Not more than the sum of the parts

Alan Pardew claimed in today's programme that 'the team now represents what Charlton fans have always demanded - a side that gives 100 per cent, is always fighting, and is more than the sum of the parts.' This was not the side that I saw defeated 2-1 at The Valley today by Sheffield Wednesday. It is one thing to be defeated at home by Wolves, but Wednesday's only advantage over us is that they are organised when we are disorganised.

Once again Charlton surrendered a 1-0 lead. For both goals the Owls were able to power through our midfield and scatter our defence to the winds. Indeed, the midfield was conspicuous by its effective absence for much of the match. Chances to surge forward in the way that Wednesday had were marred by hesitancy.

I thought that we started very hesitantly, illustrated by the fact that we messed up the kick off, conceding possession immediately to the visitors. Youga conceded an avoidable throw in. There was a spell of pressure from the Owls. Linvoy Primus was looking lively and had to act quickly to recover the situation after an error from Hudson.

However, Wednesday were by no means invincible as was shown when they conceded an unnecessary corner. From the corner Primus almost scored with a header. The midfield looked disorganised and Weaver spilled the ball from an attack. Youga was able to put it out for a throw in and the move ended in an offside decision.

Good play saw Bouazza released, but the Wednesday defenders were able to deal with the situation. Bouazza then went in again. Lloyd Sam won Charlton a free kick in a promising position. The ball soared up in the air and in the ensuing scramble Varney managed to get it in the back of the net to make it 1-0. It was a scrappy goal, but they all count.

McMahon was awarded a yellow card for a foul on Bouazza which I thought was rather harsh, but referee Dean Whitestone was a model of inconsistency. Varney put in a shot from distance that tested Lee Grant in the Wednesday goal. Varney burst through, the shot came off the post and Gray sent it soaring over.

Linvoy Primus provided good defensive work. Gray showed that he can be a player of quality, effortlessly shrugging off defenders. It all then went off between Luke Varney and James O'Connor and there was a melée on the pitch. Varney had kicked out at O'Connor, admittedly under provocation, and could have been sent off, but the referee settled for a yellow. For a moment he contemplated booking O'Connor as well, but did not do so.

Wednesday powered through the midfield from their own half and tore apart the defence without being challenged, allowing Small to make it 1-1. Charlton did become more energised and fought back with Holland putting a shot over. However, hapless defending let Charlton down again and Wednesday were able to make it 1-2 through Tudgay. Two soft goals had been conceded in a matter of minutes.

Linvoy Primus was booked. With two minutes added on, O'Connor brought down Varney and this time he was booked. The Charlton free kick came off the wall.

Half time: Addicks 1, Owls

The Addicks dominated possession in the second half, apart from the occasional Wednesday break, and had a number of shots on goal, but were unable to find the back of the net. Varney opened the action with a shot from distance that was not far wide.

Weaver had to make the save and Youga cleared the ball for a Wednesday throw in. The Owls won a corner. Varney went on a good run, but perhaps should have laid the ball off. Sam reminded us that he was on the pitch by drawing a save from the keeper. Jermaine Johnson again held up play by going down and this time he was replaced by Deon Burton.

Tudgay received a yellow card for a foul. A Charlton corner was taken by Bailey, but was eventually cleared. Wednesday had a spell of good passing player. Goal scorer Small was taken off and replaced by the 'E' man, Etienne Esajas.

Some decent build up play ended in Bouazza putting the ball over. Sam put in a good cross, but it was too early for anyone to use it. Pardew decided the time had come to make the changes, taking off Gray and Primus and bringing on Ambrose and Todorov. Wednesday replaced Watson with Jimmy Smith.

A cross from Sam ended up in the side netting. Charlton won a corner, but it was unproductive. Todorov put a poor ball forward that ended up in a goal kick, although arguably someone should have run on to it. Pardew fired the last shot in his locker by taking off Cranie, who did not seem to be fully fit, and bringing on Basey.

Ambrose fired in a shot from distance that was just wide. Youga won a free kick in a promising position just outside the area, but the move ended in nothing more than a Charlton throw in. An Ambrose shot from distance was spilled by the keeper. Lloyd Sam won Charlton a corner which was taken by Grant Basey.

Varney was fouled, but there was no yellow card. Matt Holland provided good defensive work. Todorov contributed by winning a corner. There were four minutes of time added on and Wednesday had a late corner.

The result put Charlton down to 14th and no one can say that their position is not a true reflection of their performances. If Charlton can beat Palace on Tuesday, confidence and morale will to an extent be restored. It would be good to see Zheng Zhi in the side, or at least on the bench, but apparently he has not been showing well in training.

Match analysis

Ivy the Terrible has awarded the Silver Bone to Matt Holland. He did fit the description in the programme: he gave 100 per cent and was always fighting. And when he was required to switch to centre back, he slotted into the role admirably. Weaver did not distinguish himself for the two goals, particularly the second one, but he was left down by his defence. Hudson seem to be reasonably solid, but I would like to see his positioning for the first Wednesday goal in particular. Primus was certainly actively involved in the first part of the match, but, not surprisingly, he was somewhat rusty and faded as the match went on, leading to his eventual withdrawal. As always Youga made some sublime moves, but also some basic mistakes. Cranie was not that distinguished at right back and I am sure Moutaoukil would have been more decisive coming forward. Bailey did not play as well he has in some games, although he certainly cares, as shown by his bust up with Bouazza after the second goal went in. Sam had a few good moments, but fails to attain a consistently good standard. Bouazza showed his pace on occasion and had inventive flashes but it was a performance that was good in parts and, like the curate's egg, failed to satisfy as a whole. Gray was tepid. Varney scored our goal and was certainly up for any opportunities, but I still have reservations about his finesse. Todorov made little difference when he came on for Gray and seems not to sharp enough, not surprising given his long lay off. But Dickson may have offered more. Ambrose had a couple of pops at goal which were worth the effort.
Basey showed that he is an accomplished player.

Hiss of the Match For the first time ever, Juneau the Soccer Cat has given this to the manager, Alan Pardew. He is normally animated, but his body langauge was very passive as he stood with arms folded. He certainly did not seem to be inspiring the team.

Crowd rating Initially lively and did their best to encourage them in the second half. 7/10.