Away form gives Accrington hope

CAS Trust think that our away record should give us hope for tomorrow's game at Accrington: https://www.castrust.org/2021/04/accrington-it-aint-all-over-yet/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=accrington-it-aint-all-over-yet

We have won twelve, drawn six and lost four away, a record only bettered by top team Hull in terms of victories.  At home Accrington have won ten, drawn six and lost six.   They have scored 30 goals at home but let in 35.

Former Leamington ace Colby Bishop scored twice against us at The Valley.   During the week he provided one goal and one assist in the 3-3 draw with Portsmouth.  He needs to be marked out of the game.

By the end of tomorrow afternoon we should know whether our play off hopes are still alive or not.  If things do not go well, some Charlton fans will be making the trip to Accrington next season.

Glazier appraises Inniss

Crystal Palace's academy director discusses Ryan Inniss saying that at 16 or 17 he was one of the best three centre halves in the country, but his career was subsequently disrupted by injury: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/crystal-palace-academy-director-gary-issott-gives-fascinating-insight-into-fearless-charlton-defender-ryan-inniss/?fbclid=IwAR3wh2yzmvUpq5SS6momzBWFAw9AR-8pSY_T 

Euell 'getting to know' Adkins

Jason Euell had grown frustrated with his lack of opportunities to progress before his recent promotion.  He is still get to know Nigel Adkins: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/i-had-grown-frustrated-jason-euell-on-the-wait-for-a-first-team-coaching-role-at-charlton-athletic/?fbclid=IwAR2NBFeQfUFwjzXJ1hP9iWQW6-ErvFoKUPXfQDH2fKxlntTcSsJJ8hxRZfQ

Nigel Adkins has given Euell the green light to continue with his England role: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/england-role-not-set-to-be-an-issue-for-charlton-first-team-coach-jason-euell/

Time running out for Shinnie

Why does Andrew Shinnie no longer feature in Nigel Adkins's plans?  Benjy Nurick attempts to find the answer: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/time-is-running-out-for-andrew-shinnie-to-make-telling-contribution-as-charlton-face-play-off-crunch/

In short the answer appears to be that the new manager favours a different style of play and Shinnie doesn't fit into it.  Alex Gilbey has been brought back in and Jake Forster-Caskey is seen as a key contributor so there is not a lot of room in midfield after the Watson/Pratley role has been taken into account.

A number of fans have commented on social media that Shinnie is a creative midfielder who has something to offer.  At least he should be on the bench rather than running forlornly round The Valley.

DJ unavailable for Saturday

DJ is unlikely to be fit for Saturday's game at Accrington and Nigel Adkins admits he took a risk by bringing on Ryan Inniss: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-admits-charlton-took-a-gamble-by-playing-ryan-inniss-and-provides-update-on-diallang-jaiyesimi-injury/

Apparently some Charlton players said that Crewe were one of the best teams they had played at home all season: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/crewe-boss-reveals-compliment-from-charlton-players-after-2-2-valley-draw/

We must have played quite a few good teams, given that winning just six games at home is the worst record in the top two-thirds of the table.

'Massive blow'

A 96th minute equaliser by Crewe denied Charlton the three points at The Valley tonight, the game ending 2-2.  It was a massive blow, although it was not an impressive Charlton performance. Crewe had 61 per cent possession and far more attempts on goal.

At one point tonight we were 6th with Portsmouth losing (they eventually drew 3-3) but we are now back down at 8th.   Blackpool won at Sunderland.

Jayden Stockley put Charlton ahead in the first half and after Crewe equalised Alex Gilbey put the Addicks back in the lead.

Curbs asked did we deserve much more over the 90 minutes.   Probably not.   We got completely outgunned in midfield both halves.   There was so much time and space in midfield.

Matt Holland noted that it was only after a late double substitution that we got up the pitch more.  For much of the second half we were second best.

Curbs thought that the Peterborough game took a lot out of us and the nerves started to creep in because we were at home.   There were some tired bodies out there, Stockley look tired, Watson looked tired in the second half.

Nigel Adkins said that from the kick off they pinned us in for seven or eight minutes, then a fantastic goal. We found the first half very challenging.  In the second half we changed the shape, but then we allowed them to get the ball in the box and headed it and cleared it again and again.  It's disappointing, but we've got to get over this disappointment quickly.   The lads gave us everything.  We've got to win the next three.

