Decisive win

Both sides had a cagey start, but the game burst into life when Doncaster cleared off the line from a shot by Lee after ten minutes.   At the other end Famewo received a yellow card.  

Leko was injured and replaced by DJ.  He did have a slight groin injury coming into the game.

Lee put Charlton 1-0 ahead on 21 minutes from a free kick.

Doncaster's finest

Amusement was caused by a topless bloke in the Doncaster end throwing some sparring punches towards the East Stand from 50 feet away. He did briefly get on the pitch and was led away.

Doncaster were having most of the possession, but weren't creating anything.

Gilbey was brought down and the referee awarded a penalty. Conor Washington scored on his 50th appearance for Charlton on 33 minutes to make it 2-0.

Dobson was playing a key role in midfield in winning the first ball.

A shot by Washington was saved well to deny Charlton a third.

Dobson put in an excellent ball to Washington but Purrington put it wide at the near post.

Doncaster did not really create anything in the first half.

HT: 2-0

DJ put in a cross and Charlton won the corner which was taken short and cleared.

The ball was cleared off the line after Stockley got something on it.

A header from Stockley was straight at the keeper after good play from DJ. Doncaster made a substitution with their top scorer Rowe coming on.

Charlton had a free kick in a promising position. Lee took the free kick and Stockley made a run across his man to make it 3-0 on 62 minutes.

Purrington got his claws out to make it 4-0 at the far post on 70 minutes with a superb header after a great ball from DJ.

On 75 minutes Lee went off to a standing ovation and was replaced by Clare. Doncaster also made a substitution.

Davison replaced Washington.

Gilbey put in a shot but the keeper saved to his right after it nearly crept past him. Dahlberg then flicked Stockley's header on to the bar. Without the keeper it could have been six or seven.

Stockley's header went straight at the keeper following a Charlton corner.

Dobson, Pearce, Euell and MacGillivray all did tunnel jumps.

Charlton moved out of the relegation zone. A sterner test awaits on Tuesday. Rotherham beat Sunderland 5-1 today with any head butts. Curbs said it would be a totally different game. If we could get anything against Rotherham we were suddenly looking upwards. We should look at five or six games before making a decision about a manager.

Elliot Lee said it was a good atmosphere with the supporters singing, it gave a lift. 'I am getting my fitness, my sharpness, I had flu three weeks ago. We were better than them all over the pitch. We know we could have got more but we'll take 4-0. It will be a tough game on Tuesday night. We're all high on confidence now.'

Johnnie Jackson said he was really pleased with the clean sheet, a good solid performance, probably should have scored more. It was a blow losing Leko so early, credit to DJ he was ready to come into that role, we had done some work with him for that eventuality earlier in the week. The skip (Pearce) was an absolute rock. We had a real good shape about us, limited them to very few chances. We got the better of them through hard work, Doncaster are a good team. We got 100 per cent commitment from what we were asking of them. There's so much quality in that room but we haven't been showing it. Through pure endeavour and pure intent your quality will show through. An incredibly proud day to see the Valley rocking.

Curbs said the first thing Jacko had done was working on them out of possession. Most of the sessions had been defensive.

Johnson 'astonished' at lack of FA action

Sunderland manager Lee Johnson has told BBC Radio Newcastle that he is astonished at the lack of retrospective action by the FA over the alleged Jayden Stockley headbutt incident.   He alleges that his player had blood pouring from his mouth and would have scared children at Halloween.   Given that it is surprising that he did not require any treatment at the time.

The video evidence is quite clear: this was a shoulder nudge or charge at worst.

Sandgaard 'not as bullish'

CAS chair Heather McKinlay has had a telephone conversation with Thomas Sandgaard: https://www.castrust.org/2021/10/thomas-sandgaard-short-term-actions-v-long-term-goals/

He was not as bullish as earlier regarding the time it is likely to take to move up the leagues and he is quite aware of the financial implications of that: “We’ll be sensible and not do a Derby.”

As a result of the very poor start to the season, the owner now intends to become more closely involved on the football side. Thomas speaks regularly with and respects the views of Curbs, Minto and Browny and feels this provides him with a strong connection into English football. One of Thomas’ sons is presently based in London and will keep close to Sparrows Lane while Thomas is in the USA.

Jackson: play my way

Johnnie Jackson talks about his approach to football and asks Charlton players to adopt the same approach as he did with dedication to the cause and a hard work rate: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/wear-your-heart-on-your-sleeve-caretaker-boss-jackson-will-ask-squad-to-play-like-he-did-with-belief-in-the-cause-and-hard-workrate/

JJ admits that his first home game will be 'difficult': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/rovers-will-be-difficult/

Doncaster Rovers are making something of a recovery from their poor form.   3-0 against Cheltenham Town last Saturday, the eventual scoreline was 3-2.  They followed this up with a midweek 1-1 home draw against Cambridge United.

