Back to back victories

Charlton had an unchanged team against Burton Albion on a beautiful spring day at The Valley.   Jason Pearce was struggling with injury and Akin Famewo replaced him on the bench.   The attendance was 11,348 with 320 in the away massive, the lowest attendance in a football for a fiver game.

Charlton didn't get a lot of early possession in a scrappy start.   Burton were trying to get forward as quickly as they could so as to turn Charlton.

Charm merchant Hamer put in a reckless challenge on Dobson, but referee Rebecca Welch showed just a yellow.   The Addicks were still not getting a lot of the ball.

Washington advanced via Route One and put in a chip over the advancing keeper to make it 1-0 on 12 minutes.    Macca flicked on from a long throw and kicked the ball straight up the field to Washington who scored with one touch.   It was his 10th of the season, all in the league.

Burton won a second corner.   Matthews cleared away and Charlton got a throw in.  

Charlton conceded another corner.   A free kick was given for a foul on Stockley.  

The Addickted started a chorus of Valley Floyd Road.    Burton won another corner.  Matthews headed away.  Charlton won a free kick for offside.

Charlton were struggling for possession and build up play.   They needed to be more clever with their movement to stretch the Brewers defence.   Niasse was booked for a high boot on Clare.

Lavelle had to head away a goal bound ball.   An effort by Oshilaja came off the bar.  He had time and space to pick his shot.

Garrett had to dive to make a save from his own player.    Charlton continued to look uncomfortable in possession.

Blackett-Taylor was coming into the game really for the first time, created some space and made it 2-0.  After some patient build up play, his ball dribbled in at the near post with Garrett's view obstructed by Stockley.  When he was signed, one leading moaner said we were scraping the barrel.

Despite the score line it had not been the most comfortable first half, but Charlton took their chances.  Hasselbaink was not happy and loitered to speak to the official.  He still wasn't happy after the break.  Steve Brown said there had been a lot of aerial bombardment.  We needed to defend the long throws well, getting the second phase right.  Scott Minto thought at times we weren't close enough.   Steve Brown said we need to keep the ball a lot better than we had.   Burton had shut us down quicker.

HT: 2-0

Oshilaja got a yellow card for a foul on Stockley.  Fraser's free kick wasn't the best.   An effort from Washington was blocked.

A Blackett-Taylor effort was over the bar.  He came off as a precaution as he had played more than expected in midweek when returning from injury.  DJ replaced him.

Charlton were looking more comfortable on the ball in the second half. 

Gilligan was booked for an off the ball foul on Washington.  Burton made a double substitution.

Fraser put in an excellent cross for Stockley but his header was saved by Garratt.

Burton won a corner at the Jimmy Seed stand.  The ball was blocked away by DJ at the expense of another corner which was unproductive.

Dobson dealt with a moment of danger with a superb challenge on Chapman.   There was a vigorous chorus of Valley Floyd Road.  A shot by Niasse was well blocked by Matthews.   Chapman was booked for a foul on Dobson.

On 81 minutes Fraser was replaced by Lee to provide fresh legs.   Burton claimed that Clare had handled the ball, but a free kick was awarded for a push.

Clare intercepted a shot from Chapman. 

Five minutes were added on.   There were two opportunities for Charlton, but they were not taken.  An attempt from Washington was blocked.

It wasn't a classic game, but it was another three points.   It was the first double of the season.

Charlton are now 15th, Shrewsbury had a surprise win at Rotherham.

Johnnie Jackson said it was a good professional performance, not at our best, would like to have seen more goals.   The conditions were difficult.  There was a swirling wind and a dry pitch.   We defended our lead well, they have that threat with the long throw.   We dealt with double figures in terms of long throws coming into our box.  We're scoring goals again and now we're looking more solid.  I think we can manage it better at times, there was lots of space in behind them at times.   The players have stepped up.   They've all done that to a man.

Charm merchant manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink insists that Charlton were not better than his side and their defeat was down to individual errors.   In a sense he may be right, but they only had one shot on target while we took at least some of our chances: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/you-cant-tell-me-charlton-were-better-burton-boss-hasselbaink-blames-defeat-on-individual-errors/

I am not pretending that it was a great performance but we are 13 points above the relegation zone and Crewe will find it very hard to overtake us now.

Winning run continues

Following a free kick, which was not well defended, Wimbledon got a free header, MacGillivray tried to claim it in the blustery wind and Wimbledon went ahead on three minutes through Chislett.  MacGillivray claimed he was impeded, but the referee did not agree.

A Gilbey shot was deflected just over the bar.  The corner was unproductive. 

Blackett-Taylor limped off on 12 minutes to be replaced by DJ.

On 18 minutes a corner from Morgan was intercepted by Inniss at the near post and his flick went over the line, arguably with some help from a defender which would have made it an own goal. 

DJ got booked for a challenge and it could have been a red.