Jayden was far too isolated, the manager added.   The changes did help with three at the back.  We didn't have the ball, on Saturday we did have the ball.  We were too easily bypassed, we were picked off too easily.  We've got the help the players improve, we need that positive togetherness.  I took a massive gamble with Ryan Inniss tonight.  One or two players have niggles.   Perhaps I should have put Chris Gunter on as well to give a fresh pair of legs.   We'll get ourselves together again.

Curbs said he thought Adkins was disappointed with our possession, he couldn't work that out because we are a passing side.

Match report

On nine minutes Millar put in great work on the left, Gilbey got in behind the defence and Stockley got in front of his man and scored with a header at the near post to make it 1-0.

Steve Brown thought it was too easy for Crewe: 'I though the goal would spring us into life.'  We were giving away possession cheaply.

Dale and Wood got yellow cards.

A Forster-Caskey free kick in the three minutes added on came off the wall.

All the stats in the first half favoured Crewe.

HT: 1-0

Maatsen got a harsh yellow card from referee Trevor 'Steaming' Kettle.  On 54 minutes he was replaced by Washington.

Gilbey got a harsh yellow card and Pearce got one for kicking the ball away, but Kettle also managed to book one of the Crewe staff.

Crewe started to apply some real pressure and pinned Charlton back.   The only relief came when Millar shot over the bar.  It was no surprise when Dale equalised for Crewe on 66 minutes.

Millar was replaced by Aneke whose physical presence was a threat.  Stockley and Watson came off and Inniss and Pratley came on.  Charlton then started to be more effective.

Gilbey won a Charlton corner.  Famewo headed the ball in and Gilbey scored through the legs of the keeper.

Kirk received a yellow card, possibly for not signing for Charlton.   The Addicks were unable to keep hold of the ball allowing the substitute Porter to equalise.   There was talk of a push, but Nigel Adkins didn't think there was one.

Crewe are a neat and tidy side with one or two good players.   They didn't create much but they still outplayed us for much of the game.

Crewe are a small dog nipping at Charlton's heels

Our matches have been 'must win' for some time, but that particularly applies to tonight's game with Crewe Alexandra.   Manager Nigel Adkins thinks they are a 'dangerous proposition' because they are carefree with neither relegation nor promotion to care about: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-explains-why-crewe-match-will-be-more-challenging-for-charlton-athletic/

As Crewe supremo David Artell put it in his press conference yesterday, 'We have got to be that small dog nipping at their heels.'   They can yap all they like as long as they don't bite.

Crewe are currently 15th in the table and in a similar position in the form table.  Away from home they have won seven, drawn four and lost ten.   They have had more away wins than Charlton's six home wins, matched by six draws and eight defeats.

We have only played the Railwaymen five times, but have won all previous encounters.

Last Saturday Crewe drew 1-1 at home with lowly Rochdale who snatched a late equaliser. Dave Artell admitted that it was a poor game: 'We weren't good enough.  We didn't do anything near well enough when we were in possession.'

Some fans are calling for all out attack, but we must be careful to keep the back door locked in the first fifteen minutes.

Outspoken fan Desmond from Deal commented: 'The honeymoon is over for Adkins.  He has got to step up to the plate or head out of the door.'

We can't keep starting matches on the back foot

Charlton can't keep starting matches on the back foot.  Benjy Nurick provides an in depth analysis of their slow start problem: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/slow-starts-are-becoming-familiar-at-charlton-under-nigel-adkins-they-were-punished-against-peterborough-and-will-be-again-soon-if-not-fixed/

Millar 'still learning'

Liam Millar is still learning his trade according to manager Nigel Adkins.   Millar and other players are getting into the final third, but there is a lot more to do: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/hes-still-learning-charlton-boss-nigel-adkins-on-liverpool-loanee-liam-millar/

Unbeaten run comes to an end

Peterborough secured a 1-0 victory at The Valley this afternoon with an early goal, bringing Charlton's unbeaten run to an end.  Charlton had a chance to equalise with a Stockley penalty, but it was saved by Bursik.   

Charlton are now 8th, two points behind Blackpool are on 6th.   Three teams are on 68 points from 5th to 7th.

Charlton could have done better in the final third and in terms of crosses. 

