal to put the Addicks 1-0 ahead on 28 minutes as Weaver punched at thin air.

O’Grady got a yellow card for an elbow. Charlton won a corner, but Weaver punched Green’s ball out and Wednesday won a free kick. An effort from Morrison was not far wide. Wiggins was brought down as he advanced and Jones was given a yellow card. Green slipped as he took the free kick. A shot from O’Grady went wide.

Lines put in a shot and Hamer took hold of it at the second attempt while Wiggins was down. The home crowd were getting frustrated. Great play by Charlton led to a corner for the Addicks, but Wednesday were awarded a free kick for a foul.

A header from Johnson six yards out went straight at Hamer. Charlton broke after a great kick from Hamer with Green and won a corner. The corner was over hit by Jackson.

Kermorgant threatened after good work by Green but the flag went up. Pritchard battled forward well.

Four minutes were added on which was rather surprising. The ball went in the net for Wednesday from Madine but the offside flag went up. It had been a highly competitive first half in which the Charlton players had given their all.

Half time: Owls 0, Addicks 1

Green put in a good cross but it just evaded Kermorgant. Wright-Phillips beat Jones with his pace but Weaver came off his line to make a good save. The move started with excellent work from Wiggins.

Wiggins fed Hollands who turned provider for Wright-Phillips but the flag went up. Charlton had started the half well, but then they conceded a corner. It was almost bundled in at the far post, but Charlton got the goal kick.

Wednesday won another corner. The header from Jones went over the bar. Wright-Phillips advanced down the right and Charlton won a corner. Green’s corner was headed away by Jones.

A Wednesday cross from Marshall had to be put behind by Taylor. The corner was caught by Hamer. Madine went off to be replaced by Lowe, while Llera came on at the back in place of Jones. A shot from Wright-Phillips was put behind by Weaver for a corner. Wiggins tried to keep the pressure on.

Green was replaced by Russell. Clinton Morrison came on in place of Marshall who had been one of Wednesday’s best players, but Megson’s substitutions came in for some criticism at Bolton. Wright-Phillips was replaced by Clarke.

Wednesday won a corner and Charlton broke but Pritchard was fouled. Wednesday applied some pressure. Wiggins was fouled and Rob Jones received the latest yellow card for the Owls. Charlton won a corner, but Pritchard’s shot was blocked. Lowe broke but gave away a free kick.

Cort came on for Charlton. Wednesday sent everyone forward, Hamer punched the ball out. The ball was cleared off the line by Wiggins when the home fans thought that the ball was going to be in the back of the net.

Wednesday won a corner and Weaver came up, but Hamer was eventually able to claim the ball. Cort headed the ball away. Charlton broke down the right, Clarke found Russell but the ball went over the bar, but the final whistle went.

Owls recall Gritt own goal

2012-01-13T22:33:00.000-08:00

As Sheffield Wednesday fans prepare for today's clash at Hillsborough, they are being reminded of a spectacular Steve Gritt own goal in a 1980s match which they won 5-4:
http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/megson_s_changes_stem_from_thorough_planning_1_4137680

It's a big match this afternoon and what is more its against a massive club as Owls fans keep reminding us. Indeed, Wednesday must rival Manchester City as one of the two massive clubs in the country.

The odds on a Charlton win are 2-1 against and I don't see us getting a victory this afternoon. Indeed, I am going for a 3-1 win for the home side in the hope that I am proved wrong.

Paul May will be there to bring you a full match report.

Haynes bid succeeds

2012-01-12T21:49:00.000-08:00

Charlton have succeeded in signing striker Danny Haynes from Barnsley where he has been out of favour. Millwall were also in the frame but wanted a loan deal whereas Charlton were prepared to offer cash on the table:
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11713/7425115/Addicks-Haynes-bid-accepted

The reported fee is less than £200k and personal terms still have to be negotiated but it is hoped that this can be completed over the weekend.

One implication of the deal is that Paul Hayes, one of Chris Powell's least successful signings, will move further down the pecking order.

Peckham born Haynes was in the Charlton academy but was released at the age of 16, joining Ipswich Town where he enjoyed early success and then Bristol City:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danny_Haynes

Cort caught

2012-01-12T09:35:00.000-08:00

Leon Cort has signed a 18-month contract at Charlton on a free transfer two years after Burnley paid £1.5m to acquire him from Stoke. The Guyana international thinks that there is a promotion mentality at Charlton and is confident that he can contribute to the club achieving Championship status:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16530201.stm

Chris Powell gives his assessment of Jose Semedo, but insists that the home game against Bournemouth was more important than Saturday's clash at Hillsborough:
http://www.newsshopper.co.uk/sport/9468992.Powell__Bournemouth_game_was_bigger_than_Sheffield_Wednesday/

Physical encounter expected at Hillsborough

2012-01-12T00:56:00.000-08:00

Matt Taylor is expecting a physical encounter in Saturday's clash with Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough: http://www.thestar.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-wednesday/it_s_tough_at_the_top_as_leaders_gear_up_for_owls_1_4126888

Sheffield sources are expecting a crowd of 25,000 for the game. It could be cold 'oop north given the current weather picture.

