Some signs of hope in defeat

Some Charlton fans saw some hope after yesterday's anticipated defeat by Peterborough with Coventry rated a good acquisition along with Bakinson.

The visitors dominated the first half and deserved to make the 29th-minute breakthrough when Mason-Clark curled a shot beyond Addicks keeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer.

Charlton, who have now lost four of their last five league games, were booed off at half-time and boss Michael Appleton made a double change in an attempt to spark life into his side.

The changes had an immediate effect as the hosts drew level just three minutes after the restart when May headed home from close range after Tyreeq Bakinson's shot was blocked.

However, they finished the game empty-handed when Mason-Clark drilled in a low drive 15 minutes from time.

Michael Appleton has said that Charlton will not stand in Scott Fraser's way if he wants to leave in the transfer window: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/we-wont-stand-in-his-way-michael-appleton-on-charlton-midfielders-future-after-absence-from-squad-against-peterborough/

His performances have not been inspired this season, indeed he always had his critics - but then that is to be expected if you play for Charlton.

Charlton give lead away twice

Charlton finished 10th after drawing 2-2 with Cheltenham Town this afternoon.

It was a bench packed with youngsters at Cheltenham Town.   Dobson was not risked in case a yellow card earned him a three game suspension.  Red card specialist Ryan Inniss was also not used: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/cheltenham-town-v-charlton-athletic-team-line-ups-dobson-not-risked-as-holden-packs-bench-with-youngsters/

Cheltenham won two early corners after some poor Charlton defending.

Fraser was flagged offside as he put the ball in the net.  Charlton had a lot of possession but their patient build ups could not break down the home defence.

A shot by Henry from distance was not too far over.   Morgan went for goal, but couldn't hit the target.

After good play by Charlton involving Campbell, Rak-Sakyi looked like scoring but Taylor made a fortunate block.

A Henry free kick won by Campbell was easily gathered by the keeper.

After outstanding work by Campbell on the left following a pass from Morgan (who was fed by Thomas) the ball was deflected for Fraser who scored on 34 minutes to give Charlton the lead.

A Chelthenham free kick led to a corner and Charlton took a while to clear their lines.

Rak-Sakyi fell awkwardly and was holding his shoulder.

Rak-Sakyi advanced but slipped and Southwood did enough to stop Charlton scoring a second goal.

Curbs said we deserved to be in the lead.   Steve Brown said that Cheltenham had a bright start and caused a few issues in the opening ten minutes, we were a little bit stretched, but then we started to take control.

HT: Robins 0, Addicks 1

Danger man May put in a great ball, Maynard-Brewer saved but put into the path of Keena to make it 1-1 just after half time.

Cheltenham were lifted and built nicely but the shot was off target.

There was good work by Leaburn and Rak-Sakyi, but Frasser's effort was blocked.

Charlton had a penalty shout after Rak-Sakyi was brought down in the area.

The keeper did just enough to deny Campbell.   Hector ran well to meet the ball from a corner but couldn't get enough purchase on a header.

Sessegnon was involved in some good build play, but the ball wouldn't sit well for Rak-Sakyi.

On 73 minutes Egbo and Henry came off, Payne came on with Asiimwe.

Maynard-Brewer made a great save from May as he looked like scoring his 20th goal of the season.

After a terrible ball out by the keeper, Payne showed great awareness and provided a calm, composed finish to make it 2-1 to Charlton in front of the Addickted.    Nearly a 1,000 of them had more or less filled the away end.

Rylah and Roddy came on and Sessegnon and Campbell went off on 83 minutes.   Maynard-Brewer saved comfortably from Sercombe.

Rak-Sakyi went off to warm applause and Mitchell came on.   Charlton switched off and May's finish was unstoppable to make it 2-2.   May milked his applause: he may not be at the Completely-Suzuki stadium next season.

In time added on, Roddy appeared to have won a corner but the referee awarded a goal kick.

Curbs said that it was probably a fair result in the end, they looked stronger in the second half. 

Plymouth have won the title, Accrington and Morecambe have been relegated and MK Dons will be exercising their franchise in League Two next season.

Shrimps net Charlton

A fellow fan messaged me beforehand to say that this was surely a three point banker, but Morecambe won 3-2 at The Valley just as they did last year.