Curbs thought we deserved to get back into the game, but the first fifteen minutes was decisive.  Peterborough got the initiative and we were chasing the game. Both sets of players realised how big a game it was.  Peterborough are a very confident side and took the game to us.

Alex Dyer said Charlton had a good period in the second half, but did not come near a goal.  We didn't have a cutting edge.   They weren't aggressive enough in their play in the first half. Charlton defended quite well, apart from a lapse in the first half.

Curbs said we got in some good positions, but there were no clear cut chances.  We couldn't find that final decent ball. We fizzled out in the final third. Stockley was outgunned.   They nullified our main threat, although they had problems with Millar.

Charlton have conceded the first goal 11 times at home this season.  As Curbs noted, the reason we aren't where Peterborough are is because of our home form.  We've rarely got in front and started asking the other team questions.

Nigel Adkins said that losing DJ to a hamstring injury was a concern.  We were still in the race, but couldn't afford to lose any more games.  He was very disappointed by the goal we conceded, we probably gifted them a goal.

Match report

Peterborough started with a high tempo.   On eight minutes Clarke-Harris scored from the 'D' after a long pass.  It was a good strike and left Amos with no chance,.

Ward was penetrating down the right.  Matthews made a good challenge in front of goal, enabling Amos to make the save.

A shot was pushed wide by Amos after Inniss was caught flat footed.   I don't think he had a great game. He was well taken care of by Beavers when going forward.

Peterborough continued to press with pace and Steve Brown observed that the problem was the quality of the opponents.   On 23 minutes DJ had to be replaced by Albie Morgan.  As the half hour approached, the visitors had had eight attempts on goal to none from us.

On 30 minutes Gilbey was brought down by Kent and referee Keith Stroud awarded the penalty.  Stockley struck the penalty well but it was a good height for the keeper who dived to his right to make the save.

Thompson had been giving Millar a torrid time, but went too far and picked up a yellow card.

Steve Brown said that our crosses were a bit wayward and the final product was lacking.   Curbs said it had been a slow start by Charlton, Peterborough had been a yard sharper at the start.   The quality of the service to Stockley was questionable.

HT: 0-1

Charlton played better in the second half, in part because Millar was less constrained by Thompson who eventually had to be substituted.

Gilbey got a yellow card for a challenge on Dembele.   Gilbey made a great run, but his effort was saved.

Millar went for the goal when he should have passed the ball.  Charlton were in the ascendancy in terms of possession.

Szomdics put the ball over the bar.   Stockley couldn't connect with a good ball from Morgan.

On 76 minutes Gilbey was replaced by Aneke.   This could have happened earlier, but Nigel Adkins said he was concerned about his fitness.

A Forster-Caskey shot was deflected just wide, then a Millar attempt was deflected.

Morgan had to be taken off on 83 minute to bring on Washington who made little impression.  Famewo replaced Inniss.  Apparently he had to be replaced: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-reveals-damage-as-diallang-jaiyesimi-and-ryan-inniss-are-forced-off-during-defeat-to-peterborough/

Peterborough were running down the clock with some skill, but Szomdics still managed to hit the post in time added on.

Adkins set on tackling Inniss injury history

Nigel Adkins thinks that the previous injury history of Ryan Inniss has been too big, but is determined to tackle it, seeing its origins in multiple causes: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-adkins-determined-to-address-ryan-inniss-injury-history/

Inniss, Conor Washington and Ian Maatsen will all be available for tomorrow's game against Peterborough.

In the interviews, Adkins stresses the importance of dynamic, attacking wing play to his tactics.

Will Charlton take a second look at Pigott?

Charlton were interested in Joe Pigott in the January transfer window, but the then salary cap got in the way.  Could their interest in the former Addick be revived?  https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/afc-wimbledon-chief-not-resigned-to-joe-pigotts-exit-this-summer/

An approach is more likely if we don't get promoted.

Bring on the Posh

Charlton face one of the toughest tests of the season on Saturday when they play Peterborough at The Valley.  We lost the away fixture, but that was played on Peterborough's unique ploughed field pitch.

Nevertheless, the task should not be underestimated.   Peterborough will be looking to bounce back from their surprise 0-1 defeat by Gillingham in midweek to secure their automatic promotion place.  Jonson Clarke-Harris has already scored 30 goals this season.

Manager Darren Ferguson has said: 'Charlton had an excellent win in midweek and have appointed someone who knows how to get out of this division in the experienced Nigel Adkins. It is always a difficult game at the Valley, but we are looking forward to it, we have won our last two on the road and remain in a good position in the league with four games to go.'

