That cider was good! Parky made minimal changes for today's match against Yeovil, writes Erith Addick Paul May,limited to what was needed to replace the injured Frazer Richardson. Grant Basey came in at left back with Kelly Youga switching across to the right. Nick Bailey was retained in central midfield and Carl Ikeme in goal. The 1700 Charlton fans were suffering torrential rain and strong winds on the terrace.
Charlton started brightly on the attack, but then Dailly had to deal with a moment of danger. Danger loomed again and Ikeme had to make a good save from Mason. Burton was caught offside as the rain came down horizontally. Standing water could be seen on the pitch. The wind was behind the home side who were playing towards the Addickted.
Youga was looking strong in defence. Basey had a shot on goal but it went wide. Basey did well to take the ball off Welsh in attack. Racon went past two defenders well and won a corner kick taken by Bailey which was punched clear by McCarthy in the Yeovil goal.
Mooney and Burton combined well, but Yeovil defended well. A long ball came in over the Charlton defence Sodje brought down Mason on the edge of the area. Sodje got the first Charlton red card of the season. The free kick went straight at the keeper.
Mooney had to be taken off and replaced by Llera. Semedo was booked for a foul. Yeovil won a corner, but it was caught by the wind and went straight out of play.
Sam did well to win a corner, but it was unproductive. Llera put in a good tackle to deal with a Yeovil attack. Racon was fouled, but the referee gave a throw in to Yeovil. Racon broke away and won a free kick halfway inside the Yeovil half. It was a good free kick but McCarthy in the Yeovil goal dealt well with the ball.
Dailly headed away a Yeovil free kick. It seemed to be raining even harder. Ikeme's clearance went backwards in the wind. Yeovil won the midfield battle, Okiba burst through and the Spurs loan player put Yeovil ahead just before the half time whistle. Two minutes were added on. Caulker put the ball over the bar for Yeovil.
Half time: Glovers 1, Addicks 0
Akpo Sodje was brought on for Racon at half time, creating what looked like a 2-3-4, and won an early free kick for Charlton. Llera took an excellent free kick and Akpo Sodje was waiting to pounce and out the ball in the back of the net but was ruled offside. Charlton started the half well.
Charlton won a corner off a Semedo cross, but the wind took the ball beyond Llera off Basey's corner. Dailly conceded a free kick and was given a ticking off by the referee. The flag went up for offside.
Akpo Sodje slammed the ball into the top corner from 25 yards out to make it 1-1. From the re-start, a clearance under pressure from McCarthy was put out for a corner by the wind, leading to a second.
Sodje burst through, he was one on one with the keeper, the keeper got a touch and it went off the post for a corner, but the ball went over the crossbar. Welsh came off for Yeovil.
Saturday, 21 November 2009
Friday, 20 November 2009
Scilly scores
The teams make their way to the Garrison Field
In the World's Smallest Football League, the Woolpack Wanderers have won all three matches so far. Last week the Garrison Gunners went down 13-3 despite an emergency loan of four players from their rivals and last Sunday they managed a more respectable 8-2 defeat. Nothing more has been heard of a controversial plan to bring in an off island player from Tresco.
Remember you can hear me each week on the Radio Scilly sports show on Fridays from 5 to 6.
Yeovil preview
It's yours truly Paul May doing your match preview today and I will be given you a match report tomorrow. I'm looking forward to consuming some of the local brew before the match. No surprises about the name of one of the fan sites: Ciderspace
When non-league teams were effectively kept out of the Football League, Yeovil Town were the leading non-league team, famous for their giant killing exploits on their sloping pitch. The ground has now moved to an industrial estate.
I don't know much about Yeovil itself, but I do remember that helicopter firm Westland Yeovil used to have a team in the Western League. Paddy Ashdown used to be the MP and got assaulted once when he went into the town on a Friday night. The police rebuked him for going there which maybe says something about the local ambience.
The Glovers have down well to get into League 1 and stay there on relatively small attendances. For a team like them, taking scalps from 'big' clubs like Charlton is what gives meaning to their season.