After an excellent pass from DJ with the outside of his foot, Washington made it 2-1 on 31 minutes.

Wimbledon got the equaliser with a free header on the far post after poor marking at a set piece from a free kick.  This was after a spell when Charlton had been controlling the game.

Matthews put a good ball in, but Washington was unable to control it.

Curbs said we had not got our front two into really good positions.

HT: 2-2

Charlton had three early corners in succession, but they were unproductive.

The swirling wind seemed to be stronger in the second half.

Wimbledon had a good spell and Inniss put in a block at the expense of a corner.

Gilbey was booked for obstructing a throw in.

An Aneke shot was blocked away for a Charlton corner in play following an earlier corner.   Famewo met the corner from Morgan with his head to make it 3-2, he was too strong for his marker.   Morgan had whipped in the corner with pace which took out the keeper.

A tiring Chuks Aneke went off and Mason Burstow came on.   Curbs wondered earlier if he had arrived in a different car today.

An effort from Marsh skimmed off the post after the midfield went too deep.

Morgan came off as Scott Fraser made his Valley debut.  

The game became very stretched.   

A good build up led to a Charlton corner, but Gilbey's effort was cleared.

Clare had to concede a corner as substitute Cosgrave threatened.   The header went wide.

Inniss was booked for the fourth Charlton yellow card of the game.   Four minutes were added on.   A shot from Nightingale was punched away by MacGillivray and Inniss put the ball away for a Wimbledon corner.    The ball went over the bar for a Charlton goal kick.  

Matthews drew a foul.   Inniss won a free kick for a nudge.

Curbs said it was two free headers for their goals and you can't have that.   'We're definitely going to be tested in midweek.   Inniss is my main man.'

Jacko said 'the old heart was going towards the end, it was not how I wanted it to be.   I was gutted to lose Corey that early in the game,  I was really excited about him going into this game.  DJ did excellent when he came on, big credit to him.   We felt that Conor's movement down the side would cause them a problem.  Physically we competed great, both boxes was a good test.  Winning not at your best is nice, we weren't at our best today. We managed it quite well towards the end.  Let's go and back it up now.'  

Match winner Akin Famewo said he was very proud.  I am a happy player.  He had been working in training on getting goals at set pieces.   We stayed strong and took our chances.   Everyone's bouncing.

Morts said it was the best he had seen DJ play, 'I saw someone who produced bits of quality when it mattered.'

Charlton are now 11th.

Louis Mendez has his customary four takeaways from the game: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charlton-athletics-3-2-win-over-afc-wimbledon-not-a-day-for-the-defences/

Sand kicked in our face

Curbs said before the match that it would be as big a test as against Plymouth and it proved to be the case.   Charlton dropped back to 14th after a 2-2 draw at the Mazuma.

In the second minute DJ drilled in a good cross after being set up by Davison and the keeper put it in his own net.

Gilbey made a great run, but Davison put the ball over and was justifiably annoyed with himself.

A great clearance by MacGillivray saw Washington forge forward on route one and chip over the keeper to make it 2-0 on 27 minutes.

Morecambe were back in the game immediately.  Gunter brought down Stockton and got a yellow card.   The penalty was scored by the striker to make it 1-2.

Peter Shirtliff thought we have been a bit wasteful after a bright start.   There had been opportunities where the end product had not been clear cut.   The players could do better as they had great technical ability.

Curbs said we had not been patient and precise enough.   It had been scrappy.   Steve Brown said that there had been a lot of sloppy passes and sloppy play.   We had to elevate our game by five to ten per cent. Fatigue was setting in.  [The pitch was rather heavy with sand, presumably from the bay].

HT: Shrimpers 1, Addicks 2

Following a Morecambe corner, they hit the bar but Famewo had been fouled.

DJ put in a great long pass to Washington, but Morecambe defended well.

Dobson got a yellow card for a foul.    Morecambe made a substitution, Dufus going off and Philips coming on.

Morecambe got a free kick in a dangerous position, but it was put wide.

From a corner O'Connor equalised with a free header to make it 2-2. on 71 minutes.   DJ came off and Blackett-Taylor came on.

Following a Charlton corner, there was a scramble in front of goal but no one could score.   Kirk replaced Gunter.  On 85 minutes Burston replaced Davidson.

The referee blew the whistle just as Dobson was about to pull the trigger.

Curbs said it was a laboured performance, there were a lot of misplaced passes, we never got going in the second half.   The fans were drained in the second half because of the performance.  The game was drifting away from us.   Steve Brown said it just petered out later in the second half.

Steve Brown said we had twelve to six opportunities on goal and twice as many on target.  We weren't as sharp as on Saturday.

Conor Washington said it was a tough game, we knew it was going to be tough.  We were a little bit sloppy in possession, two poor goals to concede, but as strikers we have to do better.

