Injury worries for both sides

Charlton have injury worries for tonight's match, but then so do MK Dons who are missing four key players: Dons .

Pawel Abbott may be available, but whether that is a blessing is a matter for debate. Come back Deon Burton, all is forgiven.

What would be good is if two strikers could get a run together up front in the hope that they might be able to combine and find the back of the net.

A likely outcome of this mid-table clash is yet another draw, but clearly more is required.

Azerbaijan for Burton

The turbulent republic of Azerbaijan is apparently the destination for former Addicks striker Deon Burton who is to join a side managed by former Arsenal captain Tony Adams: Burton

According to the CIA, corruption in the country is ubiquitous. Despite the fact that it is an oil producer, poverty is widespread. The population is preponderantly Muslim. The population of Jamaican origin is thought to be small.

Which means that our most urgent task now is to sign a striker, unless we want to rely on Izale McLeod to accompany Akpo Sodje.

Charlton in for Warren Feeney

It's all hotting up on the transfer front with Charlton being rumoured to be about to offer a two year contract to former Cardiff City striker Warren Feeney: Feeney

Feeney was let go by the cash strapped Bluebirds at the end of last season. The Gasheads are also in the race and have beaten us to one signing, while Carlisle are trying to tempt him up to the bright lights of the border town.

Feeney was born in Belfast and is said to come from a footballing family. He has been round the houses at Bournemouth, Stockport and Luton so might slot in well at a League 1 club: Feeney

This would seem to make it more likely that Deon Burton is on his way.

Gone for a Burton

Deon Burton is weighing up his future and although Charlton are preparing a new offer for the much-travelled 33-year old it looks as if his future will be elsewhere. Notts County are making an offer, but he has also received an offer from a European club which would substantially boost his wages: Burton

Burton has been much criticised during his time at Charlton for the fact that he was not a 20-goal a year striker. In some ways he was a rather Leaburnesque player with other qualities such as being able to hold up the ball. He was certainly not uniwlling to get stuck in, even though I suspect that he was playing with an injury for much of the season.

Into the Valley

After Radio Scilly backed Swindon yesterday, station supremo Keri Jones redeemed himself this morning by playing 'Into the Valley'. But then I found out that he didn't know it was a Charlton theme song and his comment on air was that 'it just shows all Welsh people can't sing.'

I had to listen to the match via Charlton Live last night (annoyingly it had a programme about the cup final on for the first part of the game until they found the right feed). We don't have Sky as the local council (quite rightly) bans satellite dishes in conservation areas. The Villa fan down the road gets round this by having a satellite dish in his back garden, but it's an expensive solution and I would rather have plants in my garden than what looks like a booster station for RTL.

The Valley hero Steve Brown was the summariser and he thought that 2-1 was a fair outcome. Owing to Swindon's inaccuracy, we managed to keep them out for the first half, but they were destined to score sooner or later. The second goal was due to schoolboy defending from one of our own corners. Steve commented on these lines, 'They would never have been taught to do that on the training ground. This is not the fault of the manager and coaches. It is the fault of the players who have let their managers and coaches down.'

Moaners have predictably been out in force this morning. Parkinson gets the blame, although as far as I know he is not a registered player. It is true that we don't have a strike force as such, but it's a bit hard to call them 'pub standard' players. Burton's goal was bravely taken according to the commentators. I would give Reid some kind of role, even if not at the start, as I think he is a real attacking threat.

Monday night is an occasion when we have to be united as the 12th man and get behind the team, whatever our reservations about particular players. It is going to be tense and I think it could go to extra time and even penalties.

Charlton still in the fight

Sodje recovered from injury to replace Llera in Charlton's line up tonight, reports Erith Addick Paul May from the County Ground. The Robins were without striker Billy Paynter.