After last Saturday's 3-1 win over Northampton, Ferguson said: 'I felt we were in complete control in terms of possession, but we were a little too slow with the ball and then forced it too much at others.'

Posh's away form does not match their performance on the ploughed field where they have only lost two games.  On the road, they have won nine, drawn four and lost eight.   Charlton have won six, drawn six and lost seven at home.

In recent matches we have had a tendency to put ourselves under the cosh in the first quarter of an hour so we need to hold firm, but also bear in mind Steve Brown's observation that League One teams are often good offensively but weaker defensively.

Nigel Adkins should have almost all the squad available to him for selection.

CAS Trust reckon we are stronger than we were in January: https://www.castrust.org/2021/04/bring-on-the-posh/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=bring-on-the-posh

This year's pre-season training camp will be in the UK: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-plan-domestic-pre-season-training-camp/

Amos hitting form at the right time

Benjy Nurick argues that Ben Amos is coming into form at just the right time: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/role-model-ben-amos-a-revitalised-force-as-nigel-adkins-charlton-hitting-top-form-at-the-perfect-time/

Football and place

The materials I have produced for the Orwell Youth Prize on football and place have turned out to be timely, and there is some Charlton content: https://www.orwellfoundation.com/the-orwell-youth-prize/2018-youth-prize/politics-football-and-place-wyn-grant/

Mayflower sunk without a trace

Charlton won 6-0 at Plymouth to go 6th.   Charlton are now top of the away form league.  It was their best away result since the 6-0 at Barnsley.

Peterborough lost 0-1 at home to Gillingham.  AFC Wimbledon beat Oxford 2-1.  Ipswich lost 3-0 at Northampton.  Rochdale beat Blackpool 1-0.  Hull and Sunderland drew.

Alex Gilbey said afterwards that it was a real top performance tonight.  The gaffer had given him a licence to go forward.

Nigel Adkins said it was a cracking win for us, the clean sheet is important, Amos made some really important saves.   We thought we could get crosses into the box and expose their centre halves.  The next goal after half time was very important, that's why Ben Amos's save was such a big one.  Clean sheets give you a basis and a platform. 

The manager added, 'Alex Gilbey's attitude is great, you can see how hard he works.   His work effort for the team is great.'

'We're in the race.  We're going to stay over tonight, great for the club..  We can get up normal time, get the Ciracdian rhythm right, do some work in the gym, have a journey back.'

More comments from the manager here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-praises-ruthless-addicks-after-record-equalling-6-0-mauling-of-plymouth-argyle/

Curbs said, 'Great planning, not many League One clubs can do that.  Now we face a different pressure.'

Deano said that Charlton had a great shape on and off the ball and kept it all game.

Plymouth started brightly and won a series of corners.   Charlton had difficulty getting possession, but the game started to turn after quarter of an hour.   The keeper made a save from DJ.

On 25 minutes Millar put in great wing play.   Watts punched the ball on the line and got a yellow card but he couldn't stop Forster-Caskey scoring with a header.

Amos had to made a save by palming the ball away.  Stockley had a chance but put the ball wide.

Plymouth had to take Armson off and bring on Moore.  They switched from a 3-5-2 to four at the back and they never looked so good afterwards.

As half time approached, Matthews put in a good cross enabling Stockley to score to make it 0-2.

HT: 0-2

Pearce put in a block enabling Amos to save.  Millar surged forward and a Watts own goal made it 0-3.  Stockley and Millar combined well to allow Gilbey to make it 0-4.

Pearce made a good defensive header.  A Stockley effort went left of the post.

Millar made it 0-5 after Matthews on the right released DJ.

Gunter replaced Matthews.   Subsequently, Shinnie and Morgan replaced Gilbey and DJ.  Ten minutes later Aneke replaced Stockley and Forster-Caskey was replaced by Pratley.

On 88 minutes Pratley made a great run and fed Aneke who made it 6-0.   Aneke could have broken the away record, but put the ball wide.

Plymouth have better home record

Mid-week away games to mid-table sides can be crucial in determining the outcome of a season and this could well be the case when Charlton play at Plymouth Argyle this evening.

Argyle are currently 16th in the league.  A win against Charlton would make them mathematically safe from relegation.