Aaron Henry replaced Scott Fraser in the Charlton team against Morecambe this afternoon.

Morecambe took the lead after seven minutes following a mistake by Aaron Henry through a powerful and accurate strike by Stockton which went into the top corner.   Charlton had not won this season after conceding the first goal.

Dobson had to make a saving tackle to deny a threat which would have led to a second for Morecambe.

Steve Brown criticised the Charlton performance as loose and slack.   There was a lack of tempo.

Charlton won a corner after an unforced error from a cross by Payne.  The ball flashed across the goal.

Hector conceded a free kick just outside the penalty area.   The ball went straight into the wall.

Leaburn received a yellow card after an incident with Souare who fell to the ground.

Steve Brown noted that Albie Morgan in an attacking midfield role was struggling to get into the game.  He was being man marked.

A Henry corner was easily gathered by Ripley.   Stockton tried to lift the ball over Maynard-Brewer, but did not succeed.

With three minutes added on, Charlton equalised.   Sessegnon put in good work, crossed to Payne and the ball came off Rak-Sakyi's knee.

Louis Mendez commented: 'We've been treated to some poor displays this season but that first-half, other than the very end, must be right down there.'

Steve Brown said that the one thing that stuck out for him was tempo, we were so slow.  Curbs thought that Morecambe had done a real good job on us.   'I've been saying this for some time, I don't think there are enough leaders out there.'  It took us a long time to get over the goal.  

HT: Addicks 1, Shrimps 1

Charlton won an early corner.   Payne took the corner, but Leaburn's header went over.

Souare had kept Rak-Sakyi in check, but had to be replaced because of an apparent hamstring.  

Morecambe took the lead again after Stockton slid in after the cross came in.  The defending was poor.  Charlton were aggrieved that they did not get a free kick for a foul on the halfway line. 

Charlton made a double substitution.   Payne was replaced by Campbell.   Fraser came on for Henry.

Dobson won a corner.  Fraser's corner was headed away.  Ripley gathered a cross from Campbell.

Maynard-Brewer got a hand to a shot from Stockton, but Weir scored on 63 minutes.   Charlton thought there had been a handball on halfway and let Morecambe players run.   Steve Brown said that naivety was the kindest way he could put it.   There was no resilience, no desire to defend the penalty area.

Sessegnon made way for Kanu.   Steve Brown thought that Leaburn looked leggy and tired. 

Fraser collected the ball, turned instantly and put the ball past Ripley to make it 2-3.

Rak-Sakyi's effort was deflected wide for a corner taken by Morgan.   The ball was cleared off the line by Stockton.  The move ended in a handball.

Campbell put in a great cross, but Kanu's effort was deflected.   The corner was unproductive.

Six minutes were added on.  Charlton won a free kick near the corner flag, but everybody was stationary.

It was Morecambe's first away win in 20 games.

Curbs said it just wasn't good enough.  Dale Stephens said we had conceded really sloppy poor goals.

Dean Holden says we cannot lose to the likes of Morecambe if we are going to challenge next season: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/we-cant-lose-at-home-to-the-likes-of-morecambe-if-were-serious-about-challenging-next-season-charlton-boss-dean-holden/

Louis Mendez is unsparing in his criticism of the Addicks in his four takeaways from the game and what he has to say hits the nail on the head.   This is a side lacking character: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-3-2-home-loss-against-morecambe-this-addicks-side-has-no-personality-and-cant-defend/

Not been a good football weekend, as my non-league side was relegated from the National League North.  

Fraser now playing in position that suits him

In an in depth interview, Scott Fraser says that he got on well with Ben Garner but Dean Holden is a good man manager and plays him in a position that suits him better: https://londonfootballscene.co.uk/2023/04/13/charlton-athletics-scott-fraser-on-ben-garner-manchester-united-and-the-addicks-rising-stars/

First 6-0 Valley win in 46 years

Charlton won 6-0 at home for the first time since 1976 (against Swansea City).

It was a busy opening few minutes with Shrewsbury displaying their physicality. Campbell won Charlton a corner.  Morgan's corner was unproductive.

Clare fell awkwardly and stayed down. He may have turned his ankle. After a few minutes he had to come off.  Sessegnon came on.

