Playing Vetokele a risk worth taking

It was a finely balanced decision for sagacious supremo Lee Bowyer whether to play Igor Vetokele yesterday, but it all turned out well: Bowyer explains Scunthorpe appearance

Just as well given the limitations of our third 'striker'.

Back to winning ways

Charlton demolished Scunthorpe United 4-0 at The Valley this afternoon. The Addicks remain 5th in the table, two points behind Sunderland who drew at Peterborough but have a game in hand.

The Addicks opened the scoring on 24 minutes when Dijksteel netted his first Charlton goal by meeting Taylor's delightful pass before drilling a low angled drive past Jak Alnwick. Scunthorpe's Adam Hammill should have done a lot better when placing a 38th-minute shot well wide and only an excellent Dillon Phillips save prevented George Thomas from equalising.

Former Addick Lee Novak fired into the side-netting early in the second period, a miss he and the Iron were left to rue when Charlton doubled their advantage as Ben Reeves whipped in a corner and Aribo climbed highest to head home on 57 minutes. Aribo turned provider six minutes later by finding Vetokele, who coolly slotted a low shot beyond Alnwick.

Things went from bad to worse for Scunthorpe in the 66th minute as Taylor scored with a spectacular free-kick which flew into the top corner.

The report from Louis Mendez is here: Addicks smash sorry Scunny

Igor concerned about his future

Igor Vetokele is concerned about his future, given that he is one of then higher paid players at The Valley, but for now he is focusing on football. He thinks he has clicked with Lyle Taylor: Igor on his contract situation

Charlton end Luton's unbeaten run

Charlton ended table topping Luton Town's 28-match unbeaten run with a convincing 3-1 victory at The Valley this afternoon. Charlton are now just one point behind Portsmouth and Sunderland although each of them has a game in hand.

Lyle Taylor struck twice as Charlton came from a goal down to beat the Hatters. Luton looked set to continue their run when Harry Cornick fired past goalkeeper Dillon Phillips and into the top corner to give them an early lead at The Valley. Luton could have put it beyond doubt with a second goal but for a superb save by Dillon Phillips.

Luton keeper James Shea was lucky to be shown just a yellow card when he wiped out an advancing Vetokele. Lee Bowyer thought that it was a reckless challenge that deserved a red card: Charlton ready to pounce

Taylor won the crossbar challenge just before the half-hour, but Charlton offered little else until the second half.

After the break, Taylor was pushed to the ground by Sonny Bradley and stepped up to calmly convert the equalising penalty. Luton manager Mick Harford complained that the penalty was a disgrace, but it looked like a clear foul to me.

Igor Vetokele then put the Addicks ahead, finishing low to the goalkeeper's right after Krystian Bielik had put him through on goal. Bielik was tireless throughout despite going down with injuries three times, eventually being substituted. He was able to carve open the Luton defence. Lee Bowyer said that he was suffering from cramp.

Within minutes, Vetokele turned provider, crossing for Taylor who struck the ball low past James Shea from six yards to seal the win.

Two minutes from time Luton charm merchant Andrew Shinnie was dismissed after picking up a second yellow card for a late challenge, having already been booked for a cynical first-half foul.

Congratulations to whoever came up with the 'Rodney Trotter' banner in the Covered End.

Report from Louis Mendez here: Top two hopes kept alive

Charlton keep up their promotion challenge

Charlton kept up their promotion challenge with a 1-0 win at Wycombe Wanderers tonight. With Sunderland drawing at home with Burton Albion, Charlton are just four points behind them, although Sunderland have a game in hand. The Addicks are ten points clear of Doncaster in 6th place. They have now gone seven hours without conceding a goal.

It was a remarkably uneventful first half in beechy Bucks. Louis Mendez thought that Charlton were not as fluent as they had been on Plymouth. Then on 34 minutes Pearce put in a volley from a Cullen cross. It was his fifth goal for the club.

Good work by Dillon Phillps preserved Charlton's lead in the second half. On 51 minutes he save from a close range effort, Wycombe's best chance up to then. On 80 minutes he dealt with a dangerous cross and Akinfenva was not able to make use of the rebound. He made another big save on 86 minutes.

Vetokele was a tireless runner. In the first half he was denied by a last minute challenge. In the second half he put a header wide from a Taylor cross.

The match report from Louis Mendez is here: Battle to victory

Smiling supremo Lee Bowyer said that the gritty performance against Wycombe was the kind of victory that wins you promotion: Gritty win

Successful pilgrimage

The 817 Addicks who travelled to Plymouth today saw Charlton win 2-0 to consolidate their place in the play offs. Lyle Taylor scored for Charlton in the first half and on 48 minutes it was 2-0, the goal attributed to Vetokele, although the BBC and Sky ruled that it was an own goal. Louis Mendez reckons Vetokele got a touch.

Luton and Blackpool drew 2-2 after the Tangerines had twice been ahead. Barnsley lost 3-1 at Burton. Sunderland won 2-1 at Rochdale after going behind and Portsmouth beat Tuesday's opponents Wycombe 3-2. Doncaster won by a single goal at Bradford.