Yeovil are currently mid-table and have only lost one game at home this season, although they have drawn three. They are something of draw specialists as they have also shared the points away three times. They have only scored two goals fewer than the Addicks at home, but have let in three more.
Their most prolific goalscorer is defender Ryan Mason who has put four in the net. Andrew Welsh has provided the most assists, seven in all. Player-manager 'Skivo' is the fans' hero, but is unlikely to appear. Midfielder Kieran Murtagh is also highly rated. Dutch defender Stefan Starn was rated as an exciting addition to the dressing room after he was let go by Oldham.
Frazer Richardson is not available for Charlton which is a blow as I rate him as one of our most influential players. It's also difficult to know who to replace him with as Omosuzi has failed to impress. Youga can play there, but he is not as comfortable as in his normal position. Other suggestions have been Semedo and even Christian Dailly.
Elliot is not fit yet, which probably means Ikeme in goal although many fans would prefer Randolph.
This is not going to be easy, but it is the kind of match we need to win. I am quite confident and am looking for a 2-1 win for the Addicks.
If you see me there, say hello.
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Doubts about Dickson
Bristol Rovers boss Paul Trollope is uncertain whether Chris Dickson is the real deal: Dickson
I am travelling to Finland and Spain over the next couple of weeks so Paul May will temporarily be in charge while we sort out the future of the blog.
I am travelling to Finland and Spain over the next couple of weeks so Paul May will temporarily be in charge while we sort out the future of the blog.
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
Brakes beat Blues
Leamington marked the home debut of new manager Paul Holleran tonight (he is a former Blues player) with a 3-2 victory over Birmingham City in the Senior Cup. The Blues side included the likes of Lee Carsley. The match was played at a furious pace but Brakes well up for it. Chris Kiely was back in goal and made some good saves. Attendance 810.
With Charlton's victory on Saturday, the Blaze winning both their games over the weekend and staying top of the Elite League and now this result, it's been a good few days in sporting terms.
With Charlton's victory on Saturday, the Blaze winning both their games over the weekend and staying top of the Elite League and now this result, it's been a good few days in sporting terms.
Saturday, 14 November 2009
Team answer moaners
Charlton gave a convincing answer to the moaners today by thumping third placed Milton Keynes Dons 5-1 at The Valley. I did not take notes as usual, but I felt that a victory on that scale justified temporarily ending the suspension of this blog.
After gifting MK Dons an early goal, the Addicks fought back with skill and determination, although the strong wind blowing agsinst them made their task difficult in the first half. Their passing was fluent and each of the goals was well taken. There could well have been more but for the Dons keeper.
Much reading off of the recent form of the two teams has taken place in the last few days, leading to predictions of an away win despite Charlton's strong form at The Valley. Paradoxically, this may have helped us as Dons gave the impression that they thought this would be an easy three points. Those who favour Paul Ince as a manager might reflect on their frequent resort to fouling and arguing with the referee. Might this be a tradition carried over from Manchester United? No one wonder the yellow card was flourished regularly against them.
There's a reluctance to give Parky credit for anything that goes right but playing Mooney up front with Burton worked well, as did having Bailey in the centre and Racon on the wing.
Charlton consolidated their second place in the league, and are now three points ahead of MK Dons and Colchester who drew at home against Exeter, but still lag behind in the much vaunted form table.
It was interesting to read how the negativists have attempted to construct a narrative about this result. It has been pointed out that it is only one result and that is true. Nevertheless, it was important to beat one of the other automatic promotion claimants convincingly and Parkinson must have got something right to have us three points clear in 2nd place.
Another view is that we were lucky and the match could have easily gone the other way. If it hadn't been for Youga's clearance off the line and Dailly's apparent handball, we could have gone 0-2 behind and it would have been a very different story. The referee thought that Dailly was pushed and it was a change to have a referee who didn't feel that he had to prove that he wasn't a 'homer' by giving every marginal decision to the opposition.