They have lost all seven matches away from home, scoring just two goals and conceding 16.  The weather looks as if it will be wet tomorrow which could make the game more unpredictable.

The long-term injury to Sam Lavelle is a blow to Charlton as he was our best central defender and was settling into the side well.   Famewo is more erratic.   Whether Jason Pearce or West Ham target Deji Elerewe should replace him is being debated among fans.   I think that on balance I would prefer the experience offered by Pearce.

Betting odds for next Charlton manager

Not surprisingly Johnnie Jackson and Jason Euell are out in front and they may well get the roles they occupy on a caretaker basis, certainly that would please many fans: https://www.bettingodds.com/thesackrace/teams/charlton-athletic

Some names are are either unlikely to join a relegation threatened League One club (Chris Wilder) or leave a club where they are enjoying success (Ryan Lowe - what is more Plymouth have £6m in the bank.  More on Plymouth's finances here: https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.com/2021/10/argyle-have-sustainable-business-model.html)

For those who like someone with Charlton connections, Mark Bowen who played at the Greatest Game might be a long shot.   Michael Flynn would be an interesting possibility, but surprisingly ex Spanner Neil Harris is at 10-1.

Pointing the finger of blame

Chris Dunlavy gives his verdict in this week's Football League Paper on the sacking of Nigel Adkins.

'This summer the Addicks released 16 players, all of them on July 1.   Yet it was the end of September by the time the squad was fully rebuilt.'

'Nine of Charlton's 15 signings arrived after the season had begun.   Three - Sam Lavelle, Harry Arter and Jonathan Leko - turned up on deadline day, whilst Papa Souare and Stephen Henderson, both free agents, made their entrance in September.'

'That's nine players - four of whom were in Adkins' final squad for Tuesday's 3-2 defeat to Accrington - who didn't receive any preparation for the season at all.'

'Covid-19. Two years of empty stadiums have emptied cash reserves across the EFL, and Charlton are not the only club to take transfers to the wire in the pursuit of value.'  But 'Plymouth Argyle, a club with a significantly lower budget and a geographical disadvantage, had completed eight of their ten signings by the middle of July.'

'It does suggest that Charlton's technical director, Ged Roddy, and head of recruitment Steve Gallen, are as culpable for the club's current predicament as the man who paid the price.'   Most fans would attach more blame to Roddy than Gallen, although I think that the decision-making structure was overloaded in a way that hampered decisiveness.

I do think that Dunlavey hasn't told the whole story.   For me some of Adkins's formations were both too complex and too rigid while his team selection was also open to criticism, even if it was compromised by a lack of fitness.   Players work better with a formation that is clear but fluid which is what Johnnie Jackson provided on Saturday.

Chelsea to swoop for Beadle?

According to the Currant Bun Chelsea are looking to acquire young Charlton keeper Jack Beadle in order to develop him as a future No.1.  Because he is not on a full professional contract, the Addicks might receive just a nominal sum in compensation, although they are hopeful of £400k: https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/16515644/chelsea-transfer-target-james-beadle-charlton/

Jackson passes first test with flying colours

The SLP's Louis Mendez provides his four takeaways from the win at Sunderland, emphasising the extent and ways in which Johnnie Jackson stamped his authority on the team: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-1-0-win-at-sunderland-johnnie-jackson-passes-his-first-test-with-flying-colours/

Supporters have switched from extreme pessimism to extreme optimism, but VOTV editor Rick Everitt has injected a note of caution into efforts to boost the crowd for Saturday's fixture against Doncaster who also showed considerable improvement yesterday.  He commented: ' I’m sure there will be a significant rebound in the crowd next week, but please don’t let’s start setting unrealistic expectations again. It’s a L1 game between two teams in the bottom four - calling on people to show up is fine but it won’t of itself put thousands on the gate.'

I'm always mindful of the way in which Curbs always approached games, never get too low on the lows or too high on the highs.

Three game ban for Stockley call

Shell shocked Sunderland manager Lee Johnson has stated that 'Jayden Stockley won't be available for the next three games because he head butted Tom Flanagan flush in the face. That will have to go to the FA.'

'It's an absolute stonewall red card and then he's gone on to score the goal.  There's eight pairs of eyes who should be able to see that, but for whatever reason, they didn't.'

Fortunately Flanagan did not require any treatment after the vicious assault and was able to play out the game.  Not surprising as it was a shoulder nudge.

It's unusual for the referee to wear a Charlton shirt, but Johnson was unhappy with the overall performance of Drysdale.

Jackson starts with a win

Sunderland lost at home for the first time this season to Johnnie Jackson's Charlton who won 1-0 with a goal claimed by Jayden Stockley.   A performance was called for and Charlton played as a team with some particularly good defensive work. 

