A Leyton Orient expert reckons that Sunday's ties could go to penalties and the O's have the sort of goalkeeper who would relish them: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/leyton-orient-expert-on-charltons-league-one-play-off-final-opponents-resolve-and-teamwork-key-to-os-success/
He rates Sean Clare more highly than Charlton fans did and says that Darren Pratley has been a leader at the club.
Darren Pratley turns April in 40 and is still playing football: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/exclusive-interview-with-charlton-athletic-play-off-winner-darren-pratley-still-going-strong-at-leyton-orient/
Pratley had his critics at The Valley and said that it is a hard place to play when the crowd turns against you.
Needless to say, tomorrow's Blackwall Tunnel derby with Orient is a crucial one for Charlton. Orient have been something of a surprise package this season. Four Four Two saw them finishing 17th, saying they could be short on genuine firepower up front. The fan commentator forecast 9th and called for Nathan Jones to be brought in as manager.
CAS Trust draws attention to their sensible recruitment of loan players: https://www.castrust.org/2025/02/orienteering/
Two weeks ago they were tested in a 3-2 home win against out of form Lincoln City. They then went down 2-1 at Bolton with manager Wellens complaining that his team looked slow, tired and lethargic. Taken with their 1-0 defeat at Birmingham midweek this suggests they are not invincible.
Nevertheless, they are still 5th in the form table, just two places behind Charlton. At home they have won nine, but drawn three and lost five.
I have this down as a 1-1 draw in the Badger prediction league.
Best wishes to former Addick Harry Lennon forced to retire from football at the age of 28: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/former-charlton-athletic-defender-forced-to-retire-at-28/
Former Addick Darren Pratley has signed a one year club extension at Leyton Orient where he is club captain: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/former-charlton-midfielder-signs-new-deal-after-league-two-title-winning-season/
Former Addicks Tom Lockyer and Alfie Doughty played a key role in securing Luton Town a Wembley play off final and possible promotion to the Premier League: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/former-addicks-duo-help-propel-luton-town-to-championship-play-off-final/
Darren Pratley has signed for Leyton Orient where he will be captain: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/os-move-for-released-charlton-athletic-midfielder-darren-pratley-as-he-links-up-with-former-lions-boss-jackett/
I wish him well. I am sure he will put in a shift for the O's.
Darren Pratley said that his release by Charlton came as a real shock. The gutted Pratley said that he was one of the fittest players in the squad. However, Nigel Adkins told him he wanted to bring down the age of the squad (Charlton had the second oldest squad in League One): https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/exclusive-darren-pratley-on-his-charlton-athletic-exit-and-why-news-came-as-a-real-surprise/
Pratley certainly gave his all, even if this sometimes involved yellow and red cards, but I wouldn't dispute the call made by Nigel Adkins.
Darren Pratley has confirmed that he is leaving Charlton.
In a farewell message he said: 'I have loved every minute of it and proud to have worn the shirt over 100 times ... it really is a family club and those people behind the scenes are the heartbeat ... a big thank you to all the fans for cheering us on.'
The 36-year old is out of contract: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/darren-pratley-confirms-charlton-athletic-exit/
Ben Hayes commented: 'Pratley played his heart out every time he pulled on a Charlton shirt, a leader on and off the pitch. Also a much better player than a few fans realised. For the Donny semi-final and for coming on and changing the play-off final alone he deserves great credit.'
A number of fans have recalled his goal against Doncaster.
Charlton beat Northampton Town 2-1 at The Valley tonight with a Washington brace, one from the penalty spot, one from open play. Unfortunately a goal was conceded in time added on, but it's seven points from nine and only one goal conceded. It was the first in ten we hadn't conceded two goals at The Valley. Charlton are now one point off the play offs.
Northampton defended in numbers in the first half and we lacked the quality to unlock them, while Amos had to make two good claims when they counter attacked, one in the first minute and one on 43 minutes.
Lee Bowyer said: 'The back four looked solid, Pratley stepped up there. You need someone like Conor to do the running. Do the basics right and you can win every game, we've got some good players.' Bowyer also praised Albie Morgan's contribution.
Further comments from Bowyer here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-lee-bowyer-explains-why-midfielder-darren-pratley-started-in-defence-ahead-of-deji-oshilaja-against-northampton/
Morgan fed Stockley on two minutes, but his header was saved. Charlton started well, but then the game became more scrappy. Ben Watson won Charlton a corner which was delivered well by Morgan, but Pearce was wide.