Euell out on loan

2012-01-10T09:29:00.000-08:00

Jason Euell is going out on loan with AFC Wimbledon until mid-February in the first instance. The Dons have been slipping down the League 2 table and Euell's experience will be valuable, particularly as he is a fans' favourite there, have been with Wimbledon between 1995 and 2001.

His chances to appear from the bench have probably diminished since the arrival of Leon Clarke.

Cort let go by Burnley

2012-01-10T03:19:00.000-08:00

Leon Cort has had his contract with Burnley terminated by mutual consent. This means that he is now a free agent and can talk to Charlton about a permanent deal which looks likely to happen. He would be recruited as cover in central defence.

Chris Powell on racism storm

2012-01-08T22:03:00.001-08:00

Chris Powell talks about the recent 'racism storm' in English football, pointing out that Charlton has been a leading club in this respect but even we can't stand still:
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2012/jan/08/charlton-chris-powell-racism-storm?newsfeed=true

Free to concentrate on the league

2012-01-07T08:52:00.000-08:00

There were just two changes in the Charlton side facing Fulham reports Paul May from Craven Cottage. Sullivan replaced the suspended Hamer in goal while Taylor came back in for Cort. Fulham put out a strong side with just one chance. Danny Murphy ‘s appearance was appropriately greeted by the 7,000 Addickted.

The first corner of the game went to Charlton. It was cleared off the goal line. Murphy was eventually able to clear, Fulham advanced and Solly had to clear. Sullivan had to make an excellent save after he was almost caught unawares. Murphy’s over hit corner led to a goal kick.

A free kick from Green was headed away. After seven minutes Fulham took the lead through Dempsey with the ball going over Sullivan.

Jackson burst forward but he needed support. Wiggins drove the ball into the near post, but it was cleared. Solly conceded a corner. Kermorgant got the ball away, but Fulham continued to press until the flag went up.

Fulham continued to have most of the possession. They won their third corner after an effort by Riise was deflected. The corner was taken short and was unproductive.

The Cottagers won their fourth corner, but Fulham were unable to make anything of the subsequent play.

Kermorgant almost caught Stockdale in the Fulham goal out, Jackson reacted quickly but the ball went into the side netting.

Fry was proving a handful for Solly. Wiggins advanced nearly 40 yards down the left touchline but run out of space.

Wright-Phillips put in an attempt but it was blocked by Stockdale. Solly defended well. Good play by Green created a chance for Wright-Phillips but it was scraped away. Wright-Phillips and Kermorgant combined well, but Kelly was able to deal with it for Fulham.

Green received a harsh yellow card for fouling Fry from referee Dowd. Charlton continued to work hard to stay in the game, not least Bradley Pritchard. A long-range attempt by Riise went wide.

Charlton won a corner but Jackson’s effort was not a good one and Zamora cleared.

Half time: Cottagers 1, Addicks 0

Charlton made a positive start and won a corner after four minutes. Jackson’s corner was headed away by Kelly. The Addicks won another corner after good work by Green. Jackson’s corner was headed away by Senderos after Stockdale had pushed it away.

A shot by Murphy led to Sullivan conceding a corner. Dempsey’s header went wide, but Charlton got a free kick anyway. Jackson turned provider for Wright-Phillips but it was saved by Stockdale. Green put in a long-range effort that was saved by Stockdale. The corner led to a Charlton throw in.

Fry was replaced by Duff who made an immediate impact with a shot saved by Sullivan. Despite Charlton being in the ascendancy, Fulham broke down the other end and made it 2-0 through Dempsey.

Fulham won another corner after an effort by Zamora was put over the bar by Taylor. Senderos headed wide. Zamora’s shot was intercepted by Taylor and put over the bar at the expense of a corner. Kermorgant headed it away.

Green who had drifted out of the game somewhat was replaced by Wagstaff while Wiggins was replaced by Evina.

Following a free kick, Wright-Phillips had a chance but it was bundled away for a corner. In the subsequent play Kermorgant could not get it on target. Eventually Fulham won a goal kick.

A penalty was awarded against Sullivan by Phil Dowd and the keeper received a yellow card. Dempsey put it in the back of the net to secure his hat trick.

Murphy was taken off and replaced by Steve Sidwell who was once the target of interest from Alan Curbishley. Evina was forced to concede a corner kick. With Charlton showing signs of tiredness, Fulham made it 4-0 as the ball took a deflection with Duff claiming the goal.

Charlton’s effort could not be faulted, but we did not take our opportunities to draw level. The scoreline was harsh but we can now concentrate on the real prize of the league.

Euell sees Fulham tie as a chance to assess progress

2012-01-06T08:20:00.000-08:00

Jason Euell sees tomorrow's tie with Fulham as a chance to assess how far Charlton have come as they challenge for the League 1 title. He also reflects on his changing relationship with Chris Powell:
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard-sport/football/article-24025905-jason-euell-fulham-tie-will-show-if-were-on-the-right-track.do

Senderos: we will not take Charlton lightly

2012-01-06T04:16:00.000-08:00

Fulham defender Philippe Senderos has insisted that Fulham will not take Charlton lightly in Saturday's FA Cup clash. He says that Charlton are a club on the rise who belong in the Premiership or Championship:
http://www.london24.com/sport/fulham/fulham_defender_we_won_t_take_charlton_lightly_1_1170367

Lawro has selected us as the shock of the round so that has probably finished any chance we did have.

