Valley of Despair

Charlton went down 0-2 to Wigan Athletic at The Valley this afternoon, conceding the first goal after 87 minutes and the second one after 95 minutes. 

Curbs said that Wigan looked the more confident and composed side, when they got into the final third they showed quality.  'I couldn't see us scoring, they looked dangerous on the break, one piece of quality is going to finish this.   We never really created that real good chance to get in front.'

'Confidence is a massive thing, if we had won a couple of those early games, it would be different.'  Curbs thought that Blackett-Taylor had pace, he always liked a hungry, desperate player.   Stockley needed some better balls into him.   Albie Morgan was not a number 10, he never caused problems.   'You've got to stick someone up with Stockley to give him some help.'

Mark Bowen said that he was uncertain what the game plan is.    There wasn't that real desire to make it hard for the opposition.  Ben Watson didn't have the legs he had five or ten years ago, you needed athleticism in the centre of the park.

Once again Charlton started brightly enough and Amos saved from Stockley.   However, on 10 minutes Wigan created a chance out of nothing and hit the crossbar.

Wigan started to take control and MacGillivray had to make a super save with a strong left hand.  Stockley remonstrated with Morgan because he wanted the ball crossed to him earlier.

Charlton had possession but were unable to turn it into opportunities and Wigan had the better chances.  MacGillivray had to make another great save after a Wigan free kick.

HT: 0-0

It was still a very close game and Kirk had one of the best chances.   After  both sides made substitutions, the game opened up more with Charlton providing space in the midfield.

DJ was replaced by the debutante Blackett-Taylor and Dobson replaced Washington.   Wyke drew a strong right hand from MacGillivray.

Charlton could have dealt better with the cross that led to the first goal, but it was evident that players were tiring.

The second goal in time added on brought a grim afternoon to a close.

Nigel Adkins said we didn't get outcome we were after, we tried to be positive, to be more of a goal threat.  ' I'm disappointed.   I thought we were knocking on the door.   Craig made some really good saves for us.  There's a lot for us to work on.   Strength in depth, we've got a bit more time, we've got to use this time to bring more players in.'

Scott Minto asked whether it was sticking to the system or whether it should change.   Adkins said that different combinations had been tried.

More detailed comments by the manager here, admitting that there is a confidence problem and ;we are judged by results': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-charlton-athletic-fans-perfectly-entitled-to-express-their-displeasure-this-is-a-big-club/

Curbs said that it was clear that we didn't do enough in the final third.    The players had to look at themselves and see if they were doing the job they had been asked to do.   We're not scoring goals and that first goal has become really important.

Charlton are now in the relegation positions at 21st, just ahead of next week's opponents Crewe and just behind Ipswich.