By the halfway mark neither keeper had been tested.  It had been a game of nearly moments.

Charm merchant Flanagan got a yellow card for fouling Rak-Sakyi.   From a free kick on the edge of the penalty area, Fraser put the ball over the wall and into the net into the top corner on 26 minutes.  It was a brilliant free kick.

Sessegnon got a yellow card.  A header from Leaburn was straight at the keeper.

Dobson got a harsh yellow card for challenging Flanagan.  Thomas headed the ball away from the free kick and Shipley's effort went wide.  

Charlton went 2-0 up on 38 minutes.  The referee Bobby Madley played a good advantage for a foul on Fraser which saw a subsequent yellow card for Saydee,   Fraser put in a long ball, Rak-Sakyi saw the run of Morgan who drilled it past the keeper.

Four minutes were added on.   Rak-Sakyi saw a gap and made a brilliant finish with his left foot to give Charlton their third.  Louis Mendez commented: 'The Rak-Sakyi goal reminds me of a couple Scott Parker scored back the glory days. Away at Leeds and home v Southampton. Slalom through a tight penalty area and then a nonchalant stroke/prod home. '

Shrewsbury had a late corner.   Thomas did well to head it away.

Charlton had been a lot more threatening in the final third than Shrewsbury.

Curbs said they were three fantastic goals, all different.   The second one was a wonderful counter attacking goal.   We had a lot of pace in the side.   Under Holden there was not so much passing around at the back.  Our first look is forward.

HT: 3-0

Shrewsbury won a corner on 56 minutes, but the move ended offside.   A corner taken by Fraser was a waste.

Leaburn made it 4-0 on 61 minutes.   It was a fantastic low shot from 25 yards.

With Dobson on a yellow card, he came off and was replaced by Henry.   Mitchell came on for Hector.

The referee blew up for a penalty for handball after Flanagan intercepted a goalbound strike from Sessegnon and the charm merchant was sent off at The Valley once again (he was sent off before for Sunderland).   Leaburn scored to make it the old five on 70 minutes past the morose Marosi.

Charlton were under pressure after a corner but the ball seemed to come off the crossbar and it was cleared.

On 76 minutes Bonne and Payne came on for Thomas and Fraser. Shrewsbury broke and won a corner which ended in a goal kick.

Charlton were denied a sixth by the flag and Rak-Sakyi a second.

Five minutes were added on. Charlton made it 6-0. Bonne scored! He controlled Henry's strike and picked out the bottom corner.

Official attendance 13,041. 

The pundits

Curbs said we looked really dangerous, the whole thing had been perfect.  

Dean Holden said that Miles Leaburn had a premonition he would score a brace today: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/dean-holden-discloses-leaburn-premonition-ahead-of-match-that-sees-charlton-smash-six-past-sorry-shrewsbury/

According to the Shrewsbury manager the first three goals were against the run of play, but I don't remember Maynard-Brewer being troubled much.

Louis Mendez is able to give a positive vibe to his four takeaways for once: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/five-takeaways-from-charltons-6-0-thrashing-of-shrewsbury-town-a-nice-surprise-for-addicks-fans/

Convincing win on the road

Charlton are 12th in League One after a convincing win at Morecambe.

Charlton produced an excellent performance to demolish struggling Morecambe 4-1 at the Mazuma Stadium.

A brace from Corey Blackett-Taylor and goals from Miles Leaburn and Scott Fraser gave Dean Holden's side a convincing win.

Leaburn gave the visitors the lead in the 17th minute when he volleyed neatly past Connor Ripley from eight yards out.

Four minutes later the visitors doubled their lead from another corner. The ball was floated to the far post for Ryan Inniss to head back across goal for Blackett-Taylor to volley home from close range.

Charlton made it 3-0 two minutes before the break when Tyreece Campbell's cross from the right found Blackett-Taylor, who got the wrong side of Dynel Simeu to score his second of the game.

Morecambe hit back just past the hour with a sweet strike from Donald Love but any hopes of a comeback were dashed when Scott Fraser played a neat one-two on the edge of the area and slotted coolly past Ripley eight minutes later to complete the scoring.