Johnnie Jackson we started really well.  Getting pegged back from 2-0 up was disappointing, but it was another point on the board.   Were the energy levels quite there, maybe a little bit sloppy in some of our play. It's a tough place to come.  Our attitude was spot on, the boys tried their best.   We had enough chances to win the game, we didn't test the goalie enough.   The penalty gave them a lift.  It's a good run, six games unbeaten.  

Shrewsbury would be another similar test, I have to see how our squad are tomorrow.   Can we turn up there with the right attitude?   We have to find ways of freshening it.   Curbs said he didn't have many bodies to make changes.

Jacko remains unbeaten

I would have taken a draw before the game and it was a battling performance from Charlton at The Valley to share the points with Rotherham 1-1.  The Millers went ahead through Miller in time added on in the first half.   

Charlton played well in the second half, although McGillivray had to make a superb save to keep the Addicks in the game.  Washington equalised for Charlton in then 82nd minute.   It was tough test and Charlton came through.

Charlton are now up to 18th.

Curbs said that the referee was inconsistent all night.

Conor Washington said: 'There were a few missed chances.   The overriding feeling is disappointment we couldn't go on to get the three points.  I felt I was going to get in on one of those long balls.   On balance, especially the second half, we deserved to win the game.   This place can be a real fortress for us.  The fans were brilliant.  We might be guilty of not being clinical enough, that is something we have to work on.'

Johnnie Jackson said: 'It was a good game, two good teams going at it.   They made things very difficult. We had to come out second half.   If one team was going to go and win it, it would be us.  We were relentless in our attacking play.  I'm disappointed with the nature of [their] goal.   I am absolutely delighted with the lads, I demand that they play for the shirt and become a battling team, they're doing that.   Conor chases lost causes all night, it was a great goal, chasing a defender down.'

Jayden Stockley got a yellow card for leading with his arm on three minutes and perhaps this subdued him a little.  Washington was wide.  Stockley headed away from a Rotherham corner.   A Charlton corner was wasted by taking it short.DJ shot straight at the keeper.  Famewo got a yellow card for a foul.  Wiles got a rather soft yellow card.   Washington shot at the keeper from a few yards out.  Smith got a yellow card for a foul on Pearce.

In two minutes added on a Famewo error required Gunter to make a block.   Following a long throw, Miller scored for Rotherham.  It was their first shot on target.   There were complaints that the ball had gone out of play.  The marking could have been better.

HT: 0-1

Charlton started well.   Following a free kick, Gilbey had a scoring opportunity but blasted over.  Ihiekwe should have got a second yellow card after bringing down Gilbey, but the referee bottled it.  He was taken off immediately.

MacGillivrary saved from Smith at the expense of a corner.   He then had to make a superb save at short range.

Rotherham had a spell of pressure and there were signs that Charlton were tiring a little.  Blackett-Taylor replaced DJ.

Conor Washington forged forward and a deflection helped the ball into the far corner of the net.  Purrington got a yellow card for a challenge.

Five minutes were added on, but Charlton were not able to take advantage.   We are starting to look up rather than down.   However, the next league game may not be until the 20th against table topping Plymouth.

Comfortable win

 Both sides had a cagey start, but the game burst into life when Doncaster cleared off the line from a shot by Lee after ten minutes.   At the other end Famewo received a yellow card.  

Leko was injured and replaced by DJ.  He did have a slight groin injury coming into the game.

Lee put Charlton 1-0 ahead on 21 minutes from a free kick.

Doncaster's finest

Amusement was caused by a topless bloke in the Doncaster end throwing some sparring punches towards the East Stand from 50 feet away. He did briefly get on the pitch and was led away.

Doncaster were having most of the possession, but weren't creating anything.

Gilbey was brought down and the referee awarded a penalty. Conor Washington scored on his 50th appearance for Charlton on 33 minutes to make it 2-0.

Dobson was playing a key role in midfield in winning the first ball.

A shot by Washington was saved well to deny Charlton a third.

Dobson put in an excellent ball to Washington but Purrington put it wide at the near post.

Doncaster did not really create anything in the first half.

HT: 2-0

DJ put in a cross and Charlton won the corner which was taken short and cleared.

The ball was cleared off the line after Stockley got something on it.

A header from Stockley was straight at the keeper after good play from DJ. Doncaster made a substitution with their top scorer Rowe coming on.

Charlton had a free kick in a promising position. Lee took the free kick and Stockley made a run across his man to make it 3-0 on 62 minutes.

Purrington got his claws out to make it 4-0 at the far post on 70 minutes with a superb header after a great ball from DJ.

On 75 minutes Lee went off to a standing ovation and was replaced by Clare. Doncaster also made a substitution.

Davison replaced Washington.

Gilbey put in a shot but the keeper saved to his right after it nearly crept past him. Dahlberg then flicked Stockley's header on to the bar. Without the keeper it could have been six or seven.

Stockley's header went straight at the keeper following a Charlton corner.