Curbs praised Dobson in the middle of the park for doing the job that had to be done.  He said, 'Everyone has played their part.'

Steve Brown said that none of us envisaged a clean sheet at Sunderland.   The game against Doncaster was now even more crucial.  He gave Johnnie credit for getting the two up front which Sunderland didn't expect.

Curbs said there was a lot more aggression about it, we made some blocks when we had to.  Steve Brown said this was a side determined not to leak a goal.   Curbs had been quite right to highlight Dobson, he did the donkey work.   Charlton were tiring towards the end.

Dobson the hero of the day

Curbs said that Dobson made sure he was in the right place at the right time defensively, allowing Lee to go on his runs.   If we could get two home wins, we would be looking at mid-table.

Dobson said: 'The last few weeks have been tough, find yourself out of favour.   I should be keeping my shirt.  For me personally it was unbelievable.  The team gave absolutely everything for each other and there was a lot of quality as well.   We've set a standard and we've got to make sure we're at that level every game.'

'We had a change of formation with three at the back and we decided to go high press, making it five at the back at times.  Next week we can put extra layers on to what we showed today.  We can't get too carried away, it's only one game.   It's a start.'

Curbs said that Purrington was outstanding.  It's hard to pick someone who didn't do his job.  Steve Brown praised Pearce for the way he came off the bench.  He kept the back line nice and solid.

Steve Brown said that the inconsistency of individual performances meant the team kept having to be changed.

JJ said it was bit of a roller coaster, particularly the five minutes added on.  'We worked as long as we could yesterday.  I've changed the shape.  I had to keep it simple, but I stressed you have to run, you have to work.  What they gave on the pitch was what I asked.   The message got through.   I said at half time "We haven't come here to nick a point, we've come to win the game."'

'We know we've been conceding too many goals, you have to start with a clean sheet.  Against a team that scores many goals, that's brilliant.'

'You need to get that win, you need a statement win and a statement performance.  They needed this win. The mood in the changing room is fantastic.  If it's a one off, its not good enough.  They have shown me what they are capable of.   There's loads of work to be done.  I like two strikers on the pitch.  I try to keep the message simple without overloading them.  It's good we've got a clear week on the training pitch.'

Curbs said that Charlton fans were hoping for this reaction.  He'd made big decisions, made a statement. 'We all needed a lift.'

Steve Brown said the squad was top heavy and it needed to be trimmed down a bit.

Match report

Charlton started with a fluid 4-4-2 formation with three or four at the back.  Sunderland won an early corner after a MacGillivray save, but Matthews headed away.  Charlton briefly switched off defensively, but Sunderland shot wide.

Charlton won four corners in a row.  From one of them Stockley should perhaps have gone for goal after a good ball from Washington.

After another corner won by Srockley, Charlton had a spell of pressure.  Just after the half hour Lavelle went down with a groin injury and was replaced by Pearce

Leko went down after good defensive work in the penalty area to deal with attacking full back Cirkin. A shot was saved by MacGillivray.  A good counter attack led to a Charlton corner.   Dobson took one for the team with a yellow card.

HT: 0-0

Leko put in a great cross but Purrington was unable to connect.

There was a moment of danger when the ball bobbled in front of MacGillivray after a Sunderland corner.  Cirkin hit the crossbar 11 minutes into the half.  Sunderland built up the pressure.   A shot from Leko was blocked.

Sunderland manager Lee Johnson got a yellow card.  On 66 minutes Stockley, making use of a ball from Leko, scored with a header leading to a chorus of 'You're not fit to referee' from the home crowd.

Leko was doing great work as a wing back.  Sunderland made two substitutions.  A Sunderland free kick 10 yards from the area went straight into the wall.

Sunderland called for a penalty for a handball, but Pearce defended with his face.   Leko couldn't get on the end of a Washington touch.  On 79 minutes Sunderland made their third substitution.  Washington made a good run in a counter attack but Hoffman saved.

Purrington got a yellow card for time wasting.  Evans got a yellow card for a late challenge on Famewo.

With five minutes added on DJ replaced Leko and the substitute made a contribution.   Charlton stood firm, as well organised as they had been all match.

The teams around us won, Doncaster beat Cheltenham 3-2 and Shrewsbury who won 4-1 against Cambridge.   Charlton are still third from bottom.

