Igor Vetokele reminded us before the game that we shouldn't read the results off the table. Even so, it was a disappointing performance by Charlton at The Valley today. Having let Blackpool go 1-0 ahead, we drew level through a Buyens penalty and went ahead through a golden goal by Cousins, but then a mistake by Pope allowed the Seasiders to draw level.
I wasn't quite sure what the formation was in the first half, but whatever it was it wasn't working. We failed to use the width of the pitch which Blackpool did more effectively. They seemed to be getting too much space. Our passing was patient and accurate, but it was a disjointed performance and we simply didn't push forward quickly enough.
Whatever Peeters said at half time had some effect and we started to play with more urgency. However, once we got the second goal, the search for a third which would have put the match beyond reach was unsuccessful and one knew that Blackpool were going to seize their chance.
Bikey had a chance to make it 3-2 in time added on, but put the ball way over. But he's a central defender not a centre forward.
Charlton had moved up one place to tenth, but are now five points off the play offs.
Ramsgate resident Rick Everitt reflects on the return of the boo boys in a balanced and interesting piece: The view from Ramsgate. Rick will be personally signing copies of his book Battle for the Valley at the open day for the museum on December 21st. His gnomes need more room in his workshop to make special Christmas themed Charlton toys, so buy a book if you can.
Given the inevitable assertions that we are now displaying relegation form, it might be worth noting that we are 13th in the form table. I have also seen the first 'Peeters out, clueless' post, but I assume (or hope) it was a joke.
Player ratings
Nick Pope got a big splash in the programme, but this was not his day. He did make a good save from Murphy's free kick early on, but he was arguably at fault for the first goal where he was flailing around and certainly responsible for the second. The rumour mill suggests that Henderson will be out for a long time and Etheridge is an unknown quantity. A reliable goalkeeper is the foundation of success.
Ben Haim had a very solid game and dealt with a number of threats in an accomplished fashion. Bikey performed his defensive duties well enough. Gomez put in a good performance and it is easy to forget that he is 17. Fox needs to get forward more, but lacks confidence. Not having Wiggins is a big problem.
Solly was named as captain, but didn't look too comfortable playing in midfield. One forgets what Jackson adds until he isn't there. Gudmundsson was anonymous in the earlier part of the game, but became more involved as time went on. Buyens took is penalty in a cool and confident fashion. Cousins had a bit of a hesitant start, like a lot of the team, but his 25 yard strike as real quality. Harriott had a couple of attempts on goal which weren't too far off, but that was about it.
Vetokele was being roundly abused as 'useless' by the young Bloke Behind Me who is even more irritating than his older companion. He does seem to have lost his shooting boots, but he did win the penalty. Tucudean added nothing when he came on. Vetokele badly needs an effective partner.
2 comments:
As results suggest we are not a dominate force at the moment. When Igor was banging em in regularly it was only usually one perhaps two a match but we weren't conceding and that = points. Now he's not and we let a few in. ok 2 pts dropped today but we were a bit unlucky that our inexperienced keeper made an error which he's bound to at this stage of his career. Another day 2-1. Nobody had a stinker but there's not many options or much competition for places. A bigger squad please.
Same lack of ambition. Trying to hold on against a poor side, with dodgy officials. Time and again we get this, and if it wasn't for Igor wed be looking at relegation. An injury or sale could still do for us, like bent back in the day.
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