After a procession of teams coming to The Valley from lower down the table and taking one or all three points, Charlton's poor home form was put into reverse with a 4-1 win over Blackpool. With a 4-4-2 formation and Varney and McLeod up front, the Addicks were more willing to play the ball along the ground and were 2-0 up within the quarter hour from Bougherra and Varney. The Seasiders then replied to make it 2-1, but Zheng Zhi made it 3-1 within the half hour. Zheng Zhi got his second in the second half to make it 4-1.
Some chances were missed in the second half and the score could have been higher. All credit to Blackpoool for not giving up and for playing football rather than trying to clog us out of the game. The fact that only one yellow card was awarded reflects the spirit in which the game was played, helped by sensible refereeing.
Deptford Creek was about half full when we came over it so I did not know what to make of that as an omen for the game. The Bloke Beside Me forecast a 4-1 win and I could not believe that would be possible. In any event he said that he was determined to 'enjoy the game' (copyright P.Varney).
McLeod weaved through the opposition players well to create an early Charlton corner. The corner kick taken by Ambrose led to a second and Bougherra headed into the back of the net. Charlton had scored from a corner!
Four minutes later Varney made it 2-0 with a shot he drilled along the ground. Casualness in the Charlton defence then allowed Burgess to break through and put in a dipping shot that went just over Weaver's head to make it 2-1.
A Blackpool corner was cleared by Matt Holland. Darren Ambrose went forward with a good ball, but former Addick Rachubka in the Seasiders' goal was able to deal with it. McLeod put in a 'shot' that ended up near the corner flag. Ambrose then provided some good work on the wing, Varney put in the cross and Zheng Zhi made it 3-1 on 24 minutes.
Matt Holland drew a save that led to a Charlton corner. Blackpool were awarded a free kick in a dangerous position, but Varney was able to block the ball. Charlton won a free kick but Rachubka was able to grab the ball. The only yellow card of the game was given to Hoolahan for kicking the ball away after he disagreed with a free kick decision.
Youga created some danger by failing to clear his lines. Bougherra cleared the ball from the goalmouth. McCarthy defended well. A Blackpool corner led to a second but it ended in a shot that went way over the bar.
With two minutes of time added on, McLeod burst through, but hesitated in front of goal and lost the opportunity.
Half time: Addicks 3, Seasiders 1
McLeod tried his best, but lost the ball. A sizzling free kick by Darren Ambrose meant that the keeper had to push the ball over the bar, leading to a Charlton corner. From this Bougherra hit the post and Zheng Zhi was able to tap the ball in the net to make it 4-1.
Blackpool did not give up and they had quite a lot of pace. Their midfield was quite impressive, it was their defence and finishing that let them down. Nevertheless, they drew a good save from Nicky Weaver. Luke Varney shot past the post. Zheng Zhi made a good tackle to deal with danger in front of the goal.
Blackpool took off Faeroe Islands international Claus Jorgensen and Scott Vernon and brought on David Fox and new signing Stephen McPhee. Moutaouakil had to defend well to prevent a one-to-one situation in front of goal. Blackpool got a corner and Lloyd Sam was replaced by Jerome Thomas.
Luke Varney won Charlton a corner and Bougherra's effort was just over the bar. Blackpool took off Michael Flynn and brought on Andy Morrell in a last throw of the dice. Three Addicks players had a chance to make it 5-1 including Luke Varney. The ball finally went to Thomas who was in the best position but he put it over.
On 76 minutes Pardew withdrew the striking partnership of Varney and McLeod and brought on Iwelumo and Dickson. Blackpool won a corner. Weaver had to make a save by pushing the ball out with both hands.
Dickson put the ball into the side netting. Matt Holland drew a save and then another which led to a Charlton corner. The Addicks were evidently not going to get the Old Five and the early leavers were able to go with a clear conscience.
Elsewhere, Leamington won 1-0 at Stourport Swifts to resume their leadership of the BGB Midlands Division so it was a good day all round.
Match analysis
Ivy the Terrible has awarded the Silver Bone to Zheng Zhi not just for his two goals, but for excellent work in defence and attack. Weaver was not troubled too much, but he did make some good saves. Bougherra took his goal well and came close to scoring on one occasion. He was also prominent in defence. McCarthy was solid, did not make any serious mistakes and provided some good clearances. Youga had the East Stand chanting his name at one time. He got forward well, was stalwart in defence and made some excellent clearances. He just needs to avoid over elaborate play in front of goal. Moutaouakil showed some good pace and foraged forward well. He just needs to be careful about being caught out of position. Holland played above his usual standard and showed some really nice touches, including a couple of attempts on goal. Sam was possibly the most disappointing player on the pitch, getting outfoxed more than once. Ambrose my initial comment was that contributed more than he has on some occasions. After looking through my notes, I thought this was rather harsh as he had contributed quite a lot. McLeod still does not look the finished article and needs to show more confidence in front of goal. Varney was excellent in the first half, but faded a little in the second. Thomas was more sulky than silky. Iwelumo tried hard when he came on, but did not make a lot of difference. Dickson got forward well but was unable to get the ball in the net.
Hiss of the Match This placed Juneau the Soccer Cat in something of a quandry as the officials were exellent and the opposition played fairly. While she scratched, washed and reflected on the matter, she did think of giving a bad taste award to the Seasider who was wearing a full length tangerine coat and cowboy hat, but decided that their fans were such a friendly lot that would be unfair. Eventually, she gave the award to whoever it was who unduly delayed fans getting on to the station after the game, overloading the special to London Bridge.
Crowd rating Peter Varney's injunction in the programme to make some noise was repeated by the crowd announcer but, as the team did their talking with their feet, the Addickted need no artificial encouragement to get behind them. 7/10.
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