Charlton won a corner after five minutes, but a long-distance effort from Borrowdale went well over. Randolph saved from Austin. After Swindon were awarded a free kick, Randolph had to save from Austin. Charlton won a corner as the quarter hour mark approached, but Borrowdale's effort was saved by Lucas. Swindon were dominating the early exchanges, but at least the Addicks held out.

The game was very rushed with Swindon pressurising the Charlton defence. Swindon were blocking any attempts by Richardson to come forward. Sam was not contributing a lot.

Swindon broke from midfield, but they were off target. Ward broke through and had a great chance, but he put the ball wide. It was a mistake by Sodje that let him in. He had sat down in the middle of the pitch earlier and seemed not to be fully fit.

Richardson advanced and put in a decent cross, but no one was available to connect and Lucas was able to collect. Sodje looked more effective in dealing with an attack and won a free kick.

An effort by Borrowdale was palmed away and Charlton won a corner. Richardson's effort did not lead to anything. Swindon counter attacked. Mooney looked lively for once. Charlton were looking a bit better as half time approached, but Dailly hoofed the ball away when he could have played it out.

Borrowdale conceded a corner in the last couple of minutes as Swindon advanced again.
Dailly put it out of play for a Swindon throw. Mooney and Burton linked up well, but it did not lead to anything.

Half time: Robins 0, Addicks 0

Sam tackled well and found Burton. A curling effort from Bailey came off the post with Lucas stranded and was headed behind for a corner.

Swindon took the lead with a downward header from Austin into the bottom right hand corner, following good build up play. Randolph had no chance.

Charlton were awarded a free kick about 25 yards out to right of centre. The ball from Borrowdale went straight into the Addickted. Mooney won another free kick and the ball from Richardson led to a Charlton corner. Another Addicks corner followed.

Charlton won another corner as they kept up the pressure. Lucas palmed the ball out for another corner. Mooney should have scored and the ball was scrambled away.

The Addicks kept up the pressure and won their eighth corner which Sam wanted to take, but Borrowdale took it up. It was clattered clear, Swindon counter attacked and Ward made it 2-0 for the home side, Charlton having left themselves exposed at the back.

Swindon won their first corner of the second half. Randolph made a decent save from Austin after some good defending by Dailly. Randolph put a long ball forward, Burton connected well and put it over the head of the Swindon goalkeeper to make it 2-1 with his 14th goal of the season.

Richardson put in a corner, Lucas flapped and it went behind. Sodje was down again. Bailey put in a good cross, but Swindon came forward again. Sam was fouled.
Bailey put in a good cross, but Burton could not make contact. An effort by Ward went wide.

Swindon were at panic stations at the back with a loss of confidence between Lucas and his defence. Charlton kept up the pressure and won their 10th corner. Forster came on to replace Mooney. Lucas gathered the corner.

The Addicks won their 11th corner with about quarter of an hour to go. Swindon cleared the ball, but Semedo won it back. The 12th Charlton corner followed, but Lucas seemed to have got his composure back and gathered the ball.

Borrowdale blocked well as Swindon attacked. Austin put in a header and some of the rocking Robins thought a penalty had been awarded against Randolph, but the referee from the Isle of Wight gave a goal kick. Wagstaffe came on to replace Sam who had not contributed that much.

Sodje blocked well as Swindon attacked and looked like they might make it 3-1. Ward put in a shot and hit the angle of crossbar and post. Akpo Sodje came on for Deon Burton who had been hit by cramp. A shot from Forster went well over the crossbar.

Bailey was fouled by the Glaswegian charm merchant who got a yellow card. Five minutes of time were added on. Ward headed wide. Swindon came forward again and Borrowdale had to concede the corner, but it led to a Charlton goal kick. Swindon hit the woodwork with 30 seconds to go.

Charlton performed much better in the second half, but Swindon created more chances in the match as a whole. Charlton are still in the tie.

Big build up in Leeds

There's a big build up in Leeds for tomorrow's match at The Valley. If you go here you can read the forecasts of Leeds fans, meet referee Lee Probert, and learn about danger man Nicky Bailey and his feared accomplice Deon Burton.

