Promotion for Pearce

Jason Pearce has been promoted to under 18s lead development coach after Hamza Serra left for Dubai.  Danny Senda has also been promoted: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/danny-senda-and-jason-pearce-land-charlton-promotions-as-hamza-serrar-takes-new-job-in-abu-dhabi/

Rumours that Palace shareholder John Textor are just that.   The notion attributed to him of wanting to develop 'a healthier relationship' between the two clubs is a bad joke at best.  Textor was the subject of a critical banner at Sainsbury's last night.

Play off final was career highlight for Pearce

Jason Pearce says that the play off final at Wembley against Sunderland was the highlight of his Charlton career as he reflects on what went wrong afterwards and the sacking of Johnnie Jackson: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/jason-pearce-reflects-on-his-charlton-athletic-career-and-reacts-to-the-sacking-of-valley-favourite-johnnie-jackson/

Pearce departure confirmed

Louis Mendez has confirmed that, as anticipated, Jason Pearce will be leaving the club.   No one can doubt his commitment and I think that a National League club may well be interested in using his experience.

Pearce hopes that there may be a coaching role for him at Charlton which he could combine with playing for a non-league or League 2 club: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-defender-confirms-he-wont-be-offered-new-playing-contract/

Johnnie Jackson has said that Charlie Kirk will be offered 'every opportunity' if he returns to Charlton.  Well, he has to say that, but he could well be demoralised and it would be best for him and the club if he did not return: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/he-will-be-afforded-every-opportunity-charlton-boss-has-his-say-on-blackpool-loanee-winger/

Fans who went to see Charlton Women play their final game of the season at The Valley saw a 2-1 win over Durham City: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/womens-football-charlton-women-make-it-a-winning-experience-at-the-valley/

One fan who was there said he had never seen the men's team pass the ball properly and actually communicate with each other.

'Move on' message to Pearce?

Johnnie Jackson says that Jason Pearce is at a crossroads in his career and his form as a player has been inconsistent this season.   I interpret this as a call to reflect and move on: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/tricky-old-time-charlton-boss-johnnie-jackson-on-future-of-experienced-centre-back/

So could we see him join Bromley next season?

Jacko praise Macca, Pearce, Morgan and Dobson

Smiling supremo Johnnie Jackson has praised Craig MacGillivray, Jason Pearce and Albie Morgan after their performances at Rotherham: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/hes-reacted-well-to-the-criticism-johnnie-jackson-praises-goalkeeper-craig-macgillivray-for-adding-new-element-to-his-game/

Jacko said that Macca has responded well to criticism and improved the aerial aspect of his play.   He was commanding his penalty box.   Albie Morgan had given him the mature performance he was looking for.  Jacko admitted that Morgan had made a couple of mistakes, but said that he stuck to the script well. Jason Pearce was 'Mr Dependable'.   [I hope he will have a coaching role next season and keep his player registration for emergencies or pizza games.  He was the man of the match in the Football League Paper].

Jacko was also full of praise for George Dobson: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/johnnie-jackson-delighted-with-display-at-rotherham-and-says-george-dobson-deserved-long-awaited-goal/

Dobson is clearly going to win player of the year, and deservedly so, but who should come second?  Most promising newcomer would be Corey Blackett-Taylor.   Conor Washington opens up defences when he is playing.

Louis Mendez gives his four takeaways from the match here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-victory-at-high-flying-rotherham-a-textbook-away-performance/

Charlton stop the rot

Charlton ended their run of defeats with a 0-0 draw against Sunderland at The Valley.

Jayden Stockley and Scott Fraser came back for Charlton's game against Sunderland at The Valley, but was the real problem the formation as many fans have suggested?   Sean Clare (wearing an outfit that Curbs said deserved a fine) said that the formation suited a lot of the players, what had been missing had been a platform up front.  Curbs said that the return of Jayden Stockley was crucial.

Nathan Broadhead was brought straight back into Sunderland's starting line-up.  The on-loan Everton striker is fit again after recovering from the hamstring injury he suffered in the Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat at Arsenal the week before Christmas.

A Sunderland corner won after five minutes was directed straight at Macca with a header.