Diagnosing what went wrong

It's hard to work out why things have gone so badly wrong for Charlton says the SLP's Richard Cawley, although Nigel Adkins was clearly frustrated by what happened in the summer transfer window.  However, an escape from the drop zone is still possible: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletics-season-was-unravelling-nigel-adkins-was-always-going-to-be-the-first-to-pay-a-heavy-price-for-that/

Sandgaard: my agony over Adkins

Thomas Sandgaard says that it was a difficult decision to get rid of Nigel Adkins as he had enjoyed working with him, but sometimes a shock to the system was necessary: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/thomas-sandgaard-on-handing-charlton-caretaker-boss-role-to-johnnie-jackson-and-difficult-decision-to-part-company-with-nigel-adkins/

Some Charlton fans have argued that a wider shock to the system was necessary, in particular getting rid of Roddy, given a poor pattern of recruitment over the summer.  I am not saying that they are wrong, simply that I don't know enough about how decisions are made.  However, there may be a case of too many cooks spoiling the broth and it would be good to have a CEO in overall charge.

No rushed decisions will be made about a replacement and Johnnie Jackson will be given time to show what he can do which is only fair.

Sunderland hope for statement win against bogey team

Despite their recent good form, Sunderland fans reckon they face a massive challenge against Charlton tomorrow, but are hoping for a 'statement win'.  They have only won once against the Addicks in 11 attempts since 2001: https://rokerreport.sbnation.com/2021/10/22/22735530/another-statement-win-on-saturday-will-show-this-year-is-different-for-sunderland

The writer notes:  A struggling Charlton Athletic are up next in the Stadium of Light. The fact that they are struggling means nothing when it comes to this fixture. The Londoners have held the proverbial Indian Sign over Sunderland for years. Heartbreak is not far away when clashes between ourselves and them are referred back to.

From this writer’s perspective, this is a massive game for the lads. Charlton will come here with no fear. They will be aware of their previous results against Sunderland and it will surely be a motivating factor. This will be seen as the perfect tonic to get their season underway.

With players like Chris Gunter, Harry Arter and Conor Washington in their squad, this is a team full of international experience along with youth. It would be expected by the end of the season, their position will be a lot further north than it currently is.'

A statement draw would satisfy Charlton fans.   However, Johnnie Jackson's 100 per cent win record is under threat: https://www.castrust.org/2021/10/johnnie-and-jason-head-north/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=johnnie-and-jason-head-north

An Australian Addick reviews recent history at The Valley: https://fanbabblesports.com/2021/10/22/happy-with-tough-times-at-the-valley/?fbclid=IwAR0ydFT7MY60VxInml795KH_ZJN2Er0nceehuGaHKu_A354XjsXfHBsu4NM

Jackson aims at being permanent supremo

Johnnie Jackson has made it clear that he wants to be permanent manager at Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/ultimate-ambition-johnnie-jackson-wants-charlton-athletic-boss-job-on-permanent-basis/

I admire his ambition and I hope he makes the grade, although I have my doubts.

He admits it will be a tough start at Sunderland on Saturday, but anything better than a 3-0 defeat would be a step forward.   The real test will be against Doncaster.

Something deeper may be wrong at the club

VOTV editor Rick Everitt spells out his views on the departure of Nigel Adkins: http://www.votvonline.com/home/the-2021-22-blogs/21-10-adkins-exit-had-become-inevitable/

Like many of us, the Rickster thinks there may be something deeper that is wrong at the club than the coaching methods used by Adkins being outdated.   

It would be good to have the Ramsgate-based fan's diagnosis of what this might be, beyond the usual complaints about Roddy.  I don't have enough information to decide whether these are well founded or not.

Nigel Adkins has left Charlton

Nigel Adkins has left Charlton and Johnnie Jackson and Jason Euell are in temporary charge: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-confirm-nigel-adkins-exit-with-johnnie-jackson-in-caretaker-charge/

Whether this represents a longer term solution remains to be seen.   Jackson is understandably popular with fans, but he was also in charge of defensive coaching under the Adkins set up which is hardly a recommendation.   However, attracting a good manager to a League One club in the relegation zone will not be easy.

We shall also have to see if the players are good enough to respond to different leadership, again I have my doubts.

The talk of Alan Curbishley in an advisory role is being revived, but it is six years since he had such a role at Fulham and that didn't go too well.

Richard Cawley reports: 'Just had a chat with Thomas Sandgaard. He's made it clear that no rush to bring in a replacement and that Johnnie Jackson will get a crack at showing what he can do.'

Thomas Sandgaard on Talksport, sounded gutted but says it’s result driven and we can’t keep doing the same thing and expect different results. Says JJ will be allowed time to grow into the role and make it his own so he’s here for now (but) they’ll look outside to keep options open.

Says players need to be fitter and more driven, talents in the squad but it’s not happening. He believes we’ll turn it round and acknowledges fans were turning but didn’t influence his decision.

Simon Jordan made a good point about if the fitness isn’t there now, will it ever be? And that JJ’s a good guy but he’s been part of two set ups that haven’t worked.

Late night talks at The Valley

VOTV editor Rick Everitt reports: 'Understand Roddy, Gallen, Sandgaard and his wife were at The Valley into the small hours last night. Adkins wasn’t invited to join the discussion. Hopefully they reached the obvious conclusion.