They are 14th in the form table while Charlton are 6th.  Plymouth's home record is much better than their away record.  At Home Park they have won eleven, drawn four and lost six, scoring 30 goals and conceding 30.   Charlton have also won eleven away from home, drawing six and losing four.

Over the years we have won 29, lost 27 and drawn 15.  

Manager Ryan Lowe said: "They are another good team who are fighting to get in the play-offs but we have got to go about our business."

“We want to finish the season off on a high. We want to make sure that we keep playing the brand of football and keep working hard for each other."

“So it’s another tough game but it’s one we are looking forward to. I have told the boys to enjoy these challenges coming up - enjoy playing against the Charltons, the Oxfords and the Sunderlands."

“That’s what we came into this league for. Go and showcase your ability and if you do you never know where that may take you.”

Their main goal threat comes from Luke Jephcott who has scored 16 league goals in 38 league appearances.  His last goal came back in February, 18 games away.  

Unfortunately, we will be without Chuks Aneke and Conor Washington, so a lot of responsibility rests on Jayden Stockley.   He needs the right service to score.

I am currently second in the West Sussex CAFC prediction league, but hopefully my prediction of a 3-2 win for Argyle tonight will be incorrect.

The battle between chaos and control at Charlton

In his latest analysis of Charlton's prospects, Benjy Nurick frames it as a battle between chaos and control, the implication being that we haven't got the balance right: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/chaos-vs-control-charlton-could-well-be-built-for-the-play-offs-but-to-get-there-they-may-need-to-adjust-their-gameplan/

Powell to take charge at Spurs

Unconfirmed reports are stating that José Mourinho has been sacked at Tottenham Hotspur and first team coaches Chris Powell and Ryan Mason will take charge for the rest of the season.

Chris Powell is a lifelong fan of Spurs. 

Adkins: why we need a pathway for coaches

Nigel Adkins discusses the promotion of Jason Euell and explains the importance of creating a pathway for coaches as well as players: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-on-his-call-to-promote-jason-euell-to-first-team-coach-at-charlton-athletic/

Goalless at The Valley

Charlton drew 0-0 with Ipswich Town in a tight game at The Valley this afternoon.  Ipswich started with a fast tempo and looked threatening in the first quarter of an hour, but the rest of the half petered out.  The visitors were again lively in the opening phase of the first half, but started to fade and Charlton came into the game more.   

However, they were unable to find the back of the net, although Steve Brown thought that the Ipswich keeper Holy made a couple of good saves.

Morts thought that DJ and Millar should have stayed wider and put good crosses in.

Portsmouth lost to MK Dons and remain two points ahead of Charlton in 7th place.   Oxford beat Gillingham in the late kick off so Charlton are now 8th.

Having made five changes from their defeat at Wimbledon in the week, and been berated by their manager, the visitors made a bright start.

James Norwood saw his third-minute effort palmed away by Ben Amos, while Jason Pearce blocked Keanan Bennetts' follow-up.

Charlton weathered the storm started to press and Ryan Innis directed a header straight at Tomas Holy after nine minutes following a Charlton corner.

Ipswich were forced to replace Norwood with Kayden Jackson on 25 minutes and the sDozzell and DC picked up yellow cards in the closing minutes of the half.

The Addicks were the better side in the second half and had the best chance after the break when Holy parried away a close-range header from Diallang Jaiyesimi on 57 minutes.

The Ipswich goalkeeper was in action again three minutes later, when he collected an effort from Liam Millar.

In a game of few chances, Jake Forster-Caskey put a sweeping effort over the crossbar on 73 minutes, before Jayden Stockley put his shot three minutes later into the arms of Holy.

Nigel Adkins has warned that Charlton cannot afford to drop many more points if they are going to secure a play off place: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-charlton-were-the-side-more-likely-to-win-but-0-0-draw-with-ipswich-narrows-amounts-of-points-we-can-afford-to-drop/

Skipper wants third League One promotion

A third League One promotion would mean everything to Jason Pearce: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/it-would-mean-everything-charlton-skipper-jason-pearce-chasing-third-league-one-promotion-of-his-career/

Manager lists Ipswich's woes

Self-described 'demolition man' Paul Cook has promised six weeks of pain at Ipswich.   The team that faces Charlton tomorrow will not be the same as the one defeated 3-0 by AFC Wimbledon earlier in the week: https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/ipswich-town/paul-cook-on-ipswich-town-squad-overhaul-7902572

Diagnosing the side's problems, Cook said: 'We don’t put crosses into the box, we don’t create chances, we don’t defend well and we don’t defend set-pieces well. We don’t retain possession of the ball, we’re not very fit and we’re not very athletic. ' 

'I will travel to Charlton with all the enthusiasm in the world.  “But we’re not going to start putting on faces to show people everything’s rosy in the camp, because it isn’t.'