Plymouth won a number of early corners and it was 24 minutes before Charlton got their first corner. Bielik was said to have fouled Lameiras on 38 minutes and Argyle were awarded a penalty. Phillips dived to his left and touched the ball wide.

Charlton then went up the other end and scored, Taylor heading home from a Solly cross.

Four Charlton players were booked in the first half: Sarr; Bauer; Vetokele; Bielik. At least this was one short of the five red cards the referee dished out at MK Dons at the end of September.

Charlton were dominant before and after the interval and scored their second goal on 48 minutes. It was created by a superb run and cross by Williams.

Pratley replaced Bielik on 63 minutes, he had taken a slight knock. Lapslie came on for Vetokele on 74 minutes and immediately put in a cross which Taylor headed only just wide. Williams left to a standing ovation on 80 minutes with Parker replacing him.

Report from Louis Mendez: Triumph on the road

On his 50th outing in charge of the Addicks serene supremo Lee Boywer said that the Dillon Phillips penalty save was pivotal in the game. Bielik has a problem with his ankle: Bowyer's comments

Charlton leave it late

After an insipid first half, Charlton secured a 2-1 victory over AFC Wimbledon at the Cherry Red Records Stadium this afternoon in front of 750 Addicks. Naby Sarr equalised on 51 minutes with a stunning free kick and Igor Vetokele scored the winner on 90 minutes. Shell shocked supremo Lee Bowyer was sent off.

Parker was out of the team because of a virus. Phillips denied an early effort by bearded wonder Scott Wagstaffe. Charlton won a number of corners, but were unable to make anything of them, although they were playing into the winter sun in the first half. However, their passing was often sloppy. Marshall advanced well on 13 minutes, but his shot went over.

Folivi served notice with a shot into the side netting from a Dons corner. Marshall got a yellow card for a high challenge. On 24 minutes a free kick was pumped into the box and Folivi tapped home from a yard to make it 1-0. Charlton looked toothless and Bauer had to make a last minute challenge to stop it becoming 2-0. Taylor was serenaded by the home support with a chant of 'You should have stayed at a big club'.

Taylor missed a close range chance with the ball going over. The Addicks were huffing and puffing and lacked quality in the final third. A Taylor cross was blocked.

Early in the second half the referee (a late appointment) gave Bowyer a yellow card and then a second yellow for his reaction. He had to go and sit in front of the press box.

A free kick won by Taylor was converted by Sarr with a left foot rocket. Then he was booked for a reckless challenge.

Aribo was just wide from 25 yards. Taylor then turned provider for Marshall, but the keeper made the save. Marshall was replaced by Fosu. A save kept out a Cullen volley and then a good shot from Williams was saved.

Vetokele replaced Lapslie on 79 minutes and on 85 Dijksteel replaced Solly. Taylor headed over from a corner. A Fosu effort was saved, but there was a scramble from the corner and the final touch came from Vetokele.

Charlton are six points ahead of Doncaster who drew at Scunthorope (but Donny have two games in hand) and three points behind Portsmouth who drew 0-0 at home with Barnsley. Charlton opened up a seven point gap over Peterborough who lost today. Sunderland won at Bristol Rovers.

Lee Bowyer has revealed what he said to the referee: Boss's comment

Could Igor be our hope today?

With Charlton missing Karlan Grant's pace, could Igor Vetokele give us a spark at Kingsmeadow today: Igr's moment?

Some Wimbledon fans are unhappy about the way in which Lyle Taylor left the club and have been giving it large, so a Taylor goal would be particularly sweet today. taylor discusses the fans who take umbrage: Small percentage of Dons fans

Odds: Home, 2/1; Draw, 11/5; Charlton win, 7/5.

Yet more frustration

Charlton drew 0-0 with Blackpool at The Valley this afternoon. The return of Lyle Taylor did not provide the talisman that was hoped for, minus his former strike partner. There were some chances, but finishing was far from clinical. Charlton were particularly poor in the first ten minutes of the game and could have gone behind. Too many needless fouls were given away.

The arrival of Mark Marshall as a half time substitute did improve penetration for the Addicks and Igor Vetokele made an impact in his late cameo. But once again the match confirmed that this is a team that finds scoring goals hard.

Charlton's Josh Parker was guilty of an air shot in the area after 21 minutes before Jonny Williams struck from 25 yards out, forcing Howard into a save. The midfielder made the keeper block again after 33 minutes, although from much closer range, after being played in by Joe Aribo.

Williams was denied once more by the hands of Howard nine minutes after the restart, with no Charlton player able to capitalise on the rebound. Blackpool offered little in attack.