Odds are Charlton 6/1; Fulham 9/4; and a draw 10/3 (which is probably the best we can hope for). I think that we can avoid being trounced, but I am predicting 3-1 to the Cottagers.

Rusell to stay

2012-01-05T09:22:00.000-08:00

Darel Russell's loan deal has been extended until the end of the season. The view taken by Chris Powell is that his experience will be valuable as Charlton bid for promotion and it is clear that he is much happier at The Valley than he was at Deepdale:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16426981.stm

Hamer suspension upheld

2012-01-04T10:36:00.000-08:00

Ben Hamer's one match suspension for denying a goal scoring opportunity will stand which is no great surprise. However, the suspension has not been increased as some Addicks feared and will be served in our FA Cup match against Fulham which is arguably less important than a league match.

Handling outside the area is of itself not a red card offence. I remember Deano being given a yellow for that in an away game.

Financial pressures hit Blades

2012-01-04T05:38:00.000-08:00

With debts of £32m, a £13.6m loss last season and a £15m wage bill the pressure is on to save money at Sheffield United. A number of Championship clubs are interested in some of their players. It is interesting to note that the manager doesn't say that he won't sell them but does say he won't let them go cheaply:
http://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/football/sheffield-united/wilson_battles_to_keep_blades_stars_1_4111052

Even if new players are brought in, the balance of the side could be disturbed. I would regard Sheffield United as our main rivals for the title but Sheffield Wednesday may have a better transfer window.

Addicks linked with Osborne

2012-01-03T23:22:00.000-08:00

Charlton are being linked with 23-year old Brentford central defender Karleigh Osborne. He is a product of the Brentford youth system and has played over 150 games for the Bees, but he has not accepted an improved contract offer made last month.

We did make two attempts to secure his services in the summer and there were also reports in November that we were chasing him again, but I would not have thought that the central defence was an area that required strengthening. A Championship club are also rumoured to be interested.

Lino was guilty man

2012-01-03T11:21:00.000-08:00

I thought I recognised the East Stand lino on Saturday. But then then are plenty of short linos in need of hair restorer who either can't see what is happening in front of them or are frightened to tell the referee despite their grand 'assistant' title.

Now Rick Everitt has reminded me of 'that famous occasion when he gave Fulham a free-kick when a Fulham player handled the ball, enabling them to score a last-minute equaliser in Pardew's first match in charge.'

One Addick responded, 'And I still believe we would have stayed up if the linesman and [methane breathing referee] Poll had not got that so wrong. Poll lists it as one of his big mistakes, but goes on to say that it was the linesman that really made the mistake and that he had only awarded a free kick on the touchline not a penalty and that Charlton didn't defend it properly.'

So, farewell then, Hogan Ephraim

2012-01-03T10:29:00.000-08:00

Hogan Ephraim has returned to QPR at the end of his loan spell. The Addicks would like to have hold on to him longer, but the Super Hoops wanted him back at Loftus Road although for what purpose is unclear.

He scored for us and put in some decent performances but whether he is better than what we have in midfield (when all the players, especially Dale Stephens, are fit) is a moot point.

The future of Darel Russell appears to still be under discussion.

Good start to 2012

2012-01-02T12:00:00.000-08:00

Charlton made a good start to 2012 with a 2-0 win over Brentford at The Valley today giving them a five point lead at the top of the table after Sheffield United lost at Carlisle. This means that the Addicks have forded the Brent twice, completing the double over the Bees.   Even the Bloke Behind Me was relatively pleased, declaring that we were now relatively safe from relegation.

The Bees are not without a sting and put the Addicks under some pressure but we were able to capitalise on two of our four opportunities and they were not able to utilise theirs, largely provided courtesy of the referee.

The start of the match was delayed by fifteen minutes ('until 15.15') by 'unforseen circumstances' which turned out to be a power failure in the North Stand which necessitated moving supporters later. Apparently, there was a risk that the match could have been called off altogether.

Taylor was relegated to the bench which was a bit of a surprise but perhaps he needed to be rested, also he could be goalkeeping cover if the Hamer appeal fails (which seems the most likely outcome).

Cort conceded an early corner.   Green broke from the corner but the move was unproductive.   Wright-Phillips was felled and needed treatment.   The Bees won a corner.   Wright-Phillips put in a good cross, but unfortunately no one was able to connect.   Kermorgant made a good run.

Charlton had been slow out of the traps, possibly because of the fifteen minute delay to the start of the game which must be disruptive, although it didn't seem to affect Brentford.   However, after about fifteen minutes the Addicks started to liven up.