Jacko devised new corner routine

Nigel Adkins has given Johnnie Jackson credit for devising the corner routine which led to Charlton's first goal at Sunderland: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/johnnie-jackson-gets-the-credit-for-charlton-athletics-opening-goal-at-sunderland/

Our corners have been far weaker than our free kicks for some time, so this is a significant step forward.

Gilbey adds value

Benjy Nurick analyses what Alex Gilbey and Conor Washington bring to Charlton's squad: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/hes-very-different-analysing-what-alex-gilbey-brings-to-this-charlton-team-with-the-help-of-conor-washington/?fbclid=IwAR1EBrt3anr9EvuCD_kr1zUumIq-_AKieFf7-OvIXLQjVT_4g0fghdPeiMo

Results go Charlton's way

On the whole results in League One last night went Charlton's way.   Nigel Adkins saw Ipswich Town defeated 3-0 at AFC Wimbledon.   Sunderland lost 2-1 at Wigan.  Portsmouth could only manage 0-0 draw at Crewe.  Doncaster's slump in form continued with a 0-3 defeat at home to rampant Burton Albion.  Blackpool's run faltered with a 0-0 home draw against Accrington Stanley who have also seen the wind go out of their sails.

Lincoln City won 4-0 at home against MK Dons and Gobby's Oxford United won 4-1.   After their 6-0 win at Crewe last Saturday, they are ahead of us on goal difference but we are still just three points off a play off place.

However, we have two games in hand on Oxford and one on Portsmouth.   Given our current form, that is worth something.

Maddison will not be returning

Marcus Maddison will not be returning to Charlton and is considering walking away from football: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/no-charlton-athletic-return-for-marcus-maddison-as-he-considers-walking-away-from-football/

Well-being concern as Maddison returns

Bolton Wanderers have ended Marcus Maddison's loan spell at the club, saying that he is in need of more support: https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/19226765.marcus-maddison-back-charlton-bolton-end-loan-well-being-concern/ 

Maddison rocking up at Sparrows Lane could be the biggest challenge Nigel Adkins has faced so far.  It has been suggested that he could be given the post code for Millwall's training ground.

Keeper sets points target

Ben Amos reckons Charlton need 13 points from their last seven matches to guarantee a play off place: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-keeper-has-points-total-he-believes-secures-a-league-one-play-off-place/

Amos said that Nigel Adkins had set up a more solid structure.

Birthday boy stands firm for Charlton

Charlton maintained their momentum with a 2-1 win at Sunderland this afternoon, their first defeat at home since January 19th.  Ryan Inniss created an own goal in the first half and Alex Gilbey scored in the second.  It was an outstanding performance by birthday boy Ben Amos.  Lennie Lawrence said he was man of the match and Curbs agreed.

Lennie Lawrence said it was an enormous physical and mental effort from Charlton.  It could be the start of an exciting finale.  Curbs said it was such a big result.

Ben Amos said that the team had a way of playing that everyone was happy with and comfortable with now.  Everyone knew their roles and what was expected at different stages of the game.  That made it more straightforward.

Lennie Lawrence said that Charlton won because the manager got the strategy right, the tactics right and made the changes at the right time.

Nigel Adkins said it was a big win, the players showed great resilience, we gifted them a goal.  We could have scored some more goals.   It was pleasing that things that had been talked about in training had been achieved.   We had to try and get our shape right.  Great credit to the players.   Sunderland put the ball in the box more than anyone else in the division.

Curbs said that Adkins had come in and giving everyone a lift, it sounds like the training ground is a happy place.

Charlton are still 7th, but are just two points off 4th.

Match report

After a bright opening, Charlton looked shaky in the first ten minutes.  O'Brien was just wide after he got between two defenders.   Sunderland were putting pressure on the Charlton right.