Charlton moved out of the relegation zone. A sterner test awaits on Tuesday. Rotherham beat Sunderland 5-1 today with any head butts. Curbs said it would be a totally different game. If we could get anything against Rotherham we were suddenly looking upwards. We should look at five or six games before making a decision about a manager.

Elliot Lee said it was a good atmosphere with the supporters singing, it gave a lift. 'I am getting my fitness, my sharpness, I had flu three weeks ago. We were better than them all over the pitch. We know we could have got more but we'll take 4-0. It will be a tough game on Tuesday night. We're all high on confidence now.'

Johnnie Jackson said he was really pleased with the clean sheet, a good solid performance, probably should have scored more. It was a blow losing Leko so early, credit to DJ he was ready to come into that role, we had done some work with him for that eventuality earlier in the week. The skip (Pearce) was an absolute rock. We had a real good shape about us, limited them to very few chances. We got the better of them through hard work, Doncaster are a good team. We got 100 per cent commitment from what we were asking of them. There's so much quality in that room but we haven't been showing it. Through pure endeavour and pure intent your quality will show through. An incredibly proud day to see the Valley rocking.

Washington scores and Nego appers

Conor Washington scored an opening goal for Northern Ireland in their 2-1 defeat by Bulgaria that ended their World Cup qualification hopes.

Washington's goal for Northern Ireland came from a superb curling cross from the right by Paddy McNair that was met by Josh Magennis, whose header was too close to goalkeeper Ivan Karadzhov, who saved well.

The ball dropped to Washington who fired home the rebound but the goal was ruled out for offside before being awarded after a VAR review showed the striker to be onside.

In the England v. Hungary game former Addick Loic Nego won a penalty for his national side.  How many people saw Nego in his one appearance in an away defeat at Wigan?

'We had to win fans back' says Stockley

Jayden Stockley talks about his first tunnel jump at Charlton: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/jayden-stockley-says-charlton-athletic-had-to-win-their-supporters-back-over-with-their-displays-on-the-field-of-play/

Even leading negativists have a good word for Stockley. 

The captain says that the team had to engage in some soul searching to account for their start of season slump.  He is full of praise for Conor Washington: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-forward-jayden-stockley-we-had-to-look-inwardly-to-find-way-to-end-early-season-slump/

How recruitment decisions are made at Charlton

Nigel Adkins says that Charlton have lost out on a couple of transfer targets to tomorrow's opponents Wigan but could not match the wages they were able to offer: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-player-recruitment-process-explained-as-nigel-adkins-makes-transfer-admission/

Adkins had little to say about whether Stephen Henderson would be offered a contract as reserve goalkeeper, sticking to the line that 'a lot is going on behind the scenes': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-asked-about-chances-of-former-palace-keeper-rejoining-charlton-athletic/

There have been rumours that Wigan have been offering £10k a week.

He also explains how the recruitment process works at Charlton with four decision-makers involved, all working within the constraints of a budget.   Ged Roddy is evidently in overall charge and he has attracted criticism from some fans.

It has been confirmed that Corey Blackett-Taylor has been training with Charlton for two weeks.

Conor Washington will not be available on Saturday, but Ben Purrington is expected to be back in training next week.

Adkins says that there are positives to be taken out of Charlton's performances and denies that they have been rubbish: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-on-charltons-low-points-return-at-start-of-league-one-season-why-performances-are-key/

Whether this will do anything to offset the all too typical wave of negativity and pessimism that has swept across Charlton supporters is open to question.    Losing two matches by one goal to sides tipped for the top six is hardly a catastrophe.

I don't agree with those who say that MK Dons are a poor side, I think they played a good, passing game. We do rely too much on long balls up to Stockley, but that reflects some of the deficiencies in the midfield.  However, until the transfer window closes, one can't assess the squad.

Alex Gilbey has been badly affected by Covid and won't be back for some time.

Defensive solidity lacking as Charlton lose

Two goals given away in the first half saw Charlton lose 2-1 to Oxford United this afternoon at the Kassam Stadium in front of 1,373 disappointed Addicks..   Conor Washington gave Charlton hope with a goal from a penalty.   However, in the second half it was Oxford that cam closest to scoring.

Charlton had a chance to score on 15 minutes after Stockley flicked the ball on but Stevens managed to make a good save from Washington.

Oxford broke away and collision on the halfway line saw Matthews go down.  White's shot was saved by MacGillivray, but he spilled the ball.   The right back Williams had run the length of the pitch and from the left scored from close range to make it 1-0 on 22 minutes.

Brannigan made it 2-0 from five or six yards out, Oxford having scored from just two shots on target.  The normally solid Charlton defence was looking ragged.

On 35 minutes a handball off a Stockley header saw the referee gave a penalty after some hesitation.  It was an excellent penalty by Washington that went to the left of the keeper.

HT: 2-1

Washington shot straight at the keeper.  Famewo put in good defensive work, but Oxford were pulling Charlton apart, but they missed a tap in on an empty net which would have made it 3-1.