Match analysis
Ivy the Terrible has awarded the Silver Bone to David Mooney who remarked this was something they did not have at Reading. He made a difference up front showing pace, skill and determination. Phil Parkinson's most controversial selection was Carl Ikeme. Many Addicks feel that a former Academy player should always be given the nod over a loan player. But Parky sees Randolph in training every week and knows about his attitude. Ikeme was off his line for the MK goal, but made one good save. Sodje had a good game and took his goal well. Dailly was reliable as ever, even if he did have to use his hand at one crucial point. Youga was not at his best, but made a vital clearance off the line. Richardson was at fault for the first goal and eventually had to be withdrawn. I did wonder if he was one hundred per cent fit. Semedo was a little subdued and not at his very best. Bailey had a much improved match and although his goal was straightforward, it was well taken. Sam had a good game, rarely lasting all 90 minutes. I thought that his goal was the best in the match and should be considered for goal of the season. He also provided two assists. Racon was more effective in his new position. Burton had some nice touches and took his goal well. Basey showed that he is a reliable and competent substitute when he came on. McKenize showed again that he can cause the opposition trouble. The loan signing of Sodje Major caused some controversy among fans before the game. But loan signings are the name of the game at this level. He looked very strong and had good pace. This is all part of the preparation for Burton's op.
Juneau the Soccer Cat gave the Hiss of the Match to MK Dons captain Aaron Wilbraham. He was constantly arguing with the referee, all the way to the tunnel at half time. He was lucky not to get booked. Juneau wishes to point out that her name is not Juno. As an all American cat, she is named after the capital of Alaska, although she is not a fan of Sarah Palin and her own home state is, of course, Maine.
Crowd rating The franchisees were very noisy, although they soon stopped their chants of 'Northwich Victoria'. The Addickted were able to out chant the Bletchley boys and Parky thanked them for their continuing support after Charlton had gone behind.
After gifting MK Dons an early goal, the Addicks fought back with skill and determination, although the strong wind blowing agsinst them made their task difficult in the first half. Their passing was fluent and each of the goals was well taken. There could well have been more but for the Dons keeper.
Much reading off of the recent form of the two teams has taken place in the last few days, leading to predictions of an away win despite Charlton's strong form at The Valley. Paradoxically, this may have helped us as Dons gave the impression that they thought this would be an easy three points. Those who favour Paul Ince as a manager might reflect on their frequent resort to fouling and arguing with the referee. Might this be a tradition carried over from Manchester United? No one wonder the yellow card was flourished regularly against them.
There's a reluctance to give Parky credit for anything that goes right but playing Mooney up front with Burton worked well, as did having Bailey in the centre and Racon on the wing.
Charlton consolidated their second place in the league, and are now three points ahead of MK Dons and Colchester who drew at home against Exeter, but still lag behind in the much vaunted form table.
It was interesting to read how the negativists have attempted to construct a narrative about this result. It has been pointed out that it is only one result and that is true. Nevertheless, it was important to beat one of the other automatic promotion claimants convincingly and Parkinson must have got something right to have us three points clear in 2nd place.
Another view is that we were lucky and the match could have easily gone the other way. If it hadn't been for Youga's clearance off the line and Dailly's apparent handball, we could have gone 0-2 behind and it would have been a very different story. The referee thought that Dailly was pushed and it was a change to have a referee who didn't feel that he had to prove that he wasn't a 'homer' by giving every marginal decision to the opposition.
Match analysis
Ivy the Terrible has awarded the Silver Bone to David Mooney who remarked this was something they did not have at Reading. He made a difference up front showing pace, skill and determination. Phil Parkinson's most controversial selection was Carl Ikeme. Many Addicks feel that a former Academy player should always be given the nod over a loan player. But Parky sees Randolph in training every week and knows about his attitude. Ikeme was off his line for the MK goal, but made one good save. Sodje had a good game and took his goal well. Dailly was reliable as ever, even if he did have to use his hand at one crucial point. Youga was not at his best, but made a vital clearance off the line. Richardson was at fault for the first goal and eventually had to be withdrawn. I did wonder if he was one hundred per cent fit. Semedo was a little subdued and not at his very best. Bailey had a much improved match and although his goal was straightforward, it was well taken. Sam had a good game, rarely lasting all 90 minutes. I thought that his goal was the best in the match and should be considered for goal of the season. He also provided two assists. Racon was more effective in his new position. Burton had some nice touches and took his goal well. Basey showed that he is a reliable and competent substitute when he came on. McKenize showed again that he can cause the opposition trouble. The loan signing of Sodje Major caused some controversy among fans before the game. But loan signings are the name of the game at this level. He looked very strong and had good pace. This is all part of the preparation for Burton's op.
