Charlton will fail to achieve their objectives this season unless they tighten up at the back, warns Nathan Jones: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/charlton-boss-nathan-jones-warns-side-they-will-fail-in-season-objectives-unless-they-tighten-up-at-the-back/
We also need more consistent firepower up front and a creative midfield.
Charlton are in the 2nd round of the FA Cup after a last gasp extra time victory at Southend United. Moaners complained about a struggle against a non-league outfit, but like most National League sides the Shrimpers are full time and the gap between the National League and the EFL has narrowed.
Gassan Ahadme scored a last-gasp extra-time winner as Charlton Athletic escaped with a thrilling 4-3 FA Cup win at National League side Southend.
Miles Leaburn and Zach Mitchell, scoring his first Charlton goal, had put the Addicks in control during the first half. Leaburn headed home a left wing cross from Josh Edwards after just nine minutes. Mitchell nodded in a left wing free from Terry Taylor on 40 minutes.
The Addicks wasted a golden chance to go 3-0 ahead with skipper Matty Godden firing a shot against the crossbar when he was clean through on goal with only the keeper to beat.
But their non-league opponents fought back through a Jack Bridge penalty on the stroke of half time and Oliver Coker’s 52nd-minute strike.
Matty Godden put Charlton back in front midway through the second half, sliding the ball in from close range.
But Joshua Edwards’ own goal in stoppage time sent the tie to extra time. Louis Mendez thinks it went in off Gillesphey.
However, it was Charlton’s turn to strike in time added-on when Ahadme sent the Addicks into round two following a mix up in the home defence.
Full report from Louis Mendez here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/the-lowdown-on-southend-united-3-charlton-athletic-4-addicks-scrape-into-next-round-of-the-fa-cup-after-roots-hall-thriller/
Nathan Jones expresses his relief and says 'we have to be better': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/nathan-jones-expresses-masses-of-relief-as-charlton-athletic-edge-beyond-non-league-southend-the-hard-way-in-the-fa-cup/
Southend Umted's boss is disappointed to be deprived of the chance of a lucrative replay at The Valley. I suppose it could go to penalties tomorrow: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/southend-boss-disappointed-by-removal-of-fa-cup-replay-chance-with-charlton-athletic-first-round-opponents/
Charlton are beset by injuries and once again questions have raised about our medical/fitness staff. However, Manchester City have just 13 fit players at the moment. Our real problem is a lack of quality in depth.
Players' union Fifpro have started a legal action against Fifa because they think that players are asked to play too many matches to the detriment of their fitness.