Lee Bowyer said that Lyle Taylor needs to show more caution on and off the field of play after he picked up his ninth booking of the season following his criticisms of barmy Belgian owner Roland Duchatelet: Needs to show some caution

Bowyer was frustrated by Charlton's lack of cutting edge, although he thought that the second half performance was better: Disappointed at stalemate

Louis Mendez reports on the match as Charlton's winless run continues: Frustrating stalemate

Valley of frustration, part 94

Lee Bowyer's primary reaction to last Saturday's draw with Southend United was one of frustration. Here Richard Cawley of the SLP discusses the numbed supremo's reaction and assesses the contribution of various players, not least Igor Vetokele: Bowyer's big emotion

I am not a businessman, but surely spending some money on a free agent would increase our chances of promotion and hence the ability to sell the club and get a better price for it?

Bowyer targets free agent striker

Lee Bowyer is targeting a free agent striker. He is good quality and was out of Charlton's price range, but his recent release has made him available: Bowyer has striker in his sights

One possibility is Joe Mason recently released by Wolves, but Plymouth are chasing him and he was born there: Career details

Bowyer is uncertain whether Vetokele will be able to start on Saturday: Chances of a start

Joe Aribo has had a setback.

I could stay on says Igor

Igor Vetokele says that he is open to staying on at Charlton after his contract expires in the summer: Pleased to be back in the thick of it

Vetokele is on a four year contract and is one of the highest earners at the club thanks to the negotiating skills of Katrien Meire.

He made a big impact when he first arrived, but has been injury prone and certainly could not command such high wages.

Vetokele on the bench

Igor Vetokele is expected to be on the bench for Saturday's encounter with Fleetwood Town who demolished Scunthorpe 5-0 on Wednesday. Jason Pearce, Tariqe Fosu and Ben Reeves are about to return to full training: Injured players returning

Vetokele out for eight weeks

Igor Vetokele will be out until at least mid-September with a foot injury he picked up in the Welling game: Injury blow

Pre-season games may be necessary preparation, but they also come with a cost. Mind you, I can remember when they consisted of a game on the Saturday before the start of the season featuring Probables versus Possibles or Reds versus Whites.

Vetokele may stay

Lee Bowyer has indicated that Igor Vetokele may stay for the season with finances not being an issue despite his relatively high wages: SE7 stay

Vetokele played the second half at Park View Road this afternoon and Bowyer was favourably impressed by what he saw, as well he might be.

'I know nothing'

It is clear from this interview with Richard Cawley that Lee Bowyer has little idea about what is going on at The Valley, for example in crucial contract negotiations with Tariqe Fosu and Joe Aribo: I know nothing

It does look very likely that Patrick Bauer will leave as he wants to play at a higher level. There is also fresh interest in Magennis. Igor Vetokele is very likely to be loaned out because of his high wages.

Football may be coming home: if only Roland was going home for good

Bowyer close to completing two deals

While confusion reigns over the future ownership of the club, Lee Bowyer is doing his best to shore up the playing staff with two signings nearing completion, one aided by a friendship with an agent he used to play with: Close to two signings

The club has announced that Igor Vetokele will return to Sparrows Lane for pre-season training this week. Whether this precedes a sale, another loan or a return to the club remains to be seen.

Richard Cawley of the SLP has tweeted, 'Charltonm set to appoint goalkeeper coach by the time that team report back on Wednesday for pre-season training. Might not be in building for day one but fitness work to start with anyway. Two candidates for the job.'

Murray speaks

'Last man standing' Richard Murray has spoken to the Supporters' Trust about what he knows about the takeover negotiations, which seems to be less than the full picture: Still negotiating

Both interested parties are still in negotiations and he assumes that the outstanding issue is the sale price. For what it is worth, I have been told that the second (Britrish) offer is much less well founded than the Australian one and may have been kept in play just to pressure Muir and his colleagues.

According to the 'Belgium 20', 'One of the potential buyers stormed out the meeting on Wednesday! Roland playing hardball.'

Murray said that the club was losing £1m a month and would need £100m of investment over a five year period.

Charlton are still paying for financial mistakes that were made in the Championship - Igor Vetokele was signed for a seven-figure fee in 2014. The striker has not played a competitive game for the Addicks since May 2016 after spending the last two seasons on loan at Belgian clubs Waregem and Sint Truiden. He is one of Charlton’s top earners and still has one year left on his current deal - and it is unclear whether the club would want to pay his full wages in League One next season (although there have been rumours that he might return).

Rick Everitt has tweeted, 'Sheer number of investors doing paperwork on the Aussie side seems to have caused delays, leading Duchatelet to lose patience.'

It looks like we are facing a further period of frustration. In the circumstances it is sensible to appoint Lee Bowyer as continuing caretaker manager, although it is not clear how much freedom of action he will have or how attractive prospective players will find the set up.

Getting rid of players is difficult

Igor Vetokele is to join Sint Truiden next season, it is not clear whether this is a loan or a permanent move, but with Roland owning both clubs that is of little importance: On His Way

With season ticket sales flagging, the club is keen to offload players given long contracts. However, no one seems to want Naby Sarr, while efforts are also being made to find a home for the highest paid player at The Valley, Jorge Teixeira.

VOTV editor Rick Everitt has tweeted that Katrien Meire is still paying over the going rate, so 'let's hope the signings are the right ones this time.'