Whether any conclusion was reached, or one that will have immediate effect, remains to be seen.  

Charlton's players need to step up to the mark

Besieged boss Nigel Adkins could probably have done without the backing of Accrington manager John Coleman: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/accrington-boss-john-coleman-charltons-players-need-to-step-up-to-the-mark-its-not-always-the-managers-fault/

Nevertheless, he does have a point when he says that not everything is the manager's fault and Charlton's players need to step up to the mark.  After all, the manager is on the touchline, not the pitch.

Coleman states that last night's game could have ended 5-5 which says something about Charlton's defence.

Adkins on the brink?

Louis Mendez provides his four take aways from last night's defeat and says 'it is hard to see how Adkins can survive this': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-loss-to-accrington-stanley-nigel-adkins-on-the-brink/

Louis Mendez provides excellent coverage of Charlton and I hate to disagree with him.  After all, he has the contacts inside the club.  But the tea leaves I am reading suggests that Adkins is here to stay, at least for now.

Adkins thinks he can win back fans

Nigel Adkins still believes that he can win back the support of Charlton fans with positive results.  He said that he had a thick skin and wanted to be at the club: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-asked-if-there-is-any-way-he-can-win-back-the-faith-of-charlton-athletic-fans/

This leaves an impasse as it is clear from social media comments that he has lost the confidence of most fans while Thomas Sandgaard has no intention of sacking him in the short run.

Once again the whole focus is on the manager, but it is the players who are on the pitch and they have to take some responsibility for woeful defending that gave away soft goals.

Fragile defence sees another defeat

Charlton's fragile defence conceded three goals against Accrington Stanley at The Valley tonight to lose 2-3.

Pell put the visitors ahead on nine minutes with an unstoppable free kick.   Just after the half hour mark, Charlton equalised through an own goal by Morgan. after the visitors failed to clear a Gilbey cross.  A Pell free kick three minutes later struck the crossbar.

Charlton started the second half brightly, but then Pell who was unmarked in the six yard box was able to tap the ball in for his second.   Shortly afterwards MacGillivray had to make a good save from former Leamington ace Bishop.

Nine minutes after the Pell goal Hamilton came in from the right and was given too much space to make it 3-1.

Great work by substitute Washington set up Stockley to make it 2-3.  Charlton tried to keep up the pressure and won some corners, but Washington put the ball into the side netting.

Fans chanted 'We want Adkins out' at the end of the game.

The other relegation zone clubs all lost so Charlton remain third from bottom.  Doncaster lost 1-0 at Gillingham, Oxford United beat Shrewsbury 2-0 and Crewe lost 0-4 at home to Saturday's opponents Sunderland.

Charlton are four points off safety and Fleetwood on 20th have a game in hand.

Sandgaard jets in

Thomas Sandgaard has flown from the United States for tonight's game against Accrington Stanley as pressure mounts on Nigel Adkins: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-owner-thomas-sandgaard-jets-in-as-pressure-ramps-up-on-manager-nigel-adkins/

Some fans are suggesting that Sandgaard is unwilling to sack the beleaguered boss because of the compensation he would command.   I think that a bigger issue is the lack of availability of a good replacement willing to take on a League One club in a relegation battle.

Forget Chris Wilder or Chris Powell giving up his England role.   Johnnie Jackson and Jason Euell would no doubt be caretakers after a dismissal, but arguably Jackson in particular is as much part of the problem as part of the solution.

As for Curbs in an advisory role, it's a long time since he did that at Fulham and it wasn't a great success.

Teams at bottom of form table prepare for clash

The two teams at the bottom of the League One form table clash at The Valley tomorrow evening and Accrington boss John Coleman has condemned his team's away form: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/horrendous-accrington-boss-coleman-slams-away-form-ahead-of-charlton-athletic-trip/

Coleman said: “If they had a compilation of comedy goals this season we’re right at the top of it. We’re top of the mistakes for unforced errors leading to goals. We’ve got lads who defend well but at key moments they go to sleep. Saturday was no exception.

Our away form is horrendous and it’s got to change. We looked a shadow of the team that beat Ipswich a fortnight ago. That day we won every individual battle, on Saturday we didn’t."

Rickster calls for complete clear out

Besieged boss Nigel Adkins has reiterated his desire to stay in charge at Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-manager-nigel-adkins-says-hes-working-hard-to-remain-in-post-after-latest-loss/

VOTV editor Rick Everitt has stated: 'I don’t think Nigel Adkins can continue as manager given the results AND performances, but TS may also need to consider if the whole football set-up he has in place is flawed. I’m not sure a change of manager will be enough.'