DJ had been disappointing and he was replaced by Davison who didn't add much.   Inniss put in a great tackle.  Stockley got a yellow card.   Dobson was replaced by Watson.   MacGillivray palmed away a shot.  Inniss made a great clearance that prevented a third goal.

Famewo got a yellow card.  Clayden replaced Gunter as normal time came to an end.  Six minutes were added on, but the only action was Morgan shooting over.

Richard Cawley noted that the result ended a 10 game unbeaten run on the road for Charlton.  It was difficult to take many positives out of the performance.

Nigel Adkins said he was really disappointed.   The keeper made a fantastic save from Washington. DJ had a great pre-season, he wasn't being as effective as he has been.   Adkins hoped that Davidson would energise Charlton.

Asked if Charlie Kirk would be ready for MK Dons, Adkins said he would have to take stock of where he was.  It had been an emotional week for him.

On new players he said there were a lot of things going on behind the scenes.

Adkins thanked the fans for being brilliant all the way through.

Charlton to finish 3rd

Charlton will finish 3rd in League One this season, forecasts Four Four Two magazine.  They comment: 'Owner Thomas Sandgaard isn't alone in his promotion ambitions, but the Addicks can back it up.'

The fan file is written by VOTV editor Rick Everitt and he cautiously forecasts a top six finish.

The Rickster says: 'Last season was a real wasted opportunity, but probably as much as we could have expected given the long-awaited resolution of the club's ownership in late September.'

'The big talking point among fans is our squad's depth, and whether it will be strong enough to deliver the very bullish predictions of new owner Thomas Sandgaard.'

The Ramsgate-based supporter warns: 'I won't be happy unless Charlton are promoted.  League One has some very sizable clubs, whose fans will think the same, but we cannot afford to hang around at this level or the current positivity will dissipate.'

'Our most underrated player is Conor Washington.  He impressed me last season, and we missed him when he wasn't available.  Look out for centre back Charlie Barker, who in September made his debut at 17.  Didn't look out of place.   Our key player will be Jayden Stockley whose loan, now made permanent from Preston, proved better than his career record.'

'The best thing about matchday at Charlton is seeing the groups of home fans streaming down Floyd Road in the hour before kick off - whether or not they stop to buy Voice of the Valley.'

'The fans' opinion of the gaffer is that he defied expectations.  Nigel Adkins only arrived in March, but quickly made an impression.  He wasn't many supporters' first choice - maybe he should have been.'

Everitt issues a clarion call from his Isle of Thanet fastness: 'The one change I would make is that rebuilding support in Kent (and south-east London) is vastly more important and realistic for Charlton than looking overseas.   Other clubs' fans don't know that we've got more fans 60 miles away on the coast than in London, barring the south-east boroughs.'

'The ground I'm most looking forward to visiting is Morecambe's on a November Tuesday.  What's not to like?  We've never played them.'

Good workout at Dragon Park

 Charlton were beaten 2-1 by Celtic at Dragon Park this afternoon, the Welsh equivalent of St. George's Park. The Charlton team that played in the second half did better than the first half team.

On five minutes DJ had to clear off the line as MacGillivray came out.   Clayden did well on the right and along with Stockley won Charlton a corner.

Pearce conceded a free kick in front of the 'D' with an industrial challenge, but the shot came off the wall. Charlton were having to defend well.

Stockley got a long telling off from the referee after a collision.   Stockley is not known to be a Welsh speaker, but he got the message that it would have been a yellow card in a competitive game.

Celtic mounted a good attack down their left and on 24 minutes Dembele pounced to make it 1-0, taking advantage of a defender's stumble.

Morgan put in good work on the right and Dempsey drew a good save from the keeper.

On 39 minutes Purrington was unable to stop a run by the impressive Dembele, the ball went to an unmarked Celtic player who made it 2-0 with a header.

As the half closed, MacGillivray was able to parry the ball away to prevent a third goal.  Charlton had been on the back foot.

Player of the half: DJ looked lively all over the pitch.

HT: Charlton 0, Celtic 2

Charlton made a better start to the second half.  Charlie Barker, playing at right back, put in a great cross. He will be a contender for the first team squad, but probably needs more time in the under 23s.

Celtic had a chance but Famewo but in a good block.   The Addicks had a good 10-15 minutes, but then Celtic came back into the game.

A Washington shot was blocked along with the rebound.  Davison put in a ball that was too high and fast for Washington.

Charlton looked threatening on the break.  Harness in goal had to make a double save.   A Johnson shot came off the post with Harness rooted to the spot.

On 76 minutes Charlton broke.  Davison spotted the run of Washington who was one on one with tje keeper and put his shot through the keeper's legs to make it 1-2.

Harness came out well to clear a threatening ball.  Washington put in a great curling shot, drawing a good save by the keeper.

