Carlisle striker's theatrics

Those going to The Valley tomorrow night to see Charlton play Carlisle United may be in for another display of hoofball, but they can expect some theatrics from Carlisle striker Francois Zoko: Zoko

Charlton will be eager to end their losing run and get back in play off contention, but the lack of creativity in midfield remains a worry. For my money, Semedo does his job as a defensive midfielder well. He may not have the class of his Premiership equivalents, but he is good enough at this level. Similarly, Jackson has an ability to suddenly appear in the box and score.

Of the rest, Racon shows flashes of quality, but they happen too infrequently. He is, however, better than McCormack. I am never clear what he thinks he is doing in the game. Reid was welcomed when he joined the ranks, but his pace is offset by the lack of a final product. Wagstaff can sometimes deliver goals and assists, but all too infrequently.

Last year we had Bailey, a genuine box-to-box player, if somewhat petulant; Shelvey, although we didn't see that much of him; and Sam who, although mercurial and inconsistent, could sometimes deliver.

We badly need a creative midfield playmaker who can help us control the game.

Carlisle are the new Blackpool, says Merv

Ex-Addick Mervyn Day has declared that Carlisle are the new Blackpool and could well be on their way to the Premiership. This is one of the dafter comments about football I have heard for some time.

More relevant is the fact that Carlisle have suffered two injury blows ahead of tomorrow's match: Carlisle

I had this match down as a Charlton defeat at the beginning of the season and I see no reason to change my mind. 2-1 to Carlisle.

The Isles of Scilly football league has now started and after no draws at all last season the first match ended Garrison Gunners 2, Woolpack Wanderers 2. This puts the Gunners top of the table alphabetically and the Wanderers bottom.

Carlisle defeat could seal Parky's fate

The Carlisle evening newspaper is arguing that a defeat for Charlton on Saturday could seal Parky's fate: Parky

Of course from a psychological point of view this puts greater pressure on Charlton, but it could encourage them to raise their game, given that there is no evidence that Parky has lost the dressing room.

The home match against Sheffield Wednesday is surely more significant.

Addicks consolidate base camp

At half time we a were introduced to a fan from Essex who is going to plant a Charlton flag on Mount Everest. Charlton did not exactly scale the summit in this 1-0 victory over Carlisle, but they consolidated the base camp that should secure them a play-off place. They did enough to hold off Carlisle, while failing to make use of some chances that could have secured a larger margin.

Whilst the formation was notionally 4-5-1, it was more 4-4-2 as Shelvey was getting forward a lot. Charlton came out of the traps well and applied a lot of early pressure. Reid put in a good cross which led to a corner and then to two more.

Carlisle local hero Tom Aldred had to go off for stitches after he had collied with another Cumbrian. Semedo was yellow carded for a foul on Clayton, but Carlisle were also dishing it out and Dobie and Thirlwell were booked.

Although Charlton continued to apply pressure and won more corners, it looked as if the half-time score might be 0-0 until Sodje rose to one of the corners and delivered a bullet header into the back of the net.

The referee, who had a good game overall, called the captains together after Semedo had an exchange of views with a Carlisle player. It was not thought that the latter had simply failed to understand the Portuguese for 'Do many of your supporters come from Scotland?'

Half time: Addicks 1, Cumbrians 0

Shelvey missed when he should have passed to Sam who was available on his right. Randolph called on his skills as a former international basketball player to punch out the ball from a Carlisle corner. Shelvey brought the ball out well afterwards.

Good work by Shelvey won Charlton a corner, but Borrowdale overhit it. Carlisle put the ball in the net, but the flag was up. Millwall charm merchant Jason Price had been trying a tactic of running at Randolph whenever he had the ball, but he was substituted by a player with a more conventional hairstyle.

The tiring Forster was replaced by Akpo Sodje and Bailey returned from injury to replace the increasingly erratic Reid. Shelvey missed an open goal. A Charlton goal was disallowed as Richardson was offside. Shelvey was involved in missing another opportunity and was replaced by Mooney. Akpo Sodje created a half chance, but was not able to take it.

Another three points ground out.

Match analysis

Ivy the Terrible has awarded the Silver Bone to Sam Sodje for the goal that gave Charlton victory and a solid performance in defence. Darren Randolph had relatively little to do which was a measure of Carlisle's failure to penetrate and their waywardness when they did. Borrowdale had a very competent game. Richardson had one brilliant run forward and generally linked up well with Sam. He defended well apart from conceding a corner with a sliced clearance. Dailly was reliable throughout. Semedo got booked again, but generally played his part well. Racon was not as prominent as at MK Dons, but again showed some nice touches and put it one very good cross. Sam was lively and caused the Carlisle defence some problems. Reid was below his best, blasting the ball over twice when he could have had a more considered shot, although he did forge forward well at times. Shelvey seemed uncertain where should position himself, was static at times and missed one great opportunity to score. Forster had relatively little impact and is not as good as Burton in a 4-5-1. Bailey tried to get involved and made some good defensive efforts. Akpo Sodje made a positive difference when he came on, particularly against the tall Carlisle defence. Mooney did nothing to satisfy his many critics.

Juneau the Soccer Cat has given the Hiss of the Match to the instant ball delivery system which often fails to speed things up as it means there are two balls on the pitch at one time.

Crowd rating Reasonably lively, but not at full pitch. 7/10.

Fans head north

Dedicated Charlton fans are already on their way north to this afternoon's fixture at Brunton Park. The enforced changes in the squad have produced some uncertainty about this game, particularly unsettling what has been a reasonably solid defence. I hope that Darren Randolph starts in goal and that we revert to a 4-5-1 with Jonjo Shelvey recalled. Given that we do not have a proven striker, and the defensive reorganisation, we are going to rely more than usual on our midfield in this match. I am going for a 1-0 win for the Addicks with Bailey scoring to the chagrin of the Carlisle fans.

I will be watching Leamington play Didcot this afternoon, joined by my son-in-law who supports the Railwaymen and Joe the Saint. Once again we will be the only Charlton blog covering this match. Paul May has not made the journey north and we do not have a reporter at Brunton Park, but will provide a summary.

Carlisle supremo resigns

Carlisle United have been thrown into disarray after their owner resigned from the board: Carlisle

Charlton face on pitch problems with no right back for Saturday which may mean an emergency loan. Frazer Richardson is unlikely to be fit to play while Chris Solly has suffered a major setback with the news that he suffered a knee injury in training. An operation will keep him out for three months, interrupting a promising start to his career.

Charlton visit seen as a big pay day

Charlton's visit to the Ultima Thule of the third division, Carlisle United, on Saturday is seen as a big pay day for the financially struggling club. At least that makes a change from being seen as a big scalp to collect: In The Money

Check out some of the news stories in the box on the right hand side of the page and you will see that Carlisle is not the most savoury place you will have ever visited.