Louis Mendez says that fine margins are not enough and that a vital week has started with a whimper.  Any hope of the play offs can be written off: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-defeat-at-lincoln-fine-margins-arent-fine-in-these-circumstances/

More disappointment

Charlton lost 2-1 at Lincoln this afternoon and it would be difficult to claim that it was an unfair result. Charlton have dropped a place in the table.

Lincoln had twelve attempts to five and five on target to two.  After starting brightly, the Addicks never seemed to recover from the substitution of Elliot Lee after what appeared to be an injury but in fact was an illness.

Curbs said that after Lee was substituted we were second best all over the pitch.  'We've got so many flair players, if we can't get hold of the ball and impose ourselves, we are on the back foot.'  After the equaliser, we never kicked on.

Jon Fortune said that the shape of the back four didn't look right, the balance of the team wasn't right.  No individual performances stood out for him.  He didn't believe that we were going to put a run of four or five games together.   Nothing was going to happen until we put performances together.

Curbs said it was flat.  If we didn't put the run together, we faced a relegation battle.  It was going to be a long slog.   We had to start on Tuesday.  Scott Minto said that this was where the team really needed the fans.

Arter could have been sent off for a second yellow.   He was trying to get the side going as other players were arm waving and screaming at each other.

Nigel Adkins said we had changed it a bit at half time.  He said we had a clear blatant penalty on the 90th minute.  (The analysts found it difficult to comment on this subsequently).  We should have stopped the cross coming in.   It's fine margins.  Tight calls go against you. Charlie and Josh had not done as well as Josh and Elliot.  

Scott Minto asked if he had been tempted to go for two up front, but didn't get a clear answer.   Adkins said that he wanted to get consistency in the team.

Match report

Charlton started with a 4-2-3-1.   The Addicks started well, but Famewo had to make a good block as Scully and Lincoln threatened.   Leko put in an effort to the right of the post.  Gilbey got a yellow card after a necessary intervention.

Lee had to come off and Blackett-Taylor replaced him, Kirk moving to the centre.

Scully scuffed a shot wide from a good chance after Blackett-Taylor was caught out.  Arter got a yellow card.

Charlton were on the back foot and Johnnie Jackson was screaming at Blackett-Taylor.   Lincoln had a succession of three corners, Davison making a good clearance with a header from one of them.

HT: 0-0

Davison had not been very effective and Srockley replaced him ten minutes into the half.  A hard ball came from a Lincoln corner and Stockley turned it into an open net.  Curbs said that it was a terrible goal to concede.

From a Charlton corner, Stockley flicked it into the danger area, it was blocked on the line but Lavelle poked it past the keeper to make it 1-1.

Stockley got a yellow card.   A Scully shot was saved by MacGillivray at the expense of a corner.  Maguire shot wide.  Stockley headed away from a corner.

Arter was replaced by Watson.  Blackett-Taylor seemed to be struggling with his fitness.  A Scully header found the back of the net but was disallowed for offside.

On 91 minutes from a Lincoln corner the tireless Maguire put in a cross and Poole had a free header to make it 2-1.

Sixty years without a league goal at Lincoln

Charlton have not scored at Lincoln in a league game since 1960 and even then they followed up their opener with an own goal: https://www.castrust.org/2021/10/have-you-ever-seen-us-score-at-lincoln/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=have-you-ever-seen-us-score-at-lincoln

Lincoln are 17th in the table, but 9th in the form table while Charlton are second from bottom.  At home they have won one, drawn two and lost two.

Four Four Two think that the Imps have a superb boss in Michael Appleton and forecast a 4th place finish.  Unusually, the quoted fan is more modest forecasting a top ten finish.

Appleton says morale is high with three key players returning from injury after the international break including Chris Maguire.

1,300 Addicks are expected in the away end at the LNER Stadium.

Ronaldo has revealed that he was approached about investing in Charlton, but the price was too high: https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/ronaldo-owner-english-clubs-takeover-brentford-charlton-brazil

Club News

Matchday guide: Charlton Athletic (H)

19 Hours agoWith last weekend’s trip to Wigan Athletic postponed due to international call-ups, a fortnight’s gap between fixtures has allowed players to return - with Conor McGrandles, Joe Walsh and Chris Maguire all in contention after returning to full fitness.

Club News

Matchday guide: Charlton Athletic (H)

19 Hours agoWith last weekend’s trip to Wigan Athletic postponed due to international call-ups, a fortnight’s gap between fixtures has allowed players to return - with Conor McGrandles, Joe Walsh and Chris Maguire all in contention after returning to full fitness.