Pearce received an elbow from Kioso who received a yellow card. Morgan got booked for a foul.
HT: 0-0
In the second half the Cobblers continued their strategy of soaking up pressure and waiting for a Charlton mistake, but the sucker punch didn't come. On 48 minutes Millar won a free kick and Forster-Caskey was just wide.
On 65 minutes Forster-Caskey was taken out in the area. The Cobblers argued the toss and tried to delay things as much as possible, but Washington kept his nerve and beat the keeper. On 68 minutes Aneke replaced Stockley. Edmundson fouled Pratley off the ball and was shown a yellow card.
A double Northampton change on 72 minutes saw former Addick Mark Marshall came on. Millar put in some good defensive work. Shinnie replaced Forster-Caskey on 75 minutes. Ben Watson was booked for a foul.
Shinnie won Charlton a corner, took it and then played the ball in again. The keeper tipped Aneke's effort over the bar.
On 84 minutes, Millar started a move with a good run. Shinnie's effort was parried but Washington put the ball through the keeper's legs to make it 2-0.
On 86 minutes Morgan and Washington were withdrawn in favour of Smith and Schwartz.
Four minutes were added on and Northampton won a corner after panic in the defence. Their first shot on target went over Amos to make it 2-1.
After the resumption Aneke got a yellow card for a foul which enabled the keeper to punt the ball down the pitch. Amos only jusr claimed it, but the three points went to Charlton.
Northampton Town have complained that they were on the wrong end of decision after decision by referee Paul Howard, but to me he seemed to be fair and competent.
Albie Morgan has not been in the squad for the last three Charlton matches and it's not because he has been injured. Once again he appears to be out of favour with the somewhat mercurial supremo who says he is 'still learning his game': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/albie-morgan-absence-explained-by-charlton-athletic-chief/
I have to say that I am never quite sure what to make of Morgan who sometimes looks quite good and at other times makes little impact. It may be that his contemporary George Lapslie was the better player.
It is still uncertain whether Akin Famewo will make the journey to Wigan Pier tomorrow. Bowyer is waiting for the medics.
Charlton are to appeal the red card for Chuks Aneke, while Bowyer has defended Darren Pratley: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-appeal-chuks-aneke-red-card-as-lee-bowyer-defends-darren-pratley/
Curbs thought that we should appeal the Aneke red card, but the pundits on The Football League Show thought it was justified. Personally I doubt whether the appeal will succeed, although I think the referee had a mare (but according to him his worst game changing mistake was down to the linesman). I was wrong: the red card has been overturned.
As for Pratley, he is committed, but the problem is that he is too committed for the modern game. One might also argue that commitment is a substitute for skill.
Charlton were beat 3-0 by Blackpool at The Valley this afternoon, two of the goals scored from the penalty spot. A team in form beat one lacking confidence and showing indiscipline with Pratley and Aneke sent off in the second half.
Aneke would be out for four games and Pratley for two. The Aneke sending off is going to be appealed.
There were no real positives: the players simply aren't good enough. There were no Charlton shots on target. We go again Tuesday at 6 pm at Wigan. Charlton are now down to 12th, behind Crewe on goal difference.
Bowyer made four substitutions at half time, but whatever the plan was it was wrecked by Pratley being sent off for a second yellow immediately after the break. He should have been substituted. It was an odd way of marking his 100th appearance in a Charlton shirt.
Bowyer's line afterwards was to complain about the officials. Some of the decisions were harsh, but they weren't all wrong by contemporary standards.
Before the game Bowyer said that he had chosen Washington over Aneke because he needed pace up front, but he admitted afterwards that he was disappointed with his performance. Curbs said pre match that he was 'a bit surprised' by that choice.
He was also concerned that the midfield would have a job to do with two wingers playing. Bowyer admitted afterwards that the wingers had no impact on the game which is why he changed things around at half time.
I didn't have time yesterday to post anything about Kevin Lisbie's contribution to the build up, but you can find it here on the new Charlton Retro page: https://retrocharlton.blogspot.com/2021/02/team-lisbie.html
Post match Bowyer interview
Bowyer said: 'We gave them a good start, after that the officials did us, one decision after another.' Scott Minto suggested that Blackpool were more athletic and sharper. Bowyer argued that in the first half, 'They did it a little better than us. I don't think there was much in it. [Not my view]. These people [officials] keep making decisions against us.'