The Bees won two corners in succession.   A blatant handball by the Bees was ignored by the East Stand lino.   Brentford keeper Robert Lee is supposed to be their star player but he got involved in what seemed to be a mix up with his defence.   He failed to come for the ball and Morrison was able to head over him to make it 1-0 to the Addicks.

The game went a bit flat after that, although Wright-Phillips put the ball wide from a Green throw in. One of the best attacks of the half was mounted down the left in time added on.

Half time: Addicks 1, Bees 0

An early Charlton corner was caught by the keeper. The advancing Wright-Phillips beat the keeper but then put in a poor ball that went out for a throw in.   Solly received a yellow card for handball. The resultant free kick was well defended.   Following a Charlton corner, it looked as if the ball was going in but it hit the upright.

A Charlton free kick led to an effort by Kermorgant that was not far wide. A good attack involving Jackson and Wright-Phillips led to a Charlton corner. Brentford made a double substitution and followed up with a third one not long afterwards.   A good run by Wiggins won a free kick. A free kick was awarded against Cort in a dangerous position, with former Millwall charm merchant Alexander once again trying to intimidate Hamer, but it came off the wall, although some further pressure had to be dealt with.

Charlton took off Jackson and brought on Wagstaff while Clarke replaced Wright-Phillips.   A Brentford free kick in a promising position sailed over the crossbar.   Brentford advanced dangerously but pull the ball over and were offside anyway.   Cort got a yellow card for handball.   Green then made it 2-0 for the Addicks and we could all relax and celebrate.

Match analysis

Ivy the Terrible has taken the unusual step of awarding a joint Silver Bone to our two full backs. Rhoys Wiggins forged forward well and showed some touches of real class that may qualify him for the Welsh national side.   The day was only spoilt by a ridiculous yellow card for time wasting by the referee.   Brentford tried to launch a lot of their attacks down their left but Chris Solly was up to the task, snapping at the heels of the attacking players with a terrier like tenancity and clearing well.

Hamer was not really tested and the Brentford fans eventually got tired of booing him. Morrison took his goal well and was stalwart in defence. Cort made a couple of errors but generally did his job well. Bradley Pritchard showed some real skill and didn't try to do too much, always being ready to lay the ball off. Jackson had an excellent game and received a warm ovation when he was substituted.   Green scored the second goal but his contribution to the game as a whole was a bit up and down and his defensive contribution leaves something to be desired. Hollands was relatively anonymous, but didn't make any blunders. I think that he was playing too deep and this is less likely to happen when Hughes is in the side. Kermorgant competed well as usual.   Wright-Phillips played with a patch on his head after his early injury. He did try to get forward but messed up his best opportunity. Wagstaff did not make a great difference when he came on. Clarke was a bit of a disappointment on his debut, coming across as a bit of a lump and playing us into defensive trouble once, but it's early days. Hughes had a cameo in time added on.

Rescue cat Reg continues to be appalled by the standard of officiating in League 1. Referee G Scott was unwilling to give anything to Charlton other than three yellow cards. However, the Hiss of the Match goes to the balding and vertically challenged lino on the East Stand side who can't see a handball in front of him but adopts a pompous stance when standing still.

Hamer available today

2012-01-01T22:19:00.000-08:00

Ben Hamer is available today after Charlton appealed his sending off which was apparently for denying a goal scoring opportunity:
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/football-league/defeated-charlton-appeal-hamer-ban-6283944.html

I doubt whether the appeal will succeed, but it could be withdrawn after the game and Hamer's suspension could then apply for the cup game against Fulham.

I was amused that the Sunday Times finally managed to mention us yesterday in their roundup feature, noting that our lead had been cut to 'only' four points.

Busy Bee Justin Fisher has forecast a 1-0 win for his side today.

Fording the Brent

2012-01-01T09:56:00.000-08:00

It's pretty clear that the referee was justified in sending Hamer off at Orient and such an early dismissal affected the final outcome.   Pessimists have argued that the O's would have edged it anyway but that perhaps overlooks the extent to which they are a confidence side.

Anyway it's water under the bridge now and less than 48 hours after the derby at Orient Charlton face another one against Brentford.   It's difficult to know what to make of the Bees.   At the beginning of the season The Times forecast them finishing 9th while Four Four Two had them 11th.

Nevertheless, the fan quoted in Four Four Two saw them on the verge of something big, although I find it difficult to see them surviving in the Championship if they did get promoted given their ground and fan base.   They were in the top flight a long time ago, of course, but that was in very different circumstances.

Currently the Bees are just outside the play off places at 7th. They have actually won more matches away than at home (five against four) and have only lost once away this season, a record only matched by Huddersfield (and we know where they lost).   At home they have shipped 18 goals compared with just eight away.

On Saturday they fought back from 0-3 down at home against MK Dons to draw 3-3.   This certainly says something about the spirit of the team.   It also interesting that manager Uwe Rosler said that his strategy was to 'stop [MK Dons] playing' which may give a hint of what we can expect at The Valley tomorrow.

Charlton will have Sullivan in goal and although Hamer is far from perfect he is the better of the two keepers.   Johnnie Jackson was probably brought back on Saturday before he was fully match fit. Bradley Wright-Phillips is going through a lean spell but I can't see him being dropped.