Dean Holden told BBC London: ''I was really pleased with the tempo we played at. We played with real personality. We'd had a good chat with the players after the weekend in terms of the way we want to play. Last few games, we'd gone away from what we're good at.'

He has challenged his squad to be more consistent: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/dean-holden-sets-charlton-squad-challenge-after-emphatic-4-1-win-at-morecambe/

Corey Blackett-Taylor came off as a precaution after his brace: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/corey-blackett-taylor-is-claiming-a-brace-after-dubious-goal-at-morecambe-and-reveals-the-reason-for-his-withdrawal/

Charlton battle for three points

Charlton beat Lincoln City 2-1 at The Valley this afternoon in difficult conditions.   The Addicks are now 12th in the table.

Lincoln started on the front foot with some long throw ins, but the shots were blocked, the first from Dobson who may not have known much about it.  

Inniss had to make a superb block in play following a Lincoln free kick.   Clare had to block a shot.  Charlton weathered the initial storm.

It was a tight first twenty minutes.   Conditions were not good with heavy rain and a swirling wind, but it became a first half of two halves.

Walsh got a yellow card for an off the ball foul on Leaburn.

Steve Brown was surprised at how direct Lincoln were.

Blackett-Taylor fed Fraser who put in a cross across the face of goal.  It just needed someone to tap in at the far post.

Rak-Sakyi fed Fraser at the far post, but he headed wide.   Lincoln were struggling to clear their lines.

A good cross from Leaburn saw Fraser arriving at the far post, his header took a slight deflection to make it 1-0.

Charlton went from back to front with great movement and nice play from Dobson. A pass from Fraser allowed Blackett-Taylor to score a great goal with his left foot and make it 2-0.  

HT: Addicks 2, Imps 0

Lincoln made a substitution after the break with Diamond taken off.  

Charlton had a chance for a third but Leaburn was unable to convert with a tap in.  Rushworth made a decent save for Lincoln.

Steve Brown thought that halfway through the half our concentration levels were dropping a little.

Rak-Sakyi was denied by Rushworth who made a quality save.

Charlton made a substitution with Morgan replaced by Payne.  Lincoln put in a shot.

Ness did well to deal with a Lincoln break following a Charlton free kick.

A Dobson block saw the ball go back to a Lincoln player who blasted it into the net to make it 2-1.

A Leaburn header went straight to the keeper.   This happened again.   Rak-Sakyi came off and Kirk came on.

O'Connell and Stockley came on.   Leaburn came off as did Blackett-Taylor.  Seven minutes of added time.  Conditions were very difficult.  Lincoln had a chance to score. A further two minutes were added on, but finally the referee blew the whistle.

Possession was 60-40 in Charlton's favour, seven shots on target to two.  Yellow cards for Sessegnon, Payne and Dobson.

The pundits

Curbs said it was disappointing the number of times we got in the final third in the second half and didn't convert.  Barnsley at home would be a massive game.

Dean Holden's post match comments are here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/dean-holden-gives-his-verdict-as-charlton-make-it-back-to-back-wins-with-victory-over-lincoln-city/

Louis Mendez finds a number of positives from the performance: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-2-1-win-over-lincoln-city-another-encouraging-display/

Cowley brothers succumb to curse of Charlton

The Cowley brothers are the latest managers to succumb to the curse of defeat by Charlton, having been removed from their posts by Portsmouth.

The home crowd at Fratton Park were unusually quiet and George Dobson says that he knew it was possible to turn them: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/george-dobson-says-charlton-knew-they-could-turn-the-fratton-park-crowd-as-addicks-extend-winning-run-at-pompey-to-seven/

Louis Mendez provides his four takeaways from the game.  He emphasises that what is needed now is more consistency.  Holden getting Scott Fraser to play higher up the pitch helped: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-3-1-win-at-portsmouth-holdens-changes-shake-the-addicks-into-life-now-they-must-back-it-up/

The Navy Lark

1,380 Addicks saw Charlton win 3-1 at Fratton Park this afternoon, their first win in nine.  It was the seventh straight win at Portsmouth's ground.

Maynard-Brewer had to parry a shot away on 11 minutes.

On 22 minutes the much criticised Rak-Sakyi scored.  Dobson won the ball in the midfield area and Leaburn fed Rak-Sakyi who put in a good curled ball.