A challenge saw DJ on the ground as he was caught on the shin and might have been penalised if there was VAR.

A Sunderland corner was headed away well by Stockley.  Sunderland came at Charlton early and tried to attack, securing comfortable possession.   The Addicks were being dominated and needed to keep the ball better.

After a great pass from Fraser, Burstow was caught offside.   The crowd was relatively quiet despite the generous distribution of free tickets available from your local newsagent.   My uncle was never asked to do that in the 1950s.

Lavelle was in late with a cynical challenge and received a yellow card.   Every cross seemed to be going beyond the three centre halves.

MacGillivray made a save at the expense of a corner.   From the corner Stewart missed a clear goal scoring opportunity for the Black Cats, but he headed wide.

Sunderland were trying to turn the Charlton back line with balls over the top.   Good defending by Lavelle dealt with Stewart who headed wide and landed awkwardly.  He looked fine to carry on.

Charlton conceded a corner from nothing, Macca put too much on it.   DJ got a strong foot to the corner, hitting the top of the Curbishley stand.   Sunderland were making life difficult for Charlton when they were in possession.

DJ had to head behind for another Sunderland corner.   Charlton couldn't get out of their defensive third and hadn't managed a goal attempt after nearly 30 minutes in.   It was another header from Stewart from the corner but again it went wide.

Sunderland won a free kick just outside the Charlton penalty area, 10-12 yards left of the centre marking.   Pritchard's free kick was tipped over by Macca for a corner.   He certainly had to deal with it. Macca clutched the ball from the corner.

Charlton continued to be on the back foot under pressure.    From a Lee free kick Stockley's header went wide.

It started to rain.   A sliding challenge from Lee took out Gooch and he received a yellow card for a clear foul on 40 minutes.   Pearce defended well for a throw in.   

A Stockley header went wide of the post.   A ball from Lee was cut out for a Charlton corner in added time.   The referee flagged for a push.  

Steve Brown commented that in earlier matches we would have gone behind with the pressure we were under.  Sean Clare said we had done well to come out at 0-0.   Greg Stubley said we did enough to stay in the game and gradually we had grown into it.  Scott Minto thought we were playing too long and not giving the front two a chance.

HT: 0-0

Gunter put in a decent block to stop Broadhead.    He then made a great saving challenge.    Macca saved from Gooch.

Steve Brown said that Sunderland pressed very well as a unit.   It was difficult for Charlton to break through the press.

Macca saved well from Winchester, it was along the deck at pace.   Steve Brown said it was a very similar pattern to the first half.

It was quite a bitty opening, but the visitors were in control.   Charlton couldn't get sustained possession with fifteen minutes of the half gone.

Charlton won a free kick near the tunnel for a foul on Purrington.   Lavelle's header was just wide of the post and went into the side netting.

Gunter had to put the ball out for a corner as safety first.  DJ and Purrington got the ball clear, it came back in, Pearce headed it clear and then Stockley.  Eventually Charlton won a free kick.   Fraser was replaced by Gilbey.   Fraser had struggled to get into the game, perhaps still affected by having had Covid.

After a counter attack by Charlton with a hook on by Stockley, Burstow put it wide of the post.    He perhaps waited too long to make the shot.

Broadhead came off for Sunderland, replaced by the Spurs loan player Clark who soon looked lively.  Gilbey put in a ball to Burstow, but it was blocked.   For the first time in the game it was end to end.

Leko came on to replace Burstow who had not made a great impression on the game.   Pritchard had to come off after a clash with Dobson, he had looked dangerous at times, but his end product was disappointing.

Pearce made an important interception as Clark approached and the game entered the last 15 minutes of normal time.   Purrington got a yellow card for a challenge as the Sunderland players surrounded the referee demanding more.

Macca saved well from Stewart after a good move by the visitors.   Roberts replaced Gooch for Sunderland. 

Steve Brown said Charlton had been harder to break down, but Sunderland won a corner.   DJ headed away.  Sunderland got the ball back in but headed over.

The visitors won another corner, the ball deflecting off Gilbey.   Charlton dealt with the corner well, Stockley made an important challenge.