Player of the half: Conor Washington, often underrated by fans but our second highest scorer last season.

No sign of Inniss, Matthews, Gilbey or Welsh wizard Gunter.   Gilbey has apparently picked up a niggle, Inniss will be back in full training on Monday and Matthews was late joining.

In their first Football League season in 1921 Charlton played one practice match in front of several thousand at The Valley.   This season many of the matches will be behind closed doors, although hopefully with streaming.

Never mind the quality, feel the lack of width

Benjy Nurick reflects on the Accrington game where he suffered pizza deprivation: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-need-a-core-rebuild-this-summer-with-the-accrington-defeat-underlining-why-they-are-set-to-fall-short-in-play-off-push/?fbclid=IwAR0O_N8zawzVG54WQ11BGk3Pyzdwi1mojhNrkfn_08NlRLIL9bd3sRUbOGI

The average age of the Charlton squad is the second highest in League One, but these are not experienced winners in their prime, notes Nurick.   Without a consistent threat out wide, Charlton had been too predictable all season.

Nurick takes a particular look at Conor Washington 'who painted a frustrated figure of anonymity' at Accrington.

Nurick concludes that the team of 'hastily assembled leftovers' are not simply good enough and a major reconstruction will be needed over the summer.  Come to think of it, I had worked that out for myself, as indeed had most fans.   Perhaps that's what Nurick meant when he referred to 'cheezy goodness' at the start of his article.

For me League One was summed up by the view at the Wham Stadium on Saturday.   At one end of the ground there is some (very) shallow terracing.  In the distance one could see a group of spectators following a park football match.  Would the quality have been much worse than the display of hoofball we paid £10 for?

Adkins says Inniss injury history has been 'too big'

Nigel Adkins thinks that the previous injury history of Ryan Inniss has been too big, but is determined to tackle it, seeing its origins in multiple causes: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-adkins-determined-to-address-ryan-inniss-injury-history/

Inniss, Conor Washington and Ian Maatsen will all be available for tomorrow's game against Peterborough.

In the interviews, Adkins stresses the importance of dynamic, attacking wing play to his tactics.

Gilbey is 'very different'

Benjy Nurick analyses what Alex Gilbey and Conor Washington bring to Charlton's squad: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/hes-very-different-analysing-what-alex-gilbey-brings-to-this-charlton-team-with-the-help-of-conor-washington/?fbclid=IwAR1EBrt3anr9EvuCD_kr1zUumIq-_AKieFf7-OvIXLQjVT_4g0fghdPeiMo

Washington out for Doncaster

Conor Washington will not be available for tomorrow's visit to Doncaster Rovers: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-provides-injury-update-ahead-of-doncaster-rovers-match/

Gillingham beat Wigan 1-0 last night to move into the play off places and push Charlton down to 10th.

Charlton fight back to win

Charlton fought back from being 0-2 down to beat Bristol Rovers 3-2 at The Valley tonight.  It was 2-2 at the break after goals from Shinnie and Forster-Caskey.  Washington scored the winner on 83 minutes after a battling second half.

This was the first time Charlton have conceded the first goal and gone on to win the game since the play off final in 2019.

Conor Washington said: 'We gave ourselves a mountain to climb, but we showed great character.   We showed fight, determination and grit.  The last fifteen minutes we were right on top.  Jacko is really pleased with the come back.'

Jacko said: 'Unbelievable.   The effort and the spirit that they have shown has made me ever so proud.  I was disappointed with the two goals, not necessarily a fair reflection of the game so far.  They stepped up, they dug themselves back into that game.   We just needed to be a little bit calmer in our play, we showed that towards the end of the first half.'

Jacko said he did not know what would happen beyond tonight.

The game started at a high tempo.  Maatsen made an unnecessary shoulder charge in the area and the referee awarded a penalty.  Amos went the wrong way in response to Leahy's shot and it was 0-1.

A cheeky Rovers chip after a break saw Amos stranded, but the ball went just wide of the post.  Amos made a good save off Nicholson.   Charlton were struggling and were caught in possession.  Amos could not save a fierce shot from distance by Upson and it was 0-2.

Then Shinnie scored a crucial goal with a great finish to make it 1-2.  Stockley was fouled on the edge of the area and Forster-Caskey scored the equaliser from the free kick.

HT: 2-2

Upson got a yellow card.  Maatsen fed Millar but Washington shot straight at the keeper.  On 60 minutes a somewhat annoyed Millar was replaced by DJ.

Shinnie got a yellow card.   On 73 minutes Aneke replaced Stockley.  Hargreaves got a yellow card.

Rovers were running out of gas and Washington was causing them problems.   An Aneke header set up Washington and he scored from the rebound.   Morgan got a yellow card.

Five minutes were added on.  Keeper Day bought down Aneke and was sent off.   Pratley came on for Shinnie.   A last minute Rovers free kick spelt danger with their keeper up but they failed to threaten.