Gilbey talks about his battle with Covid

Alex Gilbey describes his experience with Covid-19 as 'scary'.  He was in bed for two weeks, but he is now back to fitness and thinks that he is stronger than before.  But he admits that he has a lot to prove at Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/i-was-scared-charlton-midfielder-alex-gilbey-opens-up-about-contracting-covid-19/

Talks with Elerewe under wraps

Charlton will keep talks with Deji Elerewe under wraps.   The player has interested West Ham United and sees Jo Gomez's career as a model:  https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-intent-on-keeping-contract-talks-with-teenage-prospect-elerewe-private/

Just one injury doubt for Saturday

Apart from the two long-term injuries just one player is doubtful for Saturday's trip to Lincoln.  Nigel Adkins thinks that the team are in a much better place in terms of fitness: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-nigel-adkins-has-one-injury-doubt-for-lincoln-match/

Adkins reacts to Dane's departure

Nigel Adkins has remained sphinx like on the reasons for the departure of Ronnie Schwartz: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-reacts-to-ronnie-schwartzs-departure/

It's an unfortunate episode which no doubt he wants to put behind him as he focuses on an important fixture at Lincoln.

Happy 50th birthday to the 'Tank', Jorge Costa, a great player.   He never did like Millwall.   I remember bidding a fond farewell to him at Old Trafford in an end of the season 0-0.

Adkins under pressure

The SLP's Louis Mendez talks to Lincolnshire Live about Charlton's poor start to the season ahead of Saturday's away game against the Imps.  He says that Nigel Adkins is under pressure, but that Thomas Sandgaard is a patient owner: https://www.lincolnshirelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/lincoln-charlton-athletic-nigel-adkins-6051416

Washington's international goal

Conor Washington scored an opening goal for Northern Ireland in their 2-1 defeat by Bulgaria that ended their World Cup qualification hopes.

Washington's goal for Northern Ireland came from a superb curling cross from the right by Paddy McNair that was met by Josh Magennis, whose header was too close to goalkeeper Ivan Karadzhov, who saved well.

The ball dropped to Washington who fired home the rebound but the goal was ruled out for offside before being awarded after a VAR review showed the striker to be onside.

In the England v. Hungary game former Addick Loic Nego won a penalty for his national side.  How many people saw Nego in his one appearance in an away defeat at Wigan?

Farewell, then, Ronnie Schwartz

Charlton and Ronnie Schwartz have mutually agreed to cancel his contract.  Most fans will greet this news with a sigh of relief.  It simply didn't work for him or us and I hope he is able to reboot his career.

Richard Cawley reviews his time at Charlton here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/striker-ronnie-schwartz-released-early-from-his-charlton-athletic-contract/

'Real quality at Charlton'

The London Football Scene blog assesses the situation at Charlton: https://londonfootballscene.co.uk/2021/10/11/charlton-athletic-are-a-quality-side-nigel-adkins-just-hasnt-discovered-it-yet/

The article argues: 'There is undoubtedly quality within the squad and Adkins’ tactical flexibility in his quest to find it should be applauded as opposed to having a manager at the helm who stubbornly sticks to a failing approach on the off-chance it works.

 Bringing in a new manager would see another restart without any guarantee of solving Charlton’s current problems or achieving long-term success. What would most likely happen is an adoption of defensive pragmatism and long-ball tactics in order to arrest the slide without any sort of promise of a Valley spectacle anytime soon. 

Furthermore, the tenacity with which Charlton defended their second-half lead at Fleetwood before the international break showed defensive improvement.  Now they have something to build on, Adkins should at least be given until the next international window to find some much-needed momentum.  

How Boyer helped Davison develop

An extensive interview with Josh Davison in which he talks about he nearly played for a team in Latvia and had a trial with the Spanners: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/he-was-quite-rough-with-me-josh-davison-admits-approach-helped-develop-his-hold-up-play-at-charlton-athletic/

Coming from playing at 300 or 400 to being on the bench at Bristol City was quite surreal.   Lee Bowyer was tough with him and helped him to develop his hold up play, while Darren Pratley helped him settle in.

How Charlton got into the Football League

One hundred years ago Charlton were admitted to the Football League.  But what role did Tottenham Hotspur play and why were Fulham concerned?  https://retrocharlton.blogspot.com/2021/10/how-charlton-got-into-football-league.html

Defeat in the Euros hit Powell hard

Chris Powell talks at length about his memories of the European Championships this summer.  He found defeat in the final very difficult and did not go out for several days afterwards, to the detriment of the dog: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/i-didnt-go-out-for-days-england-coach-chris-powell-on-the-highs-and-lows-of-this-summers-european-championships/

Jacko still confident of promotion challenge

Johnnie Jackson reckons it's the toughest League One he has ever seen, but reckons that Charlton will go on a winning run.  They can still be promotion challengers, although it will be tough: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/johnnie-jackson-backing-charlton-athletic-to-go-on-a-winning-run-to-get-into-league-one-promotion-picture/

Hammers interested in Elerewe

Unconfirmed reports are stating that Deji Elerewe is interesting West Ham (and other clubs).  He has not signed the professional contract he was offered and could leave on a free: https://www.allnigeriasoccer.com/read_news.php?nid=41290

Sandgaard speaks out

In an extensive interview, Thomas Sandgaard admits that Charlton's promotion hopes this season have been dented, but his vision of reaching the top flight remains unchanged.   He has been talking to Brentford, and taking inspiration from them, although their approach is different in many ways out, not least in relation to the Academy: https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/charlton-thomas-sandgaard-exclusive-interview-b959028.html

Personally I think it would have been more realistic to build a competitive League One table and aim for the Championship in three to five years.