One piece of good news ahead of the match is that Sam Sodje has recovered from his knee injury and is available to face his former club. I have no particular recommendations on selections, except to say that I think that there is a case for starting Kyel Reid for his attacking threat. Given that we need Semedo, Racon may have to retreat to the bench.

I would also keep Darren Randolph in goal, notwithstanding that Elliot once seemed to be an inevitable first choice.

Although winning tomorrow would help Millwall, I would rather face a somewhat faltering Leeds in the play offs. I think that they would lose it if they have to go through the play offs again.

Having said that, I am not particularly optimistic about the match. Our defence has become more solid and we have a midfield that is capable of sparkling. The problem is up front, notwithstanding the worthy efforts of Burton and Forster. One is never clear where the goals are going to come from and there is always the chance of conceding.

The consensus among the Leeds 'jury' is 1-2 to them and they may well be right. I think it will be 1-1 until the 96th minute when Leeds will score the winner.

Norwich out to ease the pain

Norwich are seeking to ease the pain of their 4-2 end-of-season defeat at Charlton by taking three points tomorrow. Although on paper it is a more difficult match that the one that produced a midweek defeat Orient, they remain confident of victory: Canaries

Phil Parkinson is viewed in Norfolk as having turned up the heat on Norwich: Parky

Holt is still suspended while Wes Hoolihan is doubtful because of a thigh injury so Norwich's attack may be blunted. Deon Burton could be back for the Addicks and it would be interesting to see him in partnership with Forster. Burton's ability to hold the ball up might be useful.

Charlton's defence has been looking very solid. The midfield has been playing well. My one question mark on Tuesday was about Racon. There might be a case for moving Bailey to the centre and using Reid on the left. His pace could unhinge the Norwich defence.

As to the result, I really have no idea, although I fear a 1-2 Norwich victory. However, this is a game where the crowd has to play its part and not start moaning the first time there is a misplaced pass or a panic header from the defence.

Dons hope to be at full strength

MK Dons hope to be back at full strength for the clash against Charlton yesterday. Striker Sam Baldock has missed 10 games through a knee injury, but trained on Thursday and could feature tomorrow. This is important as the side is short of attacking options.

Nicky Bailey and Deon Burton both remain doubtful, both having received injections, Bailey in the ankle and Burton in the knee. The return of Bailey would be important for the side, provided he can avoid outbursts of petulance. Randolph will remain between the sticks.

MK Dons are clearly a controversial club and I personally do not like franchise systems. One only has to look at the problems that have arisen in North American ice hockey where new franchises in places like Arizona have floundered, not surprisingly given that it is difficult to get in the mood when there is a heatwave outside. However, a lack of flexibility has meant that it has not been possible to transfer the franchise to Canadian cities like Hamilton, Ontario which would have a much more viable support base.

The real culprits in the Wimbledon saga in my view are the local council who made no effort to help them find a new ground once they vacated the inadequate Plough Lane. Once they were at Sainsbury's their fate was sealed. MK Dons have managed to build up a much bigger support base than I anticipated as I thought that most of those living in the 'city' would be adherents of big London clubs. Indeed, that may be the case, and MK Dons may be their second club or be preferred as a local alternative, particularly when taking the family to the game.

With Paul May off on a stag weekend in Prague, I will be covering the game myself tomorrow. I am going for a 2-1 win for the home side.

Injuries plague Addicks

Phil Parkinson could have a selection headache for Saturday's clash at Huddersfield Town after Charlton head physiotherapist Steve Allen revealed that several Addicks players sustained injuries in the weekend's 2-2 draw with Gillingham.

Rob Elliot (groin) and Deon Burton (knee) both limped out of the action, while Lloyd Sam, Akpo Sodje and Jose Semedo also suffered knocks.