This is another tricky match for Charlton and I can't see us winning but hopefully we can squeeze out a point in a 1-1 draw.     Sheffield United are being bigged up by the media with The Football League Paper carrying a front page box declaring 'Buoyant Blades keep on winning', an accolade we did not receive during our winning streak.   However, Blades are away at Carlisle which is not an easy fixture.

Over at Hillsborough Gary Megson has told owner Milan Mandaric players have to be brought in during the transfer window.   He argues that a lot of what has been achieved up to now is 'down to hard work and guts' rather than quality. 'If we are a big club then in January, we need to act like it,' he said.   Wednesday are at home to Tranmere tomorrow which should be a home win. If Charlton draw, that would put the Owls three points behind the Addicks if the Blades lose at Carlisle.

Odds are (Coral): Charlton 4/6, Draw 11/4, Brentford 4/1 (information from Richard Sheppard)

Year ends on sour note

2011-12-31T11:18:00.000-08:00

The year ended on a sour note for Charlton as the 10 man Addicks lost 1-0 away to Leyton Orient.

Charlton made a lively start at the Matchroom Stadium, Brisbane Road reports Paul May. The returning Jackson started in place of Ephraim who is unwell. The O’s seemed to be using a diamond system with David Mooney at the top.

But then disaster struck with Hamer being shown a red card for coming out of his area and handling the ball. Wagstaff had to make way for John Sullivan in the 7^th minute. Lee Cook floated his free kick in and the header from Jimmy Smith was not far wide. Charlton switched to a 4-3-2 with a narrow three in midfield.

The frantic pace of the match continued. Charlton won the first corner of the game after 15 minutes. Orient were able to clear.

Orient won their first corner. Wiggins defended well from the corner. Orient put in a shot from distance which went just over. Mooney tried to turn provider for Lisbie but the ball went into the arms of Sullivan.

A shot was charged down by Hollands. Lisbie put in a good ball but Dawson couldn’t control it. Former Charlton midfielder Spring put in a left foot strike which took a deflection off Taylor to sail over the head of Sullivan to put the O’s ahead on 26 minutes.

Dawson turned provider for Smith who put it wide of the far post. Charlton were chasing the game.

Sullivan failed to come for the ball and caused all sorts of problem. Taylor had to rescue the situation at the expense of a corner from which the ball had to be cleared off the line. The O’s won another corner and the ball had to put over the bar. The next corner was cleared into touch. The O’s kept up the pressure. Eventually Charlton won a goal kick.

Wiggins put in a good tackle on Lisbie. The O’s conceded a corner under pressure from Wiggins. Orient broke from Jackson’s corner.

Lisbie went down in the area and appealed for a penalty but the referee was well up with play. Charlton won a free kick 35 yards out. Jackson’s effort was accurate but lacked sufficient power to trouble Butcher in the Orient goal.

Three minutes were added on. Spring put in a good cross, but Smith was caught offside as he put the ball in the bottom corner.

Half time: O’s 1 Addicks 0

Charlton started brightly. Solly defended well as Mooney threatened. A shot went in from the corner but Wiggins blocked well on the line.

Smith put in a shot that was deflected for a corner. Jackson made a good defensive header. Wiggins put in an opportunistic shot that went over the bar.

Russell advanced well and put in a decent ball in but Orient were able to defend it.

Charlton won a corner, but Jackson’s effort was defended. Morrison was shown a yellow card for a foul while the assistant referee collided with Orient skipper Dawson. Bradley Wright-Phillips, who had not been at his best, was taken off and replaced by Bradley Pritchard.

Mooney got round Taylor but Solly intercepted well to deny a goal scoring opportunity to Lisbie. Mooney had a free shot on goal having got round the defender but, what a surprise, he put it wide.

Mooney shot but Sullivan made a good save by tipping the ball round the post to give the O’s their seventh corner of the game. Mooney fired wide but the flag was up anyway. The 3103 Orient fans in the crowd of 5097 became excited nevertheless.

The nearly 2000 Addickted launched into a rousing chorus of Valley Floyd Road. Mooney was taken off and took his time.

Orient won another corner which led to a second. The Addicks were able to break. Butcher punched away from Wiggins. The ball took a deflection off Wiggins for the O’s tenth corner of the game, but it was unproductive.

Dean Cox came on for Orient in place of Cook. Johnnie Jackson was taken off and replaced by Hayes. Wiggins got the better of Smith but Solly put the ball well over the crossbar. An effort from Wiggins was cleared off the line.

Three minutes were added on. A shot from Cox was blocked by Taylor at the expense of a corner. Solly worked well on the right but Morrison’s effort was poor.

Charlton experienced their second defeat of the season. I thought that the quality of our passing was not always good and that we gave up possession too easily. Our lead has been cut to four points. We now need to pick ourselves up for Monday's game against Brentford.