Griffiths just managed to deal with a Charlton attack.

In time added on, after Maynard-Brewer conceded a corner which could have been avoided, Portsmouth equalised from the set piece.

Curbs said it was a perfect first half until the goal.   Steve Brown said he gave Rak-Sakyi a lot of credit for how composed he was with the goal.

The pundits thought that the marking by Sean Clare for the equaliser was poor.

HT: Pompey 1, Addicks 1

Portsmouth made three changes at half time, including bringing on former Leamington ace Colby Bishop.

A great run from Scott Fraser saw him make it 2-1 for Charlton with a left foot strike beyond the keeper on 47 minutes.

Fraser won a free kick, he took it but it came off the post into the keeper's arms.

Dobson and Hackett got yellow cards after handbags.

Pack got a yellow card for a foul.   He subsequently got a second yellow and the charm merchant was sent off as he was at The Valley.   Charlton have moved up to 16th, although the teams below them have games in hand.

On 72 minutes Morgan was replaced by Payne to provide fresh legs.  Stockley replaced Leaburn on 77 minutes.  Fraser was replaced by Henry on 87 minutes.

From a counter attack with good work by Stockley, Blackett-Taylor and Payne, a Dobson shot turned into an own goal for Charlton off Dale.

The pundits

Curbs said it was a confident performance.  Steve Brown said it was nice to see Fraser breaking into the box, it was a really good turnover.  Slight changes from how we were playing under Ben Garner made a big difference.  Scott Minto said it was a performance we hadn't seen since our last win.  We were starting to see a style that suits this team.  Curbs said we saw mobility, attacking pace and a press.  Lucas attracted praise, Scott Minto said 'he's really coming on.'   Steve Brown said that Albie Morgan had some very good assets, he just wished he would calm down.

Dean Holden said that in the first half we were regaining possession around the pitch.  It's a reset, this is what we can do, this is what this club can be.  We were really good in midfield in terms of our positioning.  We had to give the fans something, their noise drove the boys on.   It gives us momentum, we have to use that as best as we can.   Chuks felt something in his hamstring in the warm up so he had to pull out.   Fuller remarks from Holden here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/dean-holden-after-addicks-win-at-pompey-charltons-fans-needed-to-see-that-type-of-performance/

Dobbo said that to come to a full Fratton Park and put in a performance like that was something the cloub needed.  We needed to build on that, we were going to stay grounded.   It had been tough for everyone, changing manager, but we set our game plan and executed it perfectly.  The support was excellent today, it's been such a tough year for the club.  At half time we were saying after such a dominant first half performance we just had to make sure we didn't let our heads drop.  Being captain is the greatest honour I've had in my career so far.   I give everything for the club and I'll continue to do that.  We've got to turn The Valley into a fortress again.

Dobbo

Aneke can't do more minutes

Ben Garner says that opposition managers must dread Chuks Aneke coming on, but admits that he is not ready to do more minutes: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/opposition-managers-must-dread-seeing-chuks-coming-on-charltons-aneke-has-fantastic-sub-impact/

Richard Cawley comments that Aneke doesn't need many minutes to do some damage: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/richard-cawleys-verdict-on-charlton-athletics-efl-cup-win-at-stevenage-chuks-aneke-a-potent-weapon/

Miles Leaburn and DJ are set to be back before Christmas with DJ the nearest to returning: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-provides-positive-injury-update-on-attacking-duo/

Scott Fraser reckons Charlton have improved over the last two months: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charltons-scott-fraser-loved-pressure-of-taking-match-winning-penalty-to-clinch-efl-cup-win-over-stevenage/

Through to the fourth round

Charlton have gone through to the fourth round of the league cup for the first time since 2006, making ir a treble in cups in the last week.  Goalkeeper Joe Wollacott was the hero as the visitors beat Stevenage 5-4 on penalties in the Carabao Cup after a 1-1 draw.

The Addicks advanced to the fourth round, with Scott Fraser converting the winning penalty after Jake Taylor saw his effort saved by the Ghanaian.

Boro's Luke Norris had scored from the spot in the first half and it looked to be decisive until super sub Chuks Aneke fired home in the 87th minute.

Stevenage were gifted the opener in the 22nd minute when Charlton defender Richard Chin inadvertently handled in the area and Norris coolly converted the resulting penalty.