Elliot was replaced at half-time by Darren Randolph. He suffered a tear to his left groin which got progressively worse during the half, and he will be out for around a month. Randolph is a competent replacement in my view, but we will almost certainly need a back up keeper in case he gets injured.

Deon Burton has sprained his medial ligament in his knee, probably aggravating it by playing on. He had a scan on Sunday. It's a first degree sprain and he'll be out for around two weeks. This means we will have to rely on the much criticised David Mooney and the somewhat lumbering Akpo Sodje up front.

Sodje has had an injection in his right buttock, but we don't want to go there.

Not wishing I was there

Luxembourg: Leading Luxembourg daily Wort gave me a nice splash and a flattering photo this morning, but I could not arouse.. their interest in the so-called Kent derby between Charlton and Gillingham. Apparently the away end is almost sold out as Gills fans look for their first away win of the season.

Parky has talked of big changes in the squad after players let him down at Millwall. Some fans have been calling for a reversion to 4-5-1 on the grounds that it worked at the beginning of the season. It 'worked' in the sense that we won some matches, but not usually by dominating them. Football is a game of thin margins and a good run can result from luck as much as judgement. Anyway, Deon Burton was probably fitter earlier in the season whereas now he appears to be carrying an injury.

Shelvey has now 'enjoyed' an abnormally long 'rest' and there might be a case for getting him in the shop window if we need to get a good price for him in the summer. However, it is too soon for such experiments and I never found his 'wandering' role that convincing.

I can't say I am that bothered about missing the match tomorrow. It's not the indifferent performances that bothers me but the excessive gloom among Charlton fans, although I hear that Leeds fans are also fed up with their team and they are second.

I am going for a 2-1 win for the Addicks.

Not an easy task

After Saturday's morale boosting win against Yeovil, those who read their results off the table might think it is an easy task against Brighton tonight, particularly given that we beat them away. But then we beat Orient away who were in a similar position in the table when we met them. Brighton showed at Leeds that they are no pushovers.

The Addicks have suffered two injury blows. Elliot is unlikely to be available. Randolph is competent, but I doubt whether he would have made the three saves that Elliot made on Saturday. He also lacks competitive match experience. The absence of a reserve side is a particular drawback for the back up keeper.

Frazer Richardson is also out and Chris Solly will slot in there, showing the wisdom of bringing in Johnnie Jackson to cover the left back slot.

Nicky Bailey had a poor game on Saturday. Having looked at the goal he failed to score, I think that the young Yeovil keeper simply made a good save with his feet, just as Elliot did earlier in the game. What really worried me was when Bailey created a dangerous situation in front of his own goal. He is no doubt one of those players that Parky refers to as trying too hard and he just needs to calm down a bit and think. I would not drop him, however.

Deon Burton has had some stick for failure to score from open play (although no doubt he would have got even more if he had failed to score the two penalties against Millwall). However, he contributes other things by holding up the ball and laying it off. Just possibly the partnership with Mooney is starting to work and they have a better idea how to position themselves. Both of them just need to remember that there is an offside rule.

I am going for a 3-2 win for the Addicks tonight (Llera, Bailey, Burton). Phillipa Nicholson will bring you full coverage of the game.

Izale McLeod has sustained a knee injury in training at Peterborough and will be out for two months following an operation. Chris Dickson's move to Gillingham may become permanent at the end of the season.

The 12th man

There's been an interesting debate on the Glynne Jones list this week about whether Charlton fans have been moaning too much. One view is that they have been remarkably tolerant in the circumstances, with the complaining being limited to professional moaners and a bit of booing at full time.

My view is that the atmosphere is (perhaps understandably) quite fragile and there is a tendency to pounce on the first misplaced pass or become edgy if we haven't scored after 20 minutes or, even more so, if the other team scores first, as is too often the case. Let's hope they've been working on how you defend from a corner at the training ground this week.