'Unconvincing' Charlton form gives Orient hope

2011-12-30T23:59:00.000-08:00

Charlton's 'decent but unconvincing' form has given hope in East London of Leyton Orient getting something from this evening's televised clash at Brisbane Road:
http://www.guardian-series.co.uk/sport/9443796.Orient_v_Charlton__Prediction/

Russell Slade has called for a response from his players after the 0-3 home defeat by MK Dons:
http://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/sport/football/footballnews/9443532.Slade___We_need_a_reaction_/?ref=rss

I will be taking my grandson to his first ever football match at Leamington but Paul May will provide coverage of the game.

Benno for Clarke swap

2011-12-30T05:56:00.000-08:00

Swindon Town have apparently agreed a swap deal, Paul Benson to join the Rocking Robins for Leon Clarke, he of the bust up with di Canio. Thanks to Pedro for alerting me to this story:
http://www.thisisswindontownfc.co.uk/sport/9445005.Benson_to_complete_Town_move/

Originally a product of the Wolves youth academy Clarke has played at a number of clubs including Sheffield Wednesday and QPR:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_Clarke

We three goals of Orient are

2011-12-29T22:26:00.000-08:00

Different interpretations are, as always, possible about Orient's 0-3 defeat at home to MK Dons. The lazy media interpretation has been that it demonstrates what a formidable team the Dons are, once again showing their credentials as serious promotion challengers after the blip at home to Preston.   All I can say is that the two Sheffield teams worry me more, although Dons should get into the play offs.

What happened in the game was that Orient started the more brightly but both Jamie Cureton and Kevin Missbie missed chances to score.    On the whole the first half was evenly balanced, although O's manager Russell Slade thought that they were the better side.   Nevertheless, they were a goal down by the interval.

However, in the second half the home side crumbled and ex Addick Charlie MacDonald sealed the win for the visitors. Slade admitted that his side switched off which does not say a lot for their levels of concentration.

My view of Orient is that they are unlikely to be in relegation danger, but unlikely to mount a serious challenge for a play off place.   In other words, they are a solid enough League 1 side with a manager who has had a moderately successful career at seven different clubs.

Four Four Two saw them ending up fourth at the beginning of the season which seems a bit generous. The Times put them at a more realistic 10th.   Currently they are 17th with a less than sparkling home record: won three, drawn three, lost six.

As well as Kevin Lisbie, those Addicks attending will have the chance to make the acquaintance again of former loan player David Mooney who recalls more desperate times at The Valley.    There should be a good turn out of the Addickted despite the late New Year's Eve kick off and the attendance should be above the 4,162 recorded on Boxing Day.

It is worth noting that we have won are last two away matches at Orient in League 1.   The odds offered by Coral certainly favour Charlton: Leyton Orient 3/1, Draw 12/5, Charlton 10/11.

The O's will no doubt be seeking to make amends for their Boxing Day performance.   It is not always easy to play a team coming off such a comprehensive home defeat. Do we have enough quality to beat them?   Yes, but a draw is always a possibility at a derby.

Lead cut to seven points

2011-12-27T23:55:00.000-08:00

Charlton's lead at the top of League 1 has been cut to seven points after Sheffield United beat Notts County 2-1 last night.

Pessimists may also wish to note that MK Dons now top the League 1 form table.   Indeed, they are the club the media have now chosen to drool over with The Times featuring their victory against Leyton Orient.

Addick Richard Pemberton has put together some interesting stats about the team that was top at Christmas in League 1 for the last seven years:

He notes, 'Good news - only two clubs have failed to win promotion having led at the turn of the year and neither had any gap from 3rd place. In 7 of the 10 years, the team leading at the turn of the year has gone on to win the league.'

2011 - with one game to go, Charlton have 51 points from 22 games, with a 9 point lead on 3rd place.
2010 - Brighton had (just) 37 points from 20 games, with a 4 point lead on 3rd place. They finished top on 95 points.
2009 - Leeds had 56 points from 23 games, with an 11 point lead on 3rd place. They finished second on 86 points.   [But only secured 2nd place on the last day of the season]
2008 - Leicester had 51 points from 23 games, with a 7 point lead on 3rd place. They finished top on 96 points.
2007 - Swansea had 43 points from 21 games, with a 6 point lead on 3rd place. They finished top on 92 points.
2006 - Scunthorpe had 48 points from 25 games, with a 3 point lead on 3rd place. They finished top on 91 points.
2005 - Swansea had 43 points from 24 games, leading from 3rd place on GD only. They finished 6th on 71 points.
2004 - Luton had 52 points from 24 games, with a 7 point lead on 3rd place. They finished top on 98 points.
2003- Plymouth had 49 points from 24 games, with a 9 point lead on 3rd place. They finished top on 90 points.
2002 - Wigan had 56 points from 24 games, with a 7 point lead on 3rd place. They finished top on 100 points.
2001 - Bristol City had 47 points from 26 games, with a 1 point lead on 3rd place. They finished 7th on 73 points.

Chris Powell has pointed out that we are not yet halfway through the season and clearly there are no grounds for complacency with two London derbies coming up.    However, even the Bloke Behind Me is going to find it difficult to construct a gloomy narrative from our current position.

