Jensen recalls the good times at Charlton

Claus Jensen recalls his years at Charlton as the best time of his career.   He praises Curbs and recalls that goal at Arsenal on the 'Black Sabbath', voted by Charlton fans as the best goal ever: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/claus-jensen-charlton-athletic-was-the-best-part-of-my-career-the-memories-are-very-strong/

Valley of Disappointment

Charlton fought back from a 0-2 deficit to draw 2-2 with Lincoln City at The Valley this afternoon, the second half  goals coming from Gillesphey and Docherty.

Charlton are now 5th, eight points off an automatic promotion place (but I never thought automatic promotion was likely).   They are one point behind Stockport in 4th.

Charlton were without two key players, Tyreece Campbell and Lloyd Jones: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/in-form-charlton-athletic-attacker-misses-lincoln-city-match-due-to-injury/

Charlton had 60 per cent of the possession and six shots on target for three to Lincoln.

Imps striker James Collins put the visitors in front after 18 minutes after he met Erik Ring's corner at the near post to head beyond Will Mannion.

Collins, a January signing from Derby, made it 2-0 in the 49th minute. Ben House chested the ball down for the striker to produce a smart turn away from marker Tom McIntyre before finding the bottom left of the net.

Macaulay Gillesphey cut the deficit eight minutes later, the Addicks centre-back sweeping in from close range after substitute Chuks Aneke had forced a botched Josh Edwards corner back towards the six-yard box.

Charlton captain Greg Docherty levelled in the 76th minute, producing a sharp left-footed finish after Edwards' long throw was only partially cleared.

Lincoln goalkeeper George Wickens made a superb save to deny Matty Godden, with Aneke also seeing an attempt drift narrowly wide of the right post as the promotion-chasing Addicks pushed hard for a winner.

After the Addicks drew level, the Imps used every opportunity to slow the game down and their keeper got a yellow card for time wasting.  He also made two excellent saves.

Shell shocked supremo Nathan Jones was in a bad mood after the game, but took responsibility for what happened, admitting faults in preparation and an excessive passivity: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-manager-keeps-his-anger-on-a-simmer-after-2-2-draw-against-lincoln-city/

Ramsgate-based fan finds his voice

He's been silent for a long time but now former fanzine editor Rick Everitt has emerged from his wardrobe to celebrate recent achievements at The Valley and declare that there are some grounds for optimism: https://www.votvonline.com/home/the-2024-25-blogs/4-4-25-jones-silences-critics-to-lead-charlton-revival/

The latest CAST survey also shows greater optimism and positivity among fans: https://www.castrust.org/2025/04/optimism-is-growing/ 

The survey did show a gradual scattering of the fan base away from the 'core area', although 12 per xcent still live in the Royal Borough of Greenwich and 62 per cent live in South London or Kent.

My guess would be that in the 1950s two-thirds lived in the boroughs of Greenwich, Woolwich and Bexley or in immediately adjacent areas such as Lewisham and Dartford.

BTW, I read in a national newspaper this week that Eltham may soon be called 'Blackheath borders!'

Will Imps be able to pull off a trick?

I had this forecast as a 2-1 win for Charlton in the Badger League at the start of the season and given our defensive strength it could well be 2-0.

The Imps have not been able to emulate the late charge towards the play-offs they pulled off last year and sitting 12th, they seem likely to stay around that area. Michael Skubala’s side are 10 points behind the play-off spots but a hefty 14 above the bottom three.   They are also mid-table in the form table.

Away from home they have won just five times, drawn six and lost nine. 

Last week they lost just 1-0 at Wycombe, having parked their combine harvesters in front of the goal, but eventually made a defensive error that let the Kazakhs in.  I expect we will see more of that at The Valley tomorrow, parking the agricultural equipment in front of the goal.   However, the likes of Campbell should be able to find a way through.

Charm merchant Lincoln captain Paudie O'Connor was shown a straight red a few minutes before the end of the game after lashing out at Joe Low.   

One must always be careful of reading results off the table, but I am reasonably confident that Fortress Valley will be rocking after 98 minutes tomorrow.

CAS Trust note that they have made little impact on top six teams: https://www.castrust.org/2025/04/charlton-face-lincoln-on-final-stretch-to-promotion-summit/

Leaburn out for rest of season

Miles Leaburn is out injured for rest of season.  It is not quite clear whether this includes any play offs, so perhaps he might have an opportunity to come off the bench at Wembley and score the winner: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-striker-miles-leaburn-to-miss-rest-of-league-one-campaign/

The best and the worst at Charlton

The latest Four Four Two has a 'best and worst at Charlton' feature written by 'lifelong Addick Paddy Pamment'.   (Who he?  Ed)

He does, reasonably enough, seem to be a bit fixated on the Curbs Premier League era.   Personally I  would have found room for some players from the 1950s and also given Lennie Lawrence an honourable mention.   But you can draw up your own lists.

Jones won't take any risks with Jones

Moaners complained about the exclusion of Lloyd Jones from the squad at Mansfield and the inclusion of Tom McIntyre in his kilt.  In fact McIntyre had a good game and Nathan Jones has explained that he does not want to take any risks with his namesake: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-athletic-boss-not-prepared-to-take-any-risks-with-key-performer/

Charlton fans chanted 'Nathan Jones' Red Army' at the end of the tricky Mansfield game.