Parky is in no doubt about the importance of the crowd. 'We really need our supporters to get right behind whatever team I pick from the first minute to the last,' he said. 'A few of the lads have almost been trying too hard, so we need to relax everyone and settle down. The crowd can play a massive part. If they want to help get our season back on track, they need to be patient and really get behind us.'

He continued: 'Obviously, we'd like to score first, but if we don't, we've got to react in a calmer fashion than we did against Bristol Rovers.'

There has been some talk of a need for a reversion to 4-5-1 given that that seemed to work in the early part of the season. However, after a while, fans were calling for a Plan B and Parky responded.

It's true that Burton has not seemed happy with his strike partners and has been rather anonymous in recent matches. However, I wonder if his hernia problem is bothering him and if he is fit enough or in sufficient form to play up front on his own, even with Shelvey in the hole? On the other hand, Akpo Sodje has not impressed in recent outings.

Yeovil often look like a Spurs 'A' team, but we have our own answer in the former of Johnnie Jackson, at one time seen as a great hope at White Hart Lane. I wouldn't rely on any of my forecasts, but I am going for a disappointing day for moaners anda 2-1 win for Charlton.

Hall of fame

I gained the somewhat unwelcome accolade of being placed in the CAFC Picks Hall of Fame for January on the basis of predicting that Charlton would pick up only 7 points during the month. Given the quality of the team, I think that they are performing much as one would expect.

With Charlton reduced to nine men, Swindon managed a 2-2 draw at The Valley. They then went on to beat Leeds 3-0. Looking at the form table, and this particular construction of reality has a lot of followers among Charlton fans, it might therefore seem that there is only possible result tomorrow, a win for Swindon by at least two goals.

I am not going to attempt a detailed match preview, as that has already been done well by Pedro on Charlton Athletic Online. I am not sure, however, that I agree with him about dropping Burton in favour of a Mooney-Sodje (A) pairing. Admittedly particularly if you think penalties don't count (but that still have to be scored, not least against Millwall), Burton's scoring record is not impressive. However, I do think he brings other things to the team such as neat lay offs and an ability, sometimes at least, to hold up the ball.

Pedro reasonably makes the point that three teams come away disappointed from the play offs (although not necessarily in vital cash terms if one makes the final). They are a lottery. However, given my hope at the beginning of the season was that we might just make the No.6 slot, our league position is still well ahead of my expectations.

Although all the signs point to a comfortable win for the home side at the County Ground, bad (or good) form never continues for ever. I would be surprised and delighted if we won at Swindon, but I think that our role as draw specialists may continue and I am going for another 1-1 (Reid).

Midlife Olympics

The one sure name on the Charlton teamsheet is Rob Elliot (we hope), but in an emergency we could always call on Merryn Smith. Seen here at the Garrison Field in the World's Smallest Football League, the hapless Garrison Gunners don't seem to be troubling the Woolpack Wanderers keeper all that much.

On Christmas Eve, I watched Victoria Wood's Christmas programme. It was a bit of a curate's egg and one of the least successful skits was the 'Midlife Olympics' which were staged at Brentford's Griffin Park. Makes sense: it's just down the road from the BBC Television Centre and no doubt the Beehive comes cheap.

A good friend of mine is a lifelong Brentford supporter. By lifelong I mean lifelong: he has lived all his life in the same house in Acton. But now he has having a struggle to prevent his children becoming Gooners or even Super Hoops.

Brentford were at one time a more successful team than they are today. I have a DVD of the Arsenal Stadium Mystery: when asked to explain the murder, the manager says 'I didn't see it.' There are extensive excerpts from a game between Arsenal and Brentford: it all looks very kick-and-rush.

By 1936-7 Brentford were the 8th best supported Division 1 club. However, they got relegated from the top flight in the first post-war season, never to return. In West London, they have to compete with the Super Hoops of Queen's Park Rangers and Chelsea as well. There has been talk of moving to a new stadium in the direction of Heathrow, but it never seems to come to anything.