Halifax streaker fined

2011-12-27T23:50:00.000-08:00

The streaker who entered what Emma likes to call 'the field of play' at the televised cup match between Halifax and Charlton has been fined £165 with £85 costs. Judging by the photo that appeared in The Non-League Paper yesterday his well upholstered posterior would have been better left unexposed.

Sentencing Terry Lowther, the chairman of the bench John Halliday said, 'You will in future be known as the man who ran on to the pitch at Halifax Town without his trousers.'

To add to his troubles his father, who is a season ticket holder at The Shay, is refusing to talk to him and his partner is threatening to throw him out.

Historic win for Old Dribblers

2011-12-27T23:45:00.000-08:00

In the annual Boxing Day football match between over 35s and under 35s at the Garrison Field stadium on the Isles of Scilly, the Old Dribblers won for the first time in 35 years:
http://www.scillytoday.com/2011/12/27/old-dribblers-beat-younger-team-in-annual-football-match/

The Radio Scilly sports show is currently taking a festive break but we will be back on air in the New Year at 10 a.m. on Saturdays with host Mark Twynham and myself as mainland football correspondent.

Charlton fight for the three points

2011-12-26T09:01:00.001-08:00

In the opening minute the ball was given away by Andy Williams in the Charlton half reports Paul May from a chilly Huish Park, Wright-Phillips connected and Green ran on to it. For a moment it looked as if the shot had gone in but it went into the side netting to the horror of Chris Powell.

Wright-Phillips was unable to keep a cross in. Ephraim advanced well with Hollands and Wiggins involved, but the move ended in a throw in. Yeovil kept giving the ball away in midfield. Wright-Phillips didn’t put in a particularly good cross from the left.

Against the run of play loan player Obika scored for Yeovil on eight minutes with an overhead kick although Charlton complained about dangerous play. The ball had come off a Charlton defender.

Charlton tried to apply some pressure, but Yeovil won a free kick. The Addicks won the first corner of the afternoon. Hollands was unmarked and put in a header from Green’s corner at the back post to make it 1-1.

Kermorgant tried an overhead kick but it went through to Gilmartin in the Yeovil goal. A cross from Russell went over the top of the bar, but the match had gone a bit quiet along with both sets of supporters.

A Yeovil attack was cut out by Charlton at the expense of a throw in, but Wiggins cleared well.

Green was fouled and Charlton were given a free kick on the touchline 25 yards from goal but Kermorgant’s effort to connect was unproductive. Wiggins dealt with an effort from Upson. Wiggins put in an effort from some 40 yards out.

Charlton won a corner after applying some pressure following a Green free kick. Gilmartin punched out with both hands and Charlton won another corner off a deflected shot. This time Green’s effort went over the bar.

The floodlights started to come on. Obika put in a shot which he took first time and which went wide.

Yeovil conceded another free kick on the touchline. The home side packed the area and initially cleared. Green put another ball in and Morrison’s effort went just past the back post. It was an opportunity to score. Gavin Williams put in an effort from distance which went over.

Gilmartin put a poor kick out, Wootton controlled it poorly, Wright-Phillips took advantage and won a corner, but Gilmartin saved from it. Obika managed to get clear of Taylor. As Hamer came out, Obika tried to flick it over him but put the shot wide.

Yeovil won their first corner of the afternoon, leading to a second, although Charlton thought that a Yeovil head got the final touch. Charlton were able to clear.

Charlton started well, but seemed to flag somewhat after getting the equaliser. In the last five minutes a number of passes went astray. Ephraim tried to launch a last minute attack. Wootton got a yellow card for sliding in studs up and Charlton won a corner.

Half time: Glovers 1, Addicks 1

Yeovil won a corner following a free kick in front of the home fans. Hamer punched the ball out, but the Glovers kept up the pressure for a while. A shot from Andy Williams went wide but took a deflection for a corner. Hamer should have claimed the ball as the corner was nothing special, Huntington came through the crowd and the big player put it in the net from two or three yards out to make it 2-1 after five minutes. Hamer claimed that he was fouled.

Green received a yellow card for a trip giving Yeovil a free kick, Hollands was able to volley clear. The home side continued to apply some pressure.

A clumsy challenge on Kermorgant gave Charlton a free kick 25 yards out. The ball went in to make it 2-2 from Kermorgant on 60 minutes, delighting the 920 Addickted in a crowd of under 5,000. The power, pace and placement was excellent and left the 6ft. 5 ins. Gilmartin was left with no chance. It was arrowed in to the left hand side of the goal.

Charm merchant Upson picked up his 10^th yellow card of the season. The free kick was about 30-35 yards out. Morrison drew a point blank save from Gilmartin.

Morrison won Charlton a corner. The referee moved the ball an inch. Green couldn’t find enough space to shoot. Upson was taken down as Yeovil broke and Russell got a yellow card.

Wright-Phillips put in a shot which led to a corner. Blizzard just about managed to clear. Charlton kept up the pressure. Wiggins was fouled and Ayling received a yellow card. Charlton won another corner. The ball was headed off the line at the back post.

Morrison was tackled in the box by Huntington and Yeovil broke, but the attack fizzled out. The Addicks were dominating the match. A snap shot by Green went over the bar.