Juneau the Soccer Cat gave the Hiss of the Match to MK Dons captain Aaron Wilbraham. He was constantly arguing with the referee, all the way to the tunnel at half time. He was lucky not to get booked. Juneau wishes to point out that her name is not Juno. As an all American cat, she is named after the capital of Alaska, although she is not a fan of Sarah Palin and her own home state is, of course, Maine.
Crowd rating The franchisees were very noisy, although they soon stopped their chants of 'Northwich Victoria'. The Addickted were able to out chant the Bletchley boys and Parky thanked them for their continuing support after Charlton had gone behind.
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Blog suspended
This blog is being suspended for a while. The negativity and pessimism of Charlton fans has really become too much for me. It may be that fans of all clubs are negative or it may be that there is something in the view of Inspector Sands that the Addickted are subject to a particular kind of suburban misery. It's noticeable that when we get a win there are few comments on the list run by Glynne Jones, but get a poor result and there is a torrent of complaint.
Charlton are 2nd in the table but there are demands for the manager to be sacked. OK, we lost to a non-league club for the first time in our history, but have the managers of Crewe, Grismby, Shrewsbury and Yeovil been sacked? Fans keep going on about the form table, but it is the real table that matters.
Just to reiterate some messages I have been trying to put across:
1. Phil Parkinson is not a brilliant manager, but he is what we can afford and any replacement would face the same constraints.
2. We have a thin squad which has been hit by injury to key players. The club doesn't have money to spend on new players.
3. Realistically the best we can hope for is a play off place.
Apart from the negativity making following Charlton a dismal experience, it doesn't help when we face a key game like that on Saturday and the fans start getting on the back of players.
As far as Wednesday's game is concerned, I don't really have any suggestions to make about who should play up front. Indeed, I find match previews difficult anyway and they are better done by some other blogs. I would just make the following comments:
1. Burton: playing through the main barrier, needs to be rested for Saturday.
2. McLeod: not up to the standard required.
3. McKenzie: still a bit of an unknown quantity, but perhaps could start.
4. Mooney: not cup tied, so could be played.
5. Tuna: disappointing in the FA Youth Cup, I am told.
At the moment, Charlton is the sourest aspect of my life and that is not a satisfactory state of affairs. I do not feel that reasoned argument gets anywhere given the embedded negativity. So I will take a break for a while and possibly come back refreshed at a later date.
Charlton are 2nd in the table but there are demands for the manager to be sacked. OK, we lost to a non-league club for the first time in our history, but have the managers of Crewe, Grismby, Shrewsbury and Yeovil been sacked? Fans keep going on about the form table, but it is the real table that matters.
Just to reiterate some messages I have been trying to put across:
1. Phil Parkinson is not a brilliant manager, but he is what we can afford and any replacement would face the same constraints.
2. We have a thin squad which has been hit by injury to key players. The club doesn't have money to spend on new players.
3. Realistically the best we can hope for is a play off place.
Apart from the negativity making following Charlton a dismal experience, it doesn't help when we face a key game like that on Saturday and the fans start getting on the back of players.
As far as Wednesday's game is concerned, I don't really have any suggestions to make about who should play up front. Indeed, I find match previews difficult anyway and they are better done by some other blogs. I would just make the following comments:
1. Burton: playing through the main barrier, needs to be rested for Saturday.
2. McLeod: not up to the standard required.
3. McKenzie: still a bit of an unknown quantity, but perhaps could start.
4. Mooney: not cup tied, so could be played.
5. Tuna: disappointing in the FA Youth Cup, I am told.
At the moment, Charlton is the sourest aspect of my life and that is not a satisfactory state of affairs. I do not feel that reasoned argument gets anywhere given the embedded negativity. So I will take a break for a while and possibly come back refreshed at a later date.
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