Some people dismissed our hard fought victory over them in front of the Sky TV cameras at The Valley as just another one over a lower table side, but many pundits were tipping them for at least a play off place at the start of the season. They are clearly a decent enough League 1 side.

Charlton have managed to create problems for themselves. Passion can be a double edged sword and Sam Sodje has been banned for four games as it was his second red of the season and his third straight red since joining the club. Some people have been suggesting that Mambo should be recalled from the Staines Massive, but Semedo will have to slot into the centre back role. With Dailly still ill, Llera will have to try and match his heroics in attack on Boxing Day by showing sufficient sharpness in defence.

Charlton Athletic Online has already made the point that a 4-5-1 formation is a likely reaction to the absence of Deon Burton. Burton will be missed because he is a very effective player, not just in terms of scoring goals. Whether he thought that punching the ball into the back of the net was some sort of Christmas comedy routine I don't know, but it was as unfunny as many of the Christmas offerings on television and one can hardly blame the referee for applying the laws of the game.

The bookies have now decided that Norwich are the hot favourites for automatic promotion along with Leeds and that seems to be the agenda of the Football League programme on television. However, as Alan Curbishley used to say, 'It's a long old season.' Norwich are away to Walsall which should be relatively straightforward for them if they are as brilliant as some people claim, but Colchester have a trickier match at home to Southampton.

Charlton are turning into draw specialists and I am forecasting a share of the points at Griffin Park at 1-1, but it could well be a defeat. I won't be going, partly because of the difficulty of parking and partly because, having taken a few days off, I need to catch up with work. Paul May will be there and will be providing his usual authoritative commentary.

Stat attack

Charlton had 49 per cent of the possession in today's match against Swindon despite playing with nine men for much of the match. Goal attempts were pretty even at 14 to 16, but more of Swindon's were on target (12 to 8). Swindon had only one more corner than Charlton and there was only one offside decision in the game (against Swindon late on).

The most striking stat is that the Robins had 13 fouls to five for the Addicks. The referee seemed very reluctant to clamp down on niggling fouls committed by the visitors. However, it is evident that the sending offs were justified.

I must admit that I was preparing a paragraph saying that our forecast of 2-1 to Swindon had been correct until I got the last set of notes.

Phil Parkinson said afterwards: 'I'm disappointed in both our players. Sodje's was a rash challenge and he's an experienced player. Deon was unlucky but if you run over to the referee in that manner you've got yourself in a position to get booked. For the second one, I thought the ref could have pulled him over and used his intelligence to manage the game.'

'We're really pleased we've got a point but the discipline has been good in the squad throughout the season and we've got to make sure we keep our cool. Let me, Tim Breacker and Mark Kinsella be the ones going mad on the touchline as the squad need to keep cool heads. That was the disappointing side of it and we have to nip that in the bud'. Wise words.

Last ditch equaliser by Llera keeps undefeated record for 9 man Charlton

As forecast by some bloggers, there is a start for Jonjo Shelvey against Swindon today. Wagstaff drops back to the bench and Spring comes in. Akpo Sodje starts wide right with Shelvey in the hole. Omozusi stays at right back. Dailly who is ill was replaced by Llera without his special headgear. Not our strongest side, but it was good to see Chris Solly on the bench.

An early free kick from 25 yards out deflected off a Swindon player for a corner reports Philippa Nicholson. Sam Sodje got his head to Basey's corner but it went just over. However, Charlton got a second corner, but this time Llera's effort was well off target. Worryingly, Sam Sodje had to have treatment on the pitch and was led to the dressing room with a head injury to receive further attention.

Llera headed the ball away as Swindon advanced and Charlton were awarded a free kick for a foul on Spring. After a good build up, Shelvey turned provider for Burton with a good ball, but the chance was lost when the striker headed over the bar. Sodje returned bandaged up.

Swindon attacked, but Bailey turned the ball