O’Brien came on for Yeovil and Gavin Williams went off. Wiggins won a corner for Charlton. The Addicks kept up the pressure, Gilmartin splayed himself to save a toe poke from Ephraim. The ball from the corner was cleared off the line by Yeovil after a header by Taylor.

Two more Charlton corners followed as they piled on the pressure. The Addicks continued to camp out in the Yeovil half. Wright-Phillips put in a shot but a goal kick gave the home side a breather.

The home fans started to get angry with the referee. Green put in a good ball and Ayling had to put it out for a corner. An effort by Solly hit three players and Yeovil broke. Andy Williams was brought down by Wiggins who received a yellow card.

Wiggins dealt well with a Yeovil break. Green displayed a flash of brilliance and put an unstoppable shot into the far corner to the delight of the Addickted. The Addicks brought on Andy Hughes in place of Wright-Phillips.

Andy Williams thought he had equalised and Hamer palmed it round the post. Morrison went down during the wait for a corner. Charlton cleared off the line at the back post.

Charlton are now eight points clear at the top of the table after Sheffield Wednesday lost at Walsall.

Addicks ripe for plucking

2011-12-25T22:33:00.000-08:00

The view being taken in Yeovil is that following their recent 'dip in form' the Addicks are ripe for plucking by the resurgent Glovers today:
http://www.yeovilpeople.co.uk/Glovers-beat-Charlton-ndash-Williams/story-14228969-detail/story.html

On one level this is the usual kind of bigging up nonsense one hears from an opposition team trying to boost morale in advance of a big match.   I am far from sure that two draws constitutes a dip in form, even if the Bloke Behind Me has already proclaimed it a slump.

However, Yeovil have shown themselves to be tricky opposition at home in our last two visits and I am not sure how well our depleted midfield will cope with their much vaunted diamond formation (although clearly Fleetwood Town did).

One worry for the home side is the condition of the 'Glovers' glover' as the alliteration merchants like to put it.   Rene Gilmartin is on loan from Watford and has been proclaiming that he has been enjoying the west country so much that he would like to stay.   However, he dislocated his finger in the last game before Christmas.

Given that the youth keeper and the goalkeeeping coach are both out of action it looks as if Gilmartin will play on given that so far there is no sign of Yeovil dipping into the emergency loan market. In any case that would have meant finding someone over Christmas and the lucky individual then locating Yeovil.

We are now at a stage of year where people expect to read results off the table so no doubt the roof will fall in if we don't win today.   I think this is going to be a tricky, nervy match and I am by no means confident.

One encouraging piece of news is that the referee got new contact lenses for Christmas.   One of the linos was given a 'Dummy's Guide to the Offside Rule' in his stocking while the other one has been given a book 'How the Assistant Referee Can Actually Assist'.

Paul May enjoyed a traditional Christmas dinner at his mum's in Blackfen yesterday but will be heading down to the west country to cover the game.

Happy Christmas

2011-12-24T23:00:00.000-08:00

Down Under Addick and professional photographer Brian Cassey has sent this Christmas Day photo of Sam the Kookaburra. (Copyright reserved).

Happy Christmas to all the Addickted and here's hoping for promotion in 2012. COYR!

Moutaoukil rebuilds career - and other holiday reading

2011-12-24T00:01:00.001-08:00

Former Addick Yassin Moutaoukil is seeking to rebuild his career with Conference side Hayes and Yeading:
http://www.uxbridgegazette.co.uk/west-london-sport/hayesandyeading/2011/12/23/ex-charlton-athletic-man-aims-to-reignite-career-with-united-113046-29997397/

Johnnie Jackson talks about his childhood here. Why am I not surptised that his dad was a cab driver: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/article-2078061/Johnnie-Jackson-James-Ward-interview.html

Chris Powell has played down reports that he is interested in signing teenage Leicester striker Jeffrey Schlup:
http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11712/7393878/Powell-cools-Schlupp-rumours

Indeed, he may not make any signings at all in the transfer window, pointing out the loan window is open to the Addicks until March.

Skivo receives Twitter abuse

2011-12-23T06:10:00.000-08:00

Yeovil Town manager Terry Skiverton has been the subject of abuse on social networking sites from Glovers fans disgruntled with their current position in the league, but he is not allowing it to deter him from his goal of making the club one of the top two in the south-west. Skiverton admits that Bristol City are ahead, but argues that Yeovil and Exeter are vying for the coveted second spot among the Wurzels:
http://www.thisissomerset.co.uk/Yeovil-Town-boss-Terry-Skiverton-refuses-let/story-14209104-detail/story.html

Quite what his strategy will be against Charlton on Boxing Day is unclear, but we have not found Huish Park an easy place to visit, securing a draw and a 1-0 win.

However, both my teams go into Christmas top of their leagues with the Addicks five points ahead while Leamington are one point ahead at the top of the Southern Premier League with teams below them having games in hand.

My main concern for Monday is the midfield. We miss Johnnie Jackson and Dale Stephens. Bradley Wright-Phillips has also been below par, but perhaps he has not got the service he needs.