Charlton are in 6th place and look likely to stay there with Fleetwood 2-0 up against Ipswich.

Result as predicted

When I filled in my Badger League chart at the start of the year I forecast this as a 1-1 draw and that was the result between Charlton and Shrewsbury Town at The Valley this afternoon.  It was a 1-1 double with Shropshire's finest.

Charlton remain in 8th place on the same number of points as Portsmouth but they have two games in hand over us.  Ipswich are now in the play off places.

It was not a good quality performance by the Addicks and sometimes I wonder whether it is a good use of a Saturday afternoon, but at least Steve Brown is forensic in pointing out where we are going wrong.

In the first half in particular watching the Shrews was just like watching San Marino with the number of players they had behind the ball but we didn't have the quality to break them down.

The visitors went ahead on 55 minutes with a well-taken header by danger man Goss after Gunter had failed to respond to the threat.

Conor Washington equalised with a really skilled goal which saw him taking three touches.

I think we missed Jake Forster-Caskey today, but we can't rely too much on him.

Lee Bowyer said 'pros and cons.  First half we started really well, we should have gone in leading.  Second half we stopped doing the things that caused them problems, we slowed down.  We just looked dead, sluggish.  We changed it, we became the better game.  If Chuks' chance had gone in, we could have won the game.  At the end we could have lost it, they could have nicked it.  A point's better than nothing, I am a bit disappointed.   The players looked a bit fatigued second half.'

Minto asked if it was physical or mental tiredness  Bowyer said that a lot of them looked tired.  Everything was slow, the passing.  'I think there was a lot of positives first half.   If Chuks had gone in, we would be standing here with three points.  I think it's like two dropped, you have to give them credit.  Sometimes you have to accept you don't get what you want.'

Conditions at The Valley were not good with hail before the game, a high wind and periods of heavy rain. The pitch was soft in places, but then it's the same for both sides.

The French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, who played some football, said: 'In football everything is complicated by the presence of the opposite team.'   Even Steve Brown had difficulty working out what Shrewsbury's formation was, but it was clear they had a plan and were executing it.  It was designed to stop us playing, particularly down the centre of the park.  They were happy to leave the wings exposed, but our pass completion rate was poor.

The first decent bit of play from Charlton came just after the quarter hour when Amos fed Washington and with Maatsen on the overlap the Addicks were able to sustain an attack and win a corner.  Like all our corners it was unproductive.

Darren Pratley received his customary yellow card for grabbing a player.  The visitors continued to be well organised defensively, working hard with a good shape.

On 33 minutes Charlton had their one shot on target of the half when Maatsen turned provider for Stockley, but he shot straight at the keeper.  An angled shot would have beaten him.

Charlton were playing patiently, but they need to be quicker on the ball.

HT: 0-0

Steve Brown rightly criticised the poor Charlton kick off which ended in a throw in for the opposition.  The Addicks looked flat and uninspired.  Maatsen received a somewhat harsh yellow card.

Gross was given a lot of space to score his goal.   The visitors had their tails up and on 62 minutes Bowyer made his usual triple substitution.   As Curbs said afterwards, Bowyer gets criticised for changing the team around but perhaps today was a day to change it from the start.  Pratley (doing little); Millar (needs better awareness of where the opponent is), and Stockley (rather flat) all came off. On came Aneke, Shinnie and Smith.

Amos had to make a finger tip save.  Aneke didn't connect with the ball as he should have done and hit the crossbar rather than scoring.   Charlton won a couple of corners, but the second one sailed over the seven players wanting to connect with it.  We need to work on our corners.

Washington then scored his excellent goal, even if the keeper got a touch.   Washington deserves a bit more praise than he gets.

As the visitors broke, Pearce and Maatsen had to defend, Pearce was excellent.   Shrewsbury at last got a yellow card for time wasting after Ogbeto delayed a throw in, but it was action taken too late.

There was danger with a loose ball in the box and Amos stranded, not through any fault of his own. Fortunately, Edwards missed the chance to score and sent the ball over.

In five minutes added on, another Shrews shot went just past the post.  Steve Brown said that these were fundamental errors that could have cost us the game.

DJ shot wide and Shinnie shot straight at the keeper.

Curbs said afterwards that in trying to tighten up defensively, we had lost the offensive side.  But then a better side than Shrewsbury could have made more of our defensive errors.

Charlton Retro

This week's article looks back at a somewhat more successful season in 1953/4: https://retrocharlton.blogspot.com/2021/03/remembering-1953-4-season.html

Victory at The Valley

Charlton beat Northampton Town 2-1 at The Valley tonight with a Washington brace, one from the penalty spot, one from open play.  Unfortunately a goal was conceded in time added on, but it's seven points from nine and only one goal conceded.

Northampton defended in numbers in the first half and we lacked the quality to unlock them, while Amos had to make two good claims when they counter attacked.