Pizza prize for Stockley, but what now?

Jayden Stockley poses a selection dilemma after he scored at Fleetwood on Saturday and scored two goals in last night's 4-1 win over Southampton under 21s in the Papa John Trophy, notes Johnnie Jackson: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/jayden-stockley-leaves-charlton-athletic-boss-nigel-adkins-with-selection-dilemma/

The attendance was just 689 (40 Saints), the lowest ever at a home game, although the valid comparison would be with a reserve game.

Leko settles at Charlton

The SLP's Louis Mendez gives Blues fans a progress report on Jonathan Leko, arguing that he has found his 'happy place' at Charlton: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/birmingham-city-transfers-leko-charlton-21766022

UAE academy links with Charlton

A football academy in Abu Dhabi led by former Addick John Robinson is to partner with the club, local sources report: https://www.thenationalnews.com/sport/football/2021/10/05/charlton-athletic-partners-with-pass-to-create-new-pathway-for-uaes-talented-footballers/

Slow start at Charlton for Kirk

Nigel Adkins says that Charlie Kirk has taken time to adjust to life at Charlton, he also discusses why Jayden Stockley has not started: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-charlie-kirk-has-had-to-acclimatise-to-life-at-charlton-athletic/

To the Londoners 2-1

Charlton won what was effectively a six pointer 2-1 at Fleetwood this afternoon, rewarding the 300 fans who had made the long journey north.   The Addicks remain in the relegation position fourth from bottom, but it gives hope.

Jayden Stockley got Charlton's winner as they ended a run of six games without a victory by beating Fleetwood 2-1.   Jonathan Leko opened the scoring for Charlton with a low drive shortly before the break but Danny Andrew hit a stunning free kick early in the second half.

But Stockley, who had only replaced Josh Davison seven minutes earlier, hit an emphatic winning goal with 20 minutes remaining.

Charlton had deservedly led at the break, having had the better of the chances in the first half, with Charlie Kirk guilty of wasting their best opening by skewing well wide from 12 yards.

Elliot Lee, who had created Kirk's chance, had the favour returned moments later but he lost his footing just as he was shaping to shoot.

Fleetwood's best opening of the half saw Harrison Biggins play Callum Camps in behind the defence, but keeper Craig MacGillivary was out quickly to narrow the angle and save.

In the 51st minute, Biggins was fouled 25 yards out and Andrew found the top corner.

The Addicks should have restored their lead when Lee again found Kirk a few yards from goal but he couldn't make the required connection.

Davison also hit the post from a tight angle as it seemed Charlton's dominance wouldn't transfer into three points.

But Stockley pounced on Leko's pass to slam the winning goal into the roof of the net.

Four takeaways from Louis Mendez in which he says 'don't underestimate the importance of that win': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-much-needed-win-at-fleetwood-town/

Loyal 300 head for Fleetwood

311 Addicks have bought tickets for tomorrow's game at Fleetwood and it is difficult to know whether to congratulate them for their loyalty or commiserate with them for their likely disappointment: https://www.castrust.org/2021/09/fleetwood-we-salute-the-travelling-300/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fleetwood-we-salute-the-travelling-300

In the Badger prediction league at the start of the season I had this down as a 2-0 win for Charlton, but now even the reverse looks optimistic. But then football is a funny old game, especially where Charlton are concerned.

Previously big spenders, Fleetwood have been cutting back.   They lost a lot of top League One players.  Goalkeeper Alex Cairns is well thought of.

The population of Fleetwood is 25,000, so the club has done well to maintain itself at this level.

Following a 2-2 draw at Cambridge United last season, they drew 3-3 at MK Dons midweek.  If nothing else, they battle hard and are competitive.  They are currently 20th in the table.

Even should Charlton win tomorrow, they will not escape the relegation zone.

Bring in Curbs urges Brownie

Steve Brown thinks that Alan Curbishley should be brought in as a key advisor at Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/steve-brown-its-perplexing-why-alan-curbishleys-know-how-is-not-being-utilised-to-help-charlton-owner-thomas-sandgaard/

Many fans have argued that his talents are wasted sitting in the stand that bears his name given the current crisis of the club.   Sometimes it seems that he has been hinting at such a role.