Pratley lost out to Wyke, but Amos made a great right-handed save. Charlton hit the post.  Amos made another great save, although it was an attempt to push the ball into the net.   Sunderland had a free kick near the corner flag, but Amos punched the ball out.

DJ won Charlton a corner taken by Forster-Caskey.   Inniss got a free header and for some reason the defender slammed the ball into his own net.   Amos had to make a save down to his left.

The virtual attendance at half time was 14,553.

HT: 0-1

Forster-Caskey got a yellow card for disrupting a throw in.  On 59 minutes Stockley hit the post after DJ turned provider.

On 60 minutes from a Charlton throw in Stockley made a good flick on with a header and Gilbey scored at the second attempt.

Sunderland made four substitutions.  Maatsen went down and had to be replaced by Millar.  A shot from DJ was saved.   Gunter replaced DJ on 72 minutes.

Amos came out of his goal rather recklessly, but made a double save, but the ball fell to Sunderland in front of an open goal scored with a header.

Charlton were getting a bit too deep, but at least we weren't trying to play out from the back.   The players were tiring, but Matthews put in some good defensive work in the closing minutes.

Amos claimed from a Sunderland corner.   Millar advanced, but the defenders made two good blocks.

In five minutes on, extended to six, Amos had to save again.

Cullen enjoyed every minute of his time with Charlton

Josh Cullen, now playing his football in Belgium, enjoyed every minute of his time with Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/josh-cullen-exclusive-i-treated-charlton-athletic-as-if-it-was-my-own/

An incident packed season

Charlton hoped for a quick return to the top flight in the 1957/8 season.   The latest Charlton Retro article looks back at an incident packed season: https://retrocharlton.blogspot.com/2021/04/the-season-that-ended-in-disappointment.html

Maatsen's loan journey

Ian Maatsen talks to the Chelsea website about playing at Charlton in unfamiliar positions: https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/2021/04/05/ian-maatsen-talks-life-on-loan-at-charlton?cardIndex=0-0&fbclid=IwAR0qCi6O4Prg3wYe__6SgbnK1FgIkAlsPgJUYRBVa862Telo8U2FgB8EknY

Adkins 'a breath of fresh air' says Inniss

Ryan Inniss says that Nigel Adkins has been 'a breath of fresh air' and everything has been positive about the new manager: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/ryan-inniss-new-charlton-boss-nigel-adkins-has-been-a-breath-of-fresh-air/

Inniss is glad to be back in action after a gruelling five months out: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-defender-ryan-inniss-delighted-to-be-back-in-action-after-gruelling-five-months-out/

Maatsen praises Adkins

Ian Maatsen is 'buzzing' after scoring his first goal for Charlton playing out of position and is full of praise for Nigel Adkins.  However, he won't say what the future holds: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/chelsea-loanee-ian-maatsen-buzzing-after-scoring-first-senior-goal-for-charlton-but-coy-on-future-beyond-this-season/

Pardew recalls being Charlton manager

The latest Four Four Two has a question and answer session with Alan Pardew.   One question was, 'What happened during your spell at Charlton when you were relegated from the Premier League?'

The managerial maestro replied: ''I think we had about 10 points when I was appointed at Christmas, so I'd taken on a tough scenario and thought I'd done really well.  We lost Darren Bent to injury which was a massive blow, but we beat West Ham 4-0 in February and I thought we would get out of it.'

'Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the dynamics of going down at all.  I was promised certain things that didn't happen, we ended up selling the best players, and then halfway through the season we sold Andy Reid, my captain.  I was distraught about that one.  When they sold him, there was going to be only one outcome for me, and that was to leave.  It was a shame.'

Fans may recall that Pardew left after a 2-5 home defeat by Sheffield United.  At the time I noted: 'As Pardew left the pitch after the defeat he directed an ironic wave at the booing Covered End. That said it all really, along with his attempt in his programme notes to blame the negativity of the fans for recent poor performances.

Before the end of the game the Covered End had been chanting 'We Want Our Charlton Back'. After the match some two hundred or so fans made their way to the West Stand where they chanted 'Charlton till I die' and 'We want our Charlton back'. Reports suggested that an emergency board meeting had been convened and one rumour said that Keith Peacock was present.'

Three points in the bag

Charlton battled to win three points with a 1-0 victory over Doncaster at the Keepmoat this lunchtime.  The winning goal came from man of the match Ian Maatsen in the 11th minute.   The second half wasn't pretty, but Charlton continued to work as a team and were effective in defending the lead. 