Macca had to save again as the Black Cats counter attacked.   Five minutes were added on.   Leko won Charlton a free kick by drawing a foul.  Lee took the free kick but Lavelle failed to score with a header which went over the crossbar.  Dobson made a great block as Sunderland threatened and Charlton won the goal kick.   Wright fouled Stockley and got a yellow card.    Lee took the free kick, but Stockley could not take the opportunity and may have been offside anyway. 

Praise for Pearce

Curbs said MacGillivray had had a good game.  We put in some good defensive blocks.  I thought we were more defensive in our wing back play.  We got some decent balls in in the second half, we were just not able to get on the end of it.  Sean Clare said we weathered the storm, sometimes we were our own worst enemy.  Scott Minto said that Pearce was very good.   Sean Clare said you knew what you were getting with Pearcey.  Curbs said some of the balls up to Stockley were aimless.   Sean Clare said that Fraser was a player who needed the ball.

Jason Pearce said we had 'to get back to basics, we done that.  Sunderland had a lot of goals in them, we stayed resolute as a unit.  We feel we needed to be tough on each other, nothing personal.  Macca made two brilliant saves.   Today there was no booing, the fans were really behind us.  We need to be better in possession, we will work on that.  We are delighted with a point.  Accrington's always going to be a tough game.'

Jacko said it was a real battling performance based on hard work and spirit.   'There's been questions asked this week of all of us.  There have been some good honest conversations.  We looked each other in the eye and said we all need to do more.   There was a period in that first half when they were having corners and lots of set plays, Stewart is a real threat in those situations.   I thought Craig was excellent. We did a lot of work in the week on limiting the opportunities, forcing them into wider areas, narrower angles.   Jayden's a massive player for us, excellent work rate from the front.   We need to be better in possession of the ball.  Blackett-Taylor is coming close to fitness.   We've got another clear week, you can focus on your training, another tough test coming up.'

Charlton remained 16th, nine points above the relegation zone.

That was the season that was

Charlton's faint hopes of a play off place were effectively ended with a 2-1 defeat at a wet University of Bolton stadium this evening.   It was hardly an education in football from supposedly the best team in the division, but once again Charlton's defensive errors let them down.   The Addicks are down to 13th.

Charlton contained Bolton in the early exchanges, but then Clare went down.   Bolton then broke with a long ball forward and went ahead on nine minutes despite an attempt by Famewo to correct his error by stopping it going in. At least he avoided a potential red card.

Morgan drew a foul in a promising position, but the move ended in a Bolton free kick.

A ball over the top caught Charlton out and MacGillivray had to head the ball out.

Charm merchant Jones got a yellow card for a strong challenge on Dobson.   It could have been a red.

Washington got a yellow card for challenging the goalkeeper.  Gilbey got a yellow card for the same offence.  The referee had a word with captain Pearce about Charlton players.

Steve Brown thought it had been a disjointed performance.   Nothing had gone particularly well for Charlton.

Bolton had the better pressure, but neither side had a lot of chances.   Curbs said it had been flat on both sides.  A neutral would find it hard to say what either side were good at.   We hadn't managed to get decent balls into Washington or Burstow, we hadn't fashioned anything.

HT: 1-0

Facing relentless pressure, Pearce got a yellow card for a foul.   Bolton were not able to make use of the free header from the free kick.   John was booked for Bolton.

Charlton got the first corner of the game.  Gilbey's shot was deflected over the bar.

As 60 minutes approached Burstow came off in favour of Aneke.  Pearce, in danger of being sent off, was replaced by Lavelle.

Bolton put in a shot that was inches wide.

Dobson had been a thorn in the side of Bolton and received a yellow card.  Fraser came on in place of Gilbey on 68 minutes.  With the changed formation, Charlton were in the game more.

On 75 minutes Aneke got the equaliser with a header after a great cross by Fraser.

A Bolton free kick given away by Clare needlessly went towards the six yard box and was headed in to make it 2-1 on 83 minutes.   Once again Charlton had conceded from a set piece.

MacGillivray had to make a great save to keep Charlton in the game.

In five minutes added on Washington brought down a ball from Morgan well but Fraser's shot was gathered by the keeper.   Bakayoko was booked for a foul, but Morgan's free kick was not productive.