Stevenage continued to press, with Taylor forcing Wollacott into a stop before clipping the bar minutes later.

Charlton were much improved after the interval and with three minutes to play, substitute Aneke clinically finished to send the game to a penalty shootout.   It was his 17th goal as a substitute, a club record,

After four flawless spot-kicks, Wollacott dived to his left to save Taylor's, before Fraser made no mistake to send the Addicks through.

Ben Garmer would like Crystal Palace in the next round: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/id-love-charlton-crystal-palace-in-efl-cup-fourth-round-ben-garner-hoping-for-premier-league-club-in-thursdays-draw/

A win on the road

A 69th minute goal from Rak-Sakyi gave Charlton a 1-0 win at Shrewsbury this afternoon to take them 7th in the table.

The Addicks took the lead when Jack Payne got the better of Shipley to get to the byline, and his low cross was swept home by the Rak-Sakyi, who was in the thick of the action all afternoon.

The best chance of the first half came from Charlton - a cross from Steven Sessegnon found Rak-Sakyi who passed it into Marko Marosi's arms from a few yards out.

After the restart, the Shrews missed a sitter of their own - a volley from Jordan Shipley found Tom Bayliss at the far post who failed to connect well and send it over the line.

532 Charlton fans saw the win.

Scott Fraser was named man of the match by the Football League Paper, but fans had praise for Kirk and debutante Campbell.  Wollacott and O'Connell were in the League One Team of the Day.

Corey Blackett-Taylor could be available for Tuesday: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-receive-positive-prognosis-for-corey-blackett-taylors-hip-injury/

Midfield maestros

Scott Fraser discusses his performance with George Dobson and notes that the league is stronger than ever: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/scott-fraser-knew-charlton-results-would-turn-and-talks-about-midfield-partnership-with-george-dobson/

The challenges facing Charlton

Scott Fraser reviews the challenges facing Charlton and says we should not overreact to the Bolton defeat: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/important-not-to-overreact-scott-fraser-assesses-charlton-athletics-start-to-league-one-season/

On a purely personal note, I am to become a great-grandfather in April.   The father plays egg chasing!

Charlton took a step back at Bolton

Scott Fraser is disappointed that Charlton didn't build on their good start at Bolton, but thinks that the equaliser was a handball: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/we-took-a-step-back-charlton-goalscorer-disappointed-they-couldnt-build-on-dream-start-at-bolton/

Expected defeat

I had this down as a 3-0 win for Bolton in the Badger prediction league so the result was more or less what I expected given our poor record there.

Ian Evatt's side were indebted to on-loan Manchester City keeper James Trafford, who twice denied teenager Jesurun Rak-Sakyi with the Trotters leading 2-1.

The Crystal Palace loanee's persistence had forced an error from Johnston for Scott Fraser to fire the Addicks into a fifth-minute lead.

Wanderers equalised when Bradley bundled in Jack Iredale's cross after nine minutes.

Gethin Jones and Bradley then linked for Lee to shoot Wanderers in front with his first goal since last January.

Trafford had already denied Albie Morgan in the first half before keeping out efforts in quick succession from the dangerous Rak-Sakyi, who also curled another fractionally wide

George Thomason had a goal disallowed for offside before Johnson's 76th-minute effort sealed the victory.

Ben Garner reckons we gave Bolton three goals: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/we-gave-bolton-wanderers-their-three-goals-charlton-manager-ben-garners-frank-assessment-of-defeat/

Louis Mendez gives his four takeaways from the match, noting that it is the third league match in a row where the Addicks have been below par: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-3-1-loss-at-bolton-reality-bites-for-the-addicks/

Disappointing draw

A first half goal on 41  minutes by Fraser was cancelled out in the second half by a Cambridge equaliser after some poor marking by Charlton, although Woolacott made a  good save to keep out the initial header.  This gave Cambridge confidence and momentum, although Charlton applied pressure in the six minutes added on.

Former Charlton keeper Dimitar Mitov denied his old club when he turned an Albie Morgan free-kick around a post in the eighth minute, while Jayden Stockley dragged a good chance across the face of goal.