Nigel Adkins made six changes to the side which drew some complaints from the usual suspects on social media.   The Addicks had a difficult start to the game and did not see a lot of the ball.  Amos needed to be more commanding and communicate better.

The ball was won well in the air by Stockley, he flicked it on and a great finish saw Maatsen score his first goal for Charlton.

A snap shot from the 40-year old Coppinger went over.   Amos dived down low to make a good save from Bogle.

Charlton were defensively solid and the midfield was working well.   The only downside was a tendency to rush long balls down to Stockley.

Charlton had three corners in the last quarter of an hour, but they were unproductive.

HT: 0-1

Charlton made a scrappy start.  Forster-Caskey was harshly judged to have fouled Bogle, but the free kick from the edge of the penalty area hit the wall.

Stockley put the ball in the net from a Forster-Caskey corner, but although lineswoman Rashid was slow to raise her flag, it was correctly judged to be offside.

Stockley and Halliday were booked for a clash, Adkins was not happy.

Liam Millar replaced DJ.  Doncaster were playing a high line and there was some frantic end to end action.  Charlton were starting to look a bit nervy and tired and Aneke replaced Stockley to provide fresh legs.

Amos made a good punch from a free kick and there was a great header out from Inniss.

Shinnie replaced Gilbey who had put in a good shift on his return.  Gunter replaced Maatsen.

Seven minutes were added on and although Doncaster threatened once, Charlton continued to work well as a unit.

Charlton are temporarily 5th pending this afternoon's matches.  (Now back to 7th).

Nigel Adkins was pleased his tactical switch worked: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-pleased-tactical-switch-pays-off-as-ian-maatsen-claims-first-career-goal-during-charlton-win-at-donny/

Desmond from Deal said: 'This looks like one of Bowyer's sneaky 1-0 away wins.  I was hoping for more from Adkins.'

Doncaster manager to stick to principles

After Doncaster Rovers took just two points out of the last fifteen and dropped out of the top six, manager Andy Butler has rebutted critics who have called for a change of formation and has insisted he will stick to his principles come what may: https://www.doncasterfreepress.co.uk/sport/football/i-wont-go-away-from-what-i-believe-in-andy-butler-determined-to-stick-to-principles-with-doncaster-rovers-in-face-of-formation-change-calls-3187471

After last Saturday's 1-0 defeat by MK Dons, Butler said that they were lacking in the final third.

We have played Doncaster 16 times over the years winning eight, drawing three and losing five.

Kick off is 12.30 and the match will not be streamed as it is live on Sky.

Adkins urges players to the best they can every day

Nigel Adkins wants players to concentrate solely on their best performances and not on their contractual situations: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-has-message-for-charlton-players-due-to-be-out-of-contract-keen-to-put-pre-season-plans-in-place/

Adkins said: 'The best way to go is to be the best you can every day.   Be the best you can while you're playing. The summer will sort itself out.'

Adkins is keen to sort out the pre-season, normally this would have been done by January.

It's not all bad news for Charlton

In his latest article for the SLP, Benjy Nurick reckons that Charlton have a real chance of redemption under Nigel Adkins: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/its-not-all-bad-news-for-charlton-athletic-as-they-look-to-land-league-one-play-off-place/

However, he recognises that Charlto need quite a few wins and they need them quickly.

Promotion for Euell

In a move likely to be welcomed by most fans, Jason Euell has been promoted to the senior management team as first team coach: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/jason-euell-appointed-charlton-athletic-first-team-coach/

Manager Nigel Adkins said: 'In Johnnie Jackson and now Jason, we have two senior members of the first-team coaching staff who have a real understanding of the club given their successful playing and coaching careers here.'

Charlton now have an excellent mix of new thinking and continuity.

Charlton fall back to 10th

Conor Washington will not be available for tomorrow's visit to Doncaster Rovers: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-provides-injury-update-ahead-of-doncaster-rovers-match/

Gillingham beat Wigan 1-0 last night to move into the play off places and push Charlton down to 10th.

Bowyer talks about problems he endured at Charlton

Lee Bowyer reckons that nothing he may face at Birmingham City could compare with what he had to endure at Charlton: https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11694/12262097/lee-bowyer-i-hope-there-will-be-no-problems-at-birmingham-like-those-i-endured-at-charlton