That was the chant of Charlton fans after the Addicks secured an emphatic 3-1 victory over Watford at The Valley last night through two goals from Callum Harriott and one from captain Johnnie Jackson to secure Championship survival.
Early on, Hamer had to slide out to block Deeney after a long ball caught out the defence. Harriott had fired over an early chance from eight yards, although it probably took a deflection. Jonathan Bond, the youthful Hornets keeper, palmed away a Jackson header before Harriott opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, gathering a pass from Jordan Cousins out on the left before hitting a 20-yard drive across keeper Jonathan Bond and into the far corner. Harriott had a swarm of Hornet defenders around him but persevered to put the ball in the net. Sceptics said that he would not have scored with Almunia in the Watford goal, but Almunia wasn't there and Harriott did score, so I am not too bothered about that 'what if' scenario. It was a powerful low drive from the 20 year old.
Hamer had to deflect a Bekalem header from a corner on to the bar. The charm merchant was lucky to still be on the pitch at half time after he had floored Wilson with an elbow.
A patched-up Watford side, struggling with injuries and suspension, drew level after the break when Deeney smashed in his 24th goal of the season with a spectacular volley which left Hamer with no chance. This move started when the referee failed to notice a blatant handball against Charlton. Two Watford fans managed to get out of the Jimmy Seed stand and were ejected. The Hornet fans were noisy all evening, even chanting on the way to the station as they celebrated their mid-table finish.
But 10 minutes later Charlton were back in front when Jackson took Morgan Fox's left-wing cross on his chest - and although the midfielder's initial effort was blocked by keeper Bond, he managed to nudge in the rebound, a typical Jackson effort, just when it was needed. Seven minutes later, Harriott volleyed in his second goal, the best goal of the evening, a great effort along the ground.
Charm merchant Riera had been engaged in a tussle with Lawrie Wilson all evening and a foul on Poyet led to a red card, but he was very reluctant to leave the pitch, arguing with the referee. There was quite a lot of cynical fouling by Watford with substitute Ranegie fouling Solly more than once, but it was not noticed by the officials who seemed a bit out of their depth.
Watford got the ball in the net in time added on, but it was disallowed.
Watford manager Beppe Sannino said before the match that all his players were 'under exam' in this match, but it was the Charlton players who passed with flying colours. Addicks fans going to Blackpool on Saturday can now enjoy a day by the seaside.
What the fate of José Riga will be remains uncertain, but he has done a decent job for us and deserves our thanks. I think that he has got the team playing better with less hoofing of the ball and more precision passing. Roland's message in the programme was singularly uninformative, simply repeating what he has said before.
My luck held when after the train from Charlton was delayed by 'disruptive passengers', I managed to just catch the last northbound Bakerloo Line train with a sprint down the long corridor at Charing Cross.
Sadly someone in the East Stand required urgent medical attention for a heart attack and the concourse had to be closed at half time while efforts at resuscitation continued. Quick instinctive action by an off duty fireman helped him initially and I understand that he is now in intensive care. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Player ratings
Ivy the Terrible has awarded the Silver Bone to Callum Harriott. A lot of the Watford shots went high and wide, but when he was called into action Hamer did well. However, I wish he wouldn't keep blaming his defenders. Morrison was solid, except when a header put Charlton into trouble when he should have headed back to Hamer. Dervite played well, once again getting the ball out of defence effectively. Solly had another good game and received warm applause on his late substitution. Fox once again showed what an accomplished youngster he is. Jackson played his part well. Cousins got muscled out on occasions. Wilson was the target of cynical fouling which is a kind of tribute to the threat he poses. Poyet was targeted for fouling, but once again showed his sublime skill. Unfortunately, I do not think I will see him playing for Charlton again. Sordell tried hard, but was often the lone man up front surrounded by three defenders. He got warm applause when he was substituted. Obika livened things up and contributed to the Harriott goal. Piggott put himself about in the short time he was on. Hughes got a cameo to say goodbye to the Valley pitch as a first team member (no doubt he will have a continuing role at the club) but got a harsh yellow card for his trouble.
Rescue Cat Reg has awarded the Hiss of the Match to the obnoxious Riera who is on loan from Galatasary.
Rick Everitt gives his appraisal of last week's game and a surprisingly generous tribute to José Riga here: Rick from Ramsgate. But then the Rickster was forecasting relegation earlier in the season.
12 comments:
Amazing what happens with a change of manager powell was deadwood and needed to go which he did since thenwe have played really good football the players have new belief i am suprised that the backroom staff stayed i would have got rid off them all as soon as powell went.Thank u jose your the special one and thank god we got rid of the hopeless one!
really good football?!
I think that,today of all days, it is better to concentrate on the positives rather than to go back over old ground. We have preserved our Championship status and we could be on the brink of an exciting new era for the club. All of that seemed highly improbable in the week after Bramall Lane. Out of the Cup, we fell to the bottom of the table and the situation on and off the pitch was dire. Our morale was at rock bottom. Not an easy job for JR to take on but he has helped us achieve what we desperately wanted and needed to achieve. Whatever the future may be, the Championship is a much better place to start it than League One. So,thanks to you, CP, for getting us back up into the Championship, and thanks to you, JR, for helping to keep us there. COYR!
First comment looks like a troll posting
I'd like to send my best wishes to the gentleman receiving medical treatment in the east stand. May you have a full and speedy recovery.
Yes, very best wishes to the person taken ill near me in the in the East Stand. The incident made the rest of the evening seem trivial. I'm no expert, but the stadium staff seemed to deal with the incident well, and paramedics with the right eqipment were quickly there.
Its interesting that none of the players on the pitch last night were recruits from RD's European network, who sadly for us, have proved not to be good enough for the Championship.
Well said, Boneyboy, on both counts. However, given the congested fixture list, we needed reinforcements at little cost and players like Gucci and Ajdarevic filled in when needed and scored a couple of vital goals. Actually, I feel that they both have potential which might come out in time under the right coach.
Well done Mr Riga. I personally think we would have been relegated had Powell still been in charge as he seemed was lost on any new ideas and had no plan B or C when things were going wrong. Powell had done tremendously well previsouly, but I think he had finally reached his limitations so now we have to move on.
Lets hope Riga gets the job full time as I believe he has the qualities Charlton need to move us forward whilst also trying to play entertaining football which we all love to see!
well done riga .We do need a massive clear out come the summer -who would u like see come in ?I like Webster and Shittu to tighten up our defence and perhaps a decent pacey winger plus a goalscorer-who would you nick from the relegated teams?
Good work by the guy who gave cpr to the man with suspected heart attack yet bit annoyed with the stewards over top reaction how do these people get a job being a steward beyond me
Have you got your bottle of good red yet, Wyn?
Wyn, the seasons nearly done and thanks again for a years balanced and informative blogging. My highlight this year has to be as one of the 300 hundred to travel to Sheffield Wednesday, it was clear at this game that Riga made a switch to 4-5-1 from 4-4-2 when 2-0 down, bringing on Astrid for Church, allowing Harriot's quick feet to combine with Sordell's, both having the confidence to run at defenders. There's must have been some backroom work on them, so well done to the staff. It didn't quite work against Blackburn but did to effect against Watford, sordell again putting in a shift. Added to the balance provided now by Wilson and Solly.
Would be good to see how CH and Sordell play against Blackpool (think Solly should protect his knee and rest) On wards and upwards- Cheers
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