The Addicks went ahead in the 41st minute, Scott Fraser on hand to head in from a few yards out after Mitov had initially kept out Jayden Stockley's close-range effort.

Cambridge levelled on the hour mark, reward for an improved attacking display after the restart. Joe Wollacott superbly kept out Sam Smith's header but Shilow Tracey's follow-up shot was helped over the goal line by Knibbs.

Stockley had the chance to restore the lead but volleyed wide from substitute Corey Blackett-Taylor's left-wing cross.

Blackett-Taylor came on as a substitute but had to be withdrawn injured.   Aaron Henry replaced him for his league debt and impressed, but Dunk blocked his goalbound strike.  Ben Garner was booked for complaining about the Blackett-Taylor incident.   Ben Garner has apologised for his conduct but thinks that the Cambridge player should have been sent off: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-felt-cambridge-player-should-have-been-sent-off-but-apologises-for-his-own-touchline-reaction/

Steve Brown said that Cambridge pressurised enough in the second half for an equaliser.   Garner would be frustrated that they had not won.   We had been forced into wide areas and has to put crosses into the box.

Ben Garner said it was a frustrating afternoon.  We gave Cambridge momentum in the second half with some of our decision-making.   The last ten minutes we were much, much better.   We could have moved the ball a bit quicker, in the second half we were a little bit slow, a little bit sluggish.   The officiating didn't help in the second half.   There was a spell of fifteen to twenty minutes when we didn't get a decision at all.   Blackett-Taylor was being assessed, it was a heavy whack.

He says that the team are learning from every game: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/below-par-decision-making-helped-cambridge-get-more-of-a-foothold-at-charlton-athletic/

Charlton had 66 per cent of the possession, but shots on target were just five to four.  Corners were eight to four.

Charlton remain 6th in the table.   Reported attendance 12,644, 792 away fans.

Valley of Frustration

Johnnie Jackson admits his frustration at Charlton's performance against Morecambe: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-left-infuriated-by-his-sides-inconsistency-as-they-suffer-defeat-to-struggling-morecambe/

Meanwhile Scott Fraser is the latest player to spend time in the often overcrowded Sparrows Lane treatment room with some kind of knee injury (Jacko doesn't appear to know what it is): https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-on-anekes-return-and-also-reveals-midfielder-out-with-knee-injury/

I like to be a glass half full person, but it is getting difficult.   It's so often the case that the team starts well but is not clinical enough to score.  They can't keep up the pace and then the opposition exploit the wide open spaces in our defence.   They need to communicate more instead of wandering round the pitch as if they were on safari.

Many fans insist that the formation is the problem, but I am not sure that we have the defenders for 4-4-2.

I don't want to be the new Acworth, but there is talent in the non-league.   At Leamington we specialise in rehabilitating former league Academy players whose career has stuttered.   A classic example is Colby Bishop whom we sold to Accrington for £10k and has been a leading scorer for them, including against Charlton.   I don't think his initial wages would have been high considering what he was on at the Brakes.

Covid hits Scott Fraser

Because he is asthmatic, Covid was a particular challenge for new signing Scott Fraser: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/i-couldnt-stand-up-properly-charlton-athletics-scott-fraser-on-struggling-with-covid-and-why-teams-form-has-improved/

My brush with Covid came after I had been fully vaccinated, so it was like a head cold, but I know people who have real difficulties with long Covid.

I am hoping that Fraser will make a big contribution next season.

Gobby: give Jacko time

Karl Robinson 'thinks the world' of Johnnie Jackson and thinks he should be given time as Charlton manager: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/karl-robinson-johnnie-jackson-needs-time-to-build-at-charlton-athletic-continuity-is-crucial/

For his part Jacko thinks that Robinson did a great job at Charlton and regards him as something of a mentor: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/johnnie-jackson-on-prospect-of-facing-mentor-karl-robinson-for-first-time-as-charlton-athletic-manager/

Robinson is expecting some 'creative' set pieces from Charlton (but does not mention how bad we are at defending from them): https://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/sport/19932884.karl-robinson-expecting-johnnie-jackson-use-clever-set-pieces/

Scott Fraser is yet to resume training after contacting Covid and is unlikely to take part: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/return-against-oxford-united-looks-unlikely-for-charlton-athletic-midfielder/