Curbs said we hadn't played well.   We fought our way back in it, but it lasted a few minutes.   The first goal was a dreadful one to concede, a disaster for Famewo.   There was no spark and it was such an important game.

Jacko sounded shell shocked.  'The goals we gave away were poor.  I feel like we've given two goals away.  We scored a really good, well-worked goal.'  He thought the tackle on Dobson was a red card, he was caught studs up.  'The fourth official is right there.   They've only beaten us because of our sloppines.  We haven't been clinical enough in the moments we have had away from home.'

Full comments by Johnnie Jackson here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/johnnie-jackson-bemoans-defensive-lapses-as-charltons-unbeaten-run-is-ended-by-bolton-wanderers/

Louis Mendez says that Charlton didn't have the muscle to compete with Bolton in the first hour: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-defeat-at-bolton-wanderers-addicks-punished-for-two-lapses-in-concentration/

Bolton manager Ian Evatt thinks that Jason Pearce should have been sent off, but admits that Gethin Jones could also have got a red card: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/i-cant-believe-jason-pearce-wasnt-sent-off-bolton-boss-ian-evatt-admits-both-sides-should-have-received-red-cards-during-charltons-2-1-loss/

Pearce wants Jackson solution

Jason Pearce hopes that the future of Johnnie Jackson as manager can be 'put to bed' so that the club can focus on moving forwards: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/jason-pearce-hopes-to-see-issue-of-caretaker-johnnie-jacksons-future-put-to-bed-so-charlton-can-move-on/

Pearce hopes that Charlton slowly move up the table so that they are in the play offs or thereabouts by the end of the season.

Jackson says that a fatigued Charlton managed to find a way to get past Cambridge United.   The midweek game against Ipswich had taken its toll and the U's offered more as opponents: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/tired-charlton-found-a-way-to-win-against-cambridge-united-jason-pearce/

Shrewsbury offer a physical challenge

Jonathan Leko should be available for Saturday's match at Shrewsbury.   Johnnie Jackson also discusses Papa Souare and Harry Arter who is fit but hasn't been getting game time because other players have been doing so well in his position: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-injury-news-leko-set-to-available-as-souare-and-arter-absences-explained/

Jason Pearce is a doubt and we will also miss Jayden Stockley against a physical Shrewsbury side.  They drew 1-1 with Sunderland midweek despite playing with 10 men for almost all the second half.   Their home record is much better than their away record where they have not won a match.  At home they have won four, drawn two and lost three.

The match with Charlton is regarded as a stern test: https://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/football/shrewsbury-town-fc/2021/11/26/shrewsbury-town-urged-to-repeat-sunderland-display-against-charlton/

Manager Steve Cotterill reckons that the two teams play a similar formation and is hoping to avoid a hat trick of red cards: https://www.shrewsburytown.com/news/2021/november/steve-cotterill-previews-towns-fixture-with-charlton-athletic/

CAS Trust warn that the Shrews have improved their home form: https://www.castrust.org/2021/11/the-shrews-are-no-pushover/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-shrews-are-no-pushover

Jason Pearce's motivation to prove Adkins wrong

Jason Pearce thought of leaving Charlton last summer after what he thought was a 'disappointing' conversation with Nigel Adkins: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-captain-jason-pearce-i-had-real-motivation-to-prove-people-wrong-especially-nigel-adkins/

Blackett-Taylor signs up

Corey Blackett-Taylor has signed an 18 month contract extension: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-winger-ends-uncertainty-as-he-signs-contract-extension/

Dismissed by some fans as 'scraping the barrel' when he first signed, there is a recognition that his pace adds something to the squad.

Sam Lavelle has the same injury as Jason Pearce and that kept the skipper out for three months: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sam-lavelle-suffered-exact-same-groin-injury-as-charlton-captain-jason-pearce/

Man of the match performance from Pearce

Louis Mendez says that it was a man of the match performance by Jason Pearce at Burton yesterday and that is confirmed by The Football League Paper who made him star man.  Both he and Ben Purrington were in the paper's team of the day: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-tempestuous-1-0-win-at-burton-albion-a-chaotic-triumph-on-the-road/

The Times have selected our win at Burton as League One performance of the week.

