Bleak month starts with defeat

December has been a bleak month for Charlton in recent years and it started with a 2-1 late defeat at Blackpool which saw Charlton fall out of the play off places to 7th.

Blackpool enjoyed the better chances in the first half when Charlton were lacklustre and led after 16 minutes, with Armand Gnanduillet turning home Liam Feeney's cross from close range. They then came close to extending their lead on 32 minutes, as former Addick Joe Dodoo forced Jed Steer into a sprawling save following a counter attack.

Despite struggling to make inroads in the first half, Charlton made an impact after the break, with Joe Aribo tapping home at the far post ten minutes after the restart. The Addicks went from strength to strength in the second period, with Karlan Grant flashing an effort just wide of Mark Howard's post on 78 minutes. The home side scored the winner on 87 minutes.

Sand blasted supremo Lee Bowyer thought that a refereeing decision affected the course of the game with Curtis Tilt not sent off for a second bookable offence: Referee changed course of game

The report from Louis Mendez is here: Late defeat

Heavy pitch anticipated at Blackpool

Lee Bowyer is expecting a heavy pitch when Charlton visit Blackpool tomorrow, but hopes there is no repetition of last year's late postponement: Hoping game will go ahead

A waterlogged pitch would not help Charlton to play their passing game. I watched the Solihull Moors versus Blackpool game on television last Friday and I was not too impressed by the Tangerines. However, their manager thinks they were not at their best and certainly Solihull have a very efficient defence.

The hosts have some classy players in their side, with the attacks being spearheaded by Ivory Coast man Armand Gnanduillet, who has four goals – and his strike-partner Nathan Delfouneso, who also has four. Other threatening players include Mark Cullen, Jordan Thompson and Jay Spearing – whilst Joe Burney, Max Clayton and Paudie O'Connor will not start the tie.

Charlton are two places ahead of Blackpool in the League One table and six places (eighth versus fourteenth) in the form table.

Tony Harrington, who normally referees in the Championship, has been brought in for the game which has been billed as one of the League One ties of the weekend.

Odds (Skybet): Home 6/4; Draw, 21/10; Away, 9/5.

Bowyer: I am over the moon

Lee Bowyer says that he is 'over the moon' after being named League One Manager of the Month, it is something for the club as well as him personally. There is a nice appraisal of his achievements here: Manager of the Month

Unfortunately, 'the curse of manager of the month' means that it is often followed by a dip in form.

Wil Roland retain his crown?

Last year a poll of 4,800 fans voted Roland Duchatelet to be the worst owner in English football. It's a competitive league, but will he retain his title this year? Best and worst owners

Bowyer nominated for manager of the month

Lee Bowyer has been nominated for League One manager of the month for November, his second nomination this season.

During the month he shepherded Charlton into the playoff positions with four wins from four games. The Addicks scored nine goals and conceded just two in the process.

Joe Aribo has been nominated for PFA Fans Player of the Month.

Back to the Valley Day

Today is, of course, Back to the Valley Day. Here is a short video reminder: Back to the Valley

Bowyer unrepentant as Charlton dumped out of the FA Cup

Charlton are out of the FA Cup after a weakened team lost 0-2 to Doncaster Rovers at The Valley this afternoon. The manner of their defeat left some Charlton fans fuming. One tweeted that 'Charlton defrauded their most loyal fans today' (the attendance was 3,249, 250 from Donny). Another tweeted, 'I have one expectation of any #cafc team - try and win the game. Bowyer’s team selection showed he doesn’t care about this game and that is criminal. Remember that this lot are the backup to the 1st 11 and have shown they’re not up for it.'

The visitors went ahead on 67 minutes when a corner deflected off Marshall right in front of Phillips. Their second goal came when a free kick was headed back across goal and former Millwall striker Marquis scored with a header from close range.

Early in the game a Clarke volley was cleared off the line. But first-half opportunities remained few and far between, a point emphasised when nobody was on hand to apply a finishing touch to Mason's dangerous 28th-minute low ball across the face of goal. Addicks goalkeeper Dillon Phillips had to be alert to deal with Herbie Kane's well-struck volley and Kane then saw a free kick sail over just before the break.

Reeves' shot headed behind by Tom Anderson and then Mason had to produce an excellent challenge on Toby Stevenson inside the area. A Clarke free kick was just over the bar. Marshall put in a good cross, but Hackett-Fairchild's touch was heavy. On 87 minutes the keeper had to save well from a Marshall header.

Lee Bowyer defended his decision to make nine changes for this afternoon's cup tie with Doncaster - 'Missed opportunity. What, of winning the FA Cup? We're never going to win it. The opportunity I had was to give Billy Clarke and Ben Reeves minutes.' It will be interesting to see who Doncaster draw in the third round.

Bowyer was pleased with some aspects today, singled out Mark Marshall for praise - 'the best game he's played since I've been in charge'

The report from Louis Mendez is here: Dumped out