Lee Bowyer said: 'The back four looked solid, Pratley stepped up there.  You need someone like Conor to do the running.  Do the basics right and you can win every game, we've got some good players.'  Bowyer also praised Albie Morgan's contribution.

Further comments from Bowyer here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-lee-bowyer-explains-why-midfielder-darren-pratley-started-in-defence-ahead-of-deji-oshilaja-against-northampton/

Morgan fed Stockley on two minutes, but his header was saved.   Charlton started well, but then the game became more scrappy.  Ben Watson won Charlton a corner which was delivered well by Morgan, but Pearce was wide.

Pearce received an elbow from Kioso who received a yellow card.   Morgan got booked for a foul.

HT: 0-0

In the second half the Cobblers continued their strategy of soaking up pressure and waiting for a Charlton mistake, but the sucker punch didn't come.   On 48 minutes Millar won a free kick and Forster-Caskey was just wide.

On 65 minutes Forster-Caskey was taken out in the area.  The Cobblers argued the toss and tried to delay things as much as possible, but Washington kept his nerve and beat the keeper.  On 68 minutes Aneke replaced Stockley.   Edmundson fouled Pratley off the ball and was shown a yellow card.

A double Northampton change on 72 minutes saw former Addick Mark Marshall came on. Millar put in some good defensive work.  Shinnie replaced Forster-Caskey on 75 minutes.  Ben Watson was booked for a foul.

Shinnie won Charlton a corner, took it and then played the ball in again.  The keeper tipped Aneke's effort over the bar.

On 84 minutes, Millar started a move with a good run.  Shinnie's effort was parried but Washington put the ball through the keeper's legs to make it 2-0.

On 86 minutes Morgan and Washington were withdrawn in favour of Smith and Schwartz.

Four minutes were added on and Northampton won a corner after panic in the defence.  Their first shot on target went over Amos to make it 2-1.

After the resumption Aneke got a yellow card for a foul which enabled the keeper to punt the ball down the pitch.  Amos only jusr claimed it, but the three points went to Charlton.

Northampton Town have complained that they were on the wrong end of decision after decision by referee Paul Howard, but to me he seemed to be fair and competent.   This is his first season in the EFL after just two years in the National League.

Where is Marcus Maddison?

When I was at primary school my uncle who had a newsagents in Lakedale Road taught me to 'read between the lines' of news reports.   That certainly applies to this story about Marcus Maddison: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-manager-lee-bowyer-provides-update-on-marcus-maddisons-fitness/

The flamboyant player has apparently stopped training for 'a number of reasons'.   Indeed, it appears that he has been absent from Sparrows Lane for reasons that are unclear.   There have been claims of tensions between him and sanguine supremo Lee Bowyer.

Charlton hold on for three points

A dogged performance by Charlton saw them take three points with a 1-0 win at Stadium MK tonight.  The winning goal was scored in the first half by Canadian starlet Liam Millar. 

MK Dons tried hard in the second half to confirm their status as home draw specialists, but although Charlton sometimes struggled for possession and made some sloppy clearances, they managed to withstand the pressure from the Franchisees.

Curbs selected Darren Pratley as his Man of the Match alongside Millar, saying that Pratley did a job for the team.  He said that it was a big win.

On three minutes Pratley won the ball well but a Stockley shot was saved.   Charlton applied some pressure and Pratley could have shot rather than passing the ball.

On 18 minutes Washington put in a good ball and Millar scored with a decisive strike.

Curbs said Charlton started well, but MK Dons started to get into the game more.  Jerome hit the post from a home corner conceded by Purrington.  Amos saved from a header after another home corner.

HT: 0-1

On 48 minutes MK Dons had a free kick in a promising position, but it came off the wall.  Conor Washington went down and had to be replaced by Schwartz.  I think we missed Washington.

Charlton had a free kick in front of the D, but Forster-Caskey's shot was just over the bar.  Millar threatened to score again, but his second touch was not as good as his first one and the keeper saved.

On 66 minutes MK Dons threatened, but Amos saved well.   Stockley, who had not been prominent, and Shinnie were replaced by Aneke and Morgan.  Apart from one attack when he was fouled, Aneke had difficulty in getting into the game.  Morgan had some nice touches.

The home side a number of corners and free kicks, but Charlton defended effectively with important contributions by Matthews and Millar.  Four minutes were added on, but the Addicks managed it well.

Reporting from his living room, Louis Mendez tweeted: 'MK had 70% of the ball during the game but think we dealt with most of their threats, Amos only one proper save I can think of. Kept Fraser quieter considering how he ripped us apart at The Valley.'

Smiling supremo Lee Bowyer praised his team for getting back to basics: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-lee-bowyer-delighted-to-see-his-side-get-back-to-basics-during-1-0-win-at-milton-keynes/

Charlton remain in 6th place, Doncaster having beaten AFC Wimbledon at home.  Portsmouth lost to Lincoln and Peterborough drew.