Mendez says that the case for appointing Johnnie Jackson as permanent manager is now compelling.   It could be that an announcement will be made in front of the bumper crowd at the Plymouth Argyle game.

Elerewe says Pearce is the perfect role model

Deji Elerewe reflects on signing his first professional contract and says that Jason Pearce is a great coach.  He admits he was a bit nervous when he first came to Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/deji-elerewe-praises-jason-pearce-as-the-perfect-role-model-as-he-reflects-on-signing-long-term-deal/

Pearce backs Jacko

Jason Pearce has backed Johnnie Jackson as permanent manager saying that he has provided a sense of direction that was missing under Adkins and has total respect for the caretaker manager, having played with him and against him: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/i-want-jacko-to-get-the-job-charlton-skipper-jason-pearce-calls-for-caretaker-to-be-offered-full-time-role-after-providing-direction-that-was-missing-under-adkins/

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.

Pearce stays on

Jason Pearce has signed a year's contract extension at Charlton with the possibility of a future coaching role: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/jason-pearce-signs-new-charlton-athletic-contract-with-option-to-also-take-coaching-role-in-future/?fbclid=IwAR2NZCwlUSSPNtXiAkAJrKVPmDhO8mt_0WC6ggO4jQZJlBCTMcHDuMaVpcY

Glyn Shimell is to be the new goalkeeping coach to replace Andy Marshall: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-appoint-millwalls-academy-coach-glyn-shimell-as-andy-marshalls-successor/

Ben Watson has taken up his one year contract extension.

The waiting game

Nigel Adkins says that Charlton are playing a waiting game on the offers made to out of contract players including Chuks Aneke, Jason Pearce and Adam Matthews.  Decisions also have to be made about whether younger players can step up to the first team squad or should go out on loan: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/waiting-game-for-charlton-athletic-as-players-weigh-up-best-options-in-transfer-market/

Skipper wants third League One promotion

A third League One promotion would mean everything to Jason Pearce: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/it-would-mean-everything-charlton-skipper-jason-pearce-chasing-third-league-one-promotion-of-his-career/

Charlton no longer fun to play against

Benjy Nurick reckons that Charlton are getting back to basics (which is what Curbs has been calling for) in his latest SLP column: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-becoming-a-team-that-are-no-fun-to-play-against-with-jason-pearce-leading-from-the-back/

He gives a lot of credit to Jason Pearce.  The skipper did go through a bad patch when he was making basic errors, but it is good to see him back in form and making some good interventions.

Desmond from Deal commented: 'Even Nurick with his boosters agenda has had to admit that it wasn't a good performance against a weak Northampton team, and then it was nearly 2-2.  The worry is that Bowyer scrapes together enough minimally acceptable results to stave off the sack.'

One is enough

It wasn't polished or pretty, but Charlton secured three points tonight with a 1-0 victory at Wigan.  As Curbs said afterwards, 'They dug in.  It was an all round effort.'

Chuks Aneke secured the points with a first half goal in which he shrugged off two Wigan central defenders pursuing him.  Washington was the provider.  He then should have had a penalty when he was rugby tackled, but the referee ruled that he had lost his balance.

Wigan upped the tempo in the second half and applied pressure to Charlton, but a lot of their efforts were wild and Ben Amos was only really called into action a couple of times.

Millar came closest to scoring in the second half when his effort was cleared off the line.

On the downside, as Steve Brown noted, too often a Charlton attack was turned into defence ten seconds later.  More quality was need in finishing.

It was good to see Jake Forster-Caskey back and he led Charlton with 46 passes, four tackles and seven crosses.

The Charlton clean sheet owed a lot to Jason Pearce, who made one crucial defensive header and Akin Famewo.

Curbs praised Ben Watson's work in the middle of the park where he operated as a defensive midfielder.

Charlton are now 9th, ahead of Gobby's Oxford United whom they play on Saturday.

Desmond from Deal said: 'I was hoping to see Bowyer go tonight, but he has got another of his ugly 1-0 away wins.'