Scott Minto asked how difficult it was to keep a settled side. Bowyer said one couldn't go Saturday-Tuesday with the same players. But he admitted, 'The players are not in a good place, look nervous at times.' Minto asked about the home form and Bowyer said 'You have to look at why' which is a statement of the obvious, but it then became evident that different players kept disappointing him.
Scott Minto suggested one could try going with the best eleven. After Bowyer had gone, Curbs suggested keeping a settled side and shape for one week would be possible. In a parallel universe, one could have Curbs in as interim manager until the end of the season to show the continuing relevance of the one time cry from the stands: 'Sort it out Curbishley.'
Match report
After a cagey start by both sides, Charlton inevitably went behind within 10 minutes. Simms simply out paced Oshilaja who brought him down and Yates scored from the spot on 9 minutes to make it 0-1.
On 14 minutes Charlton won a corner. After a good header back in by Famewo, Stockley found the back of the net with a header but it was judged to be offside (I was not convinced).
The Blackpool midfield were denying Charlton any space and the Addicks were having to adopt the non-league tactic of hoofing the ball forward to no effect.
On 25 minutes Pratley (not for the first time) conceded a free kick which led to a Blackpool corner, but Purrington cleared with a header. Oshilaja got a yellow card for a foul.
The referee was getting increasingly fed up with Pratley. He had a long chat with him on 32 minutes and it wasn't about whether the Charlton captain had any hints on beard care or controlling your waistline.
Following a free kick, Stockley had to put in some good defensive work. Blackpool were being given lots of space to operate in and Ward was left unmarked on the right on two occasions. Then nobody chose to close Virtue down, he was given space to strike and chose his spot to put the ball past Amos to make it 0-2. Woeful defending again.
Pratley was given a yellow card for a handball that he felt was inadvertent, but the referee had had enough of him by then.
HT: 0-2
I don't think four substitutions have been made at Charlton at half time before and it suggests that Bowyer made serious errors in setting up the team. Maatsen replaced Purrington, who hadn't played badly, but the youngster did at least show some energy. Washington, who as Bowyer put it had not been screaming to say 'I want to play next time' was replaced by Aneke. DJ, who had been anonymous and Millar, who had been below par, came off. Matt Smith came on, and did show some nice touches, but Ben Watson contributed little.
But you know if Darren Pratley is on a yellow card he is going to get a second, so why not take him off? On a yellow he should have been cautious but he got in a tangle with the Blackpool right back Gabriel on the ground and referee Huxtable was surrounded by Blackpool players demanding that he be sent off. The bearded wonder took his time, but showed the second yellow.
On 51 minutes Watson put his foot in on Yates. Whether he made much contact was unclear, but these days that is enough for a penalty. Amos judged which way the former Liverpool Under 23 player would send the ball, but Yates got it underneath him to make it 0-3. Game over, although Charlton did show a bit more fluency and urgency in the second half.
The referee continued his entry in the 'most cards against Charlton in one match' contest with a yellow card against Shinnie for a foul. He then spoke to Aneke at some length and clearly had him in his sights. To show balance he gave Yates a yellow card for a foul.
Charlton did manage to win two corners in succession, but they were unproductive as is so often the case. Maatsen won another, but it also had no end result. To his disappointment, Stockley headed wide from a Shinnie free kick. Famewo got a yellow card. Stockley, who had been feeding on scraps, was replaced by Schwartz who made contact with the ball once
Amos had to save from Mitchell who had been given too much space. Aneke was judged to have extended his arm near the referee and was sent off. Curbs said afterwards that we should appeal.
Charlton did manage to escape conceding another goal. You can change the manager, but he would have to deal with the same group of players.
Ipswich Town could be about to face a revival: https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.com/2021/02/american-investors-swoop-for-ipswich.html
A dogged performance by Charlton saw them take three points with a 1-0 win at Stadium MK tonight on a bobbly pitch. The winning goal was scored in the first half by Canadian starlet Liam Millar.
Charlton remain in 6th place, Doncaster having beaten AFC Wimbledon at home. Portsmouth lost to Lincoln and Peterborough drew.
MK Dons tried hard in the second half to confirm their status as home draw specialists, but although Charlton sometimes struggled for possession and made some sloppy clearances, they managed to withstand the pressure from the Franchisees.
Curbs selected Darren Pratley as his Man of the Match alongside Millar, saying that he had done a job for the team. He said that it was a big win.
On three minutes Pratley won the ball well but a Stockley shot was saved. Charlton applied some pressure and Pratley could have shot rather than passing the ball.
On 18 minutes Washington put in a good ball and Millar scored with a decisive strike.
Curbs said Charlton started well, but MK Dons started to get into the game more. Jerome hit the post from a home corner conceded by Purrington. Amos saved from a header after another home corner.
HT: 0-1
On 48 minutes MK Dons had a free kick in a promising position, but it came off the wall. Conor Washington went down and had to be replaced by Schwartz. I think we missed Washington.
Charlton had a free kick in front of the D, but Forster-Caskey's shot was just over the bar. Millar threatened to score again, but his second touch was not as good as his first one and the keeper saved.
On 66 minutes MK Dons threatened, but Amos saved well. Stockley, who had not been prominent, and Shinnie were replaced by Aneke and Morgan. Apart from one attack when he was fouled, Aneke had difficulty in getting into the game. Morgan had some nice touches.
The home side a number of corners and free kicks, but Charlton defended effectively with important contributions by Matthews and Millar. Four minutes were added on, but the Addicks managed it well.
Desmond for Deal complained: 'Just when we think Bowyer might be shown the door, he gets one of his sneaky 1-0 away wins.'
Reporting from his living room Louis Medez tweeted: 'MK had 70% of the ball during the game but think we dealt with most of their threats, Amos only one proper save I can think of. Kept Fraser quieter considering how he ripped us apart at The Valley.'
Smiling supremo Lee Bowyer praised his side for getting back to basics: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-lee-bowyer-delighted-to-see-his-side-get-back-to-basics-during-1-0-win-at-milton-keynes/
Darren Pratley and Jason Pearce are back from suspension for tomorrow's visit to Peterborough, while Andrew Shinnie returns from a spell injured: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-will-have-trio-back-for-posh-but-marcus-maddison-misses-out/
Shinnie has not been able to train much because of waterlogged pitches, so he is likely to be on bench warming duties which is a shame given his creativity.
I'm not sure what I would do about the war horses Pearce and Pratley. Pearce has looked a bit suspect in recent games and Oshilaja is on song. Pratley gives his all, even if that sometimes lands him in trouble.
He is not a cultured player, but he is a battler and that may be needed against the Posh. I agree with the fan who tweeted that has more to offer as a ball winning midfielder than a centre back. Others argue that age is catching up with him which has been the case for some time but he could do 60 minutes before being replaced by Shinnie.
Maddison will not be available to return to his former club. The latest Voice of the Valley suggests that he was not a good investment and when he scored his only goal he was giving evils to Lee Bowyer rather than celebrating. They may not have exchanged Christmas cards.
Rather unusually it is a 6.30 pm kick off tomorrow, something I almost missed.
After yesterday's game Lee Bowyer's main critics singled out Ben Watson and Darren Pratley for their blame game. For once I in part agreed with the likes of Desmond from Deal because I did think that Watson had a poor game and made some costly errors.
I was less critical of Pratley and besieged boss Lee Bowyer has come to Pratley's defence, explaining why he plays him at centre back rather than using Deji Oshilaja there: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/lee-bowyer-explains-why-darren-pratley-has-continued-to-start-in-charltons-defence-ahead-of-centre-half-deji-oshilaja/
The injury position in defence at Charlton has not changed, but sanguine supremo Lee Bowyer is relaxed about the situation. He thinks that Darren Pratley and Chris Gunter did well at Gillingham: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/110484-2/
Charlton face basement club Burton Albion tomorrow who will be trying to brew up a recipe to get them off the bottom of the table.
Conor Washington will stay on penalty duty despite being denied at Gillingham by an excellent save by their keeper. Lee Bowyer was full of praise for the contribution of Omar Bogle whom he does not blame for distracting Washington: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/conor-washington-stays-on-penalty-duty-for-charlton-athletic-as-boss-lee-bowyer-has-praise-for-role-being-played-by-omar-bogle/
Charlton beat Northampton 2-0 today to secure another three points. It was a scrappy game, but a good result. The conditions were appalling with a swirling wind and a bobbly pitch.
Charlton's two goals came within four minutes of each other in the second half, first from substitute Darren Pratley and then an own goal created by Alfie Doughty. Ryan Inniss provided good defensive work throughout with some important clearances, contributing to another clean sheet for the Addicks.
The main incident in the first half was a great double save by Amos. Northampton set up a good set piece and Amos first had to palm the ball away and then kick it when he was on the ground. Apart from that it was a tame half, although Racic received a yellow card for a foul on Smyth.
Half time: Cobblers 0, Addicks 0
Levitt was taken off after the break in favour of Pratley. Levitt finds the physicality of League One quite difficult to deal with.
On 53 minutes from a Charlton corner Inniss headed the ball down and Bogle touched it, enabling Pratley to score.
Smyth had a great opportunity minutes later, but he made a poor connection with the ball.
Then on 58 minutes Amos found Doughty with a good goal kick. The winger went on a great run and put in an excellent cross which was put in his own net by Owen Goal.
A Northampton corner was punched out by Amos. Harriman brought down Doughty as he sped away and received a yellow card. Doughty hobbled away with most of the damage done by the impact. It didn't look good and he may not be available for Tuesday.
By this time there was the driving rain which had experienced earlier in Leamington 30 miles to the west. On 76 minutes Washington replaced Williams. Hoskins got a yellow card for his challenge on Forster-Caskey while the Charlton player got one for his reaction.
Inniss had to kick away a threatening Northampton free kick.
Five minutes were added on, but Charlton remained in control.
Charlton have gone up to eighth, one point off the play off places and they have a game in hand over some teams.
Sanguine supremo Lee Bowyer admitted it wasn't Levitt's type of game, hence the inspired substitution: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/i-dont-care-if-it-wasnt-pretty-lee-bowyer-on-charltons-2-0-win-at-northampton/
Lee Bowyer will mix and match his formations this season and reckons Chris Gunter can play in a variety of roles: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-wont-settle-on-just-one-formation-this-season-and-outlines-playing-plan-for-chris-gunter/
Unconfirmed reports are stating that Bowyer would like Leeds youngster Robert Gott on loan at Charlton, but other clubs are interested: https://tbrfootball.com/report-lee-bowyer-wants-leeds-youngster-robbie-gotts-at-charlton/
Macauley Bonne names the two players who helped him most at Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/macauley-bonne-reveals-the-two-players-who-helped-him-most-during-charlton-athletic-stay/
Charlton rarely make it easy for their fans, but their victory over Doncaster Rovers at The Valley tonight was all the sweeter for being hard won. My intuition was that it would go to penalties which is why I booked a hotel in Greenwich.
I don't think we were at our best tonight. Aribo and Taylor were below par. But when a missed penalty from Donny settled matters, there was a massive pitch invasion. Such scenes of joy have been missing from The Valley for many years.
After a thundering start a headed goal from Bielik in the second minute seemed to put the Addicks on course for victory. A second goal would have settled matters, Donny managed to equalise on the night out of nowhere in the 11th minute. A smart flick from Herbie Kane allowed Rowe to score with what was admittedly a good shot which gave Phillips little chance. The defence seemed to have disappeared. A brilliant low save from Dillon Phillips stopped ex Millwall player Marquis from making it 2-1 on the night shortly afterwards. But Donny's confidence had been given a boost.
The second half became increasingly fractious and had few chances of note, although Josh Parker prodded narrowly wide from a ball in from Taylor, before Butler rose high at the back post to head in Ali Crawford's corner late on and send the match into extra time. We seemed to surrender possession too easily.
Marquis put the visitors ahead on 100 minutes with his 26th goal of the campaign but the Addicks hit back immediately through Pratley to send the game to penalties. The players of both sides were clearly tiring by now.
The police came on the pitch at the end of the game to talk to the referee and apparently the penalties were taken at the Covered End for safety reasons.
Chris Solly, who had come on as a substitute, was the unlikely first penalty taker (although he is club captain) but his shot was a crisp one. Cullen made no mistake with the second and Taylor settled any fears that he might miss. Naby Sarr missed the chance to win it in the shootout after Dillon Phillips had saved from the hapless Marquis, but Rowe blazed wide to send the Addicks to Wembley.
One little memory: a father and son have been sitting in front of me for about twelve years since the lad was about seven. At the Rochdale game he brought his girl friend, Last night father and son took a smiling selfie together.
I travelled back to Greenwich in the company of celebrating French supporters. Slightly ironic as France 24 wanted me for a discussion at 5 pm and were not best pleased when I said no, commenting sarcastically 'Football must come first.'
Congratulations to Patrick Bauer on the birth of his daughter in the afternoon and then going to The Valley to steer us to Wembley.
Richard Cawley's match report is here: Wembley bound
This Evening Standard article which includes quotes from Lee Bowyer is worth a read: All in place for a Premier League return
Lee Bowyer had a go at his players at Shrewsbury at half time, admits Darren Pratley who discusses his goal which his team mates said was really a clearance: Top corner rocket
Bowyer now has the best win rate of any Charlton manager after 40 games, 55 per cent, ahead of Jimmy Seed on 53 per cent.
After the behaviour of some Shrewsbury fans in the play off semi-final last year, many Charlton fans were particularly keen to win this game. The 580 Addicks were not to be disappointed with a 3-0 win. Charlton's goals came through a toe poke from Lyle Taylor, a screamer from Darren Pratley and a penalty from Karlan Grant.
Charlton remain in fourth place, two points behind Sunderland who drew at home with Luton, both sides having a player sent off. Barnsley and Peterborough both won at home, but Doncaster lost at Wycombe.
Charlton went ahead on 26 minutes when a corner was headed against the upright by a Shrewsbury defender and Taylor was able to poke the ball home.
Three minutes later Bauer received a yellow card for a foul. Shrewsbury had a free kick in a good position but it went straight into the wall.
As the end of normal time approached, Phillips saved well off Okenabirhie. In time added on, a corner was cleared by The Cat.
Louis Mendez thought that Charlton had edged the first half, but that Shrewsbury were vulnerable at set pieces.
On 48 minutes the keeper save from Grant when he was one on one. Three minutes later Grant shot wide. However, on 55 minutes Pratley delivered a screamer into the top right-hand corner of the net.
Morgan was replaced by Lapslie on 58 minutes. Five minutes later he put in a good cross to Taylor who was an inch wide. Taylor then put Shrewsbury under pressure with a good cross which almost led to an own goal. Bielik got a yellow card for dissent. Williams, who had made a good debut, was replaced by Marshall on 77 minutes.
After a superb run from halfway, Grant was brought down and scored from the spot. Dijksteel replaced Bielik.
In time added on an effort by Marshall had to be turned round the post by the keeper.
The report from Louis Mendez is here: Emphatic away win for impressive Addicks
'It's Blackpool all over again,' commented VOTV editor Rick Everitt as I left the Ricoh Arena after this afternoon's 2-1 defeat by Coventry City, the same score they secured against us at The Valley. What he meant that was that we had once again conceded a late goal. But the fact of the matter was that our performance throughout was not good enough. Coventry worked hard, but were just that: workmanlike.
Charlton remain fourth but are only one point ahead of Saturday's opponents Barnsley who beat Peterborough who are now two points behind the Addicks.
Dujon Sterling had to make a brilliant goal-saving tackle in the 23rd minute when Nicky Ajose was played through.
We used a get out of gaol card in the first half when the Sky Blues could have been awarded a penalty, after a Patrock Bauer foul for which he was booked, indeed we thought it was just inside, but the referee bottled it, perhaps because he had ignored a Coventry foul just beforehand.
Steer was able to tip the ball over from the free kick. Charlton went close six minutes before the break but Lee Burge saved well from Lyle Taylor's shot. Coventry went ahead just before the break, when Hiwula headed past Steer.
Darren Pratley equalised for us on 58 minutes, taking advantage of a flick on from Bauer in a crowded box. We then had ten minutes or so when we looked threatening. Burge gathered Karlan Grant's low cross after the lively Mark Marshall found a way into the box.
However, after this spell of pressure we seemed to settle for the draw. The fact that both centre backs were carrying yellow cards may explain their failure to get a challenge in for the winning Coventry goal on 88 minutes when Bayliss fired past Steer.
Wiser heads around raised the question of whether Lee Bowyer had selected the right system and tactics, but what was revealed once more was the thinness of the squad. Aribo was not available due to a knee injury which looks like it will be longer than two weeks. The lack of a left back was once again apparent, but we were vulnerable on both flanks and generally lacked width.
Karlan Grant was seen undergoing an fitness test before kick off. He had another one at half time and then came on to replace Ajose. The game benefitted from his positional sense, but he was clearly not fully fit. The subsequent substitute who made a difference was Mark Marshall with his energy and ability to get forward. It was his free kick which set up the Charlton goal.
Lyle Taylor could have picked up a red for a challenge towards the end of the game, but after the referee consulted the linesman he got a yellow, his eighth of the season.
In the five minutes of time added on a clash of heads led to a long delay with George Lapslie led off the field with a bandaged head. His second concussion will surely mean he is not available for a couple of games. The Coventry player had to be stretchered off and hopefully he is ok.
Report from Louis Mendez here: Boxing Day defeat
Shell shocked supremo Lee Bowyer admits that the busy Christmas schedule is taking its toll on his injury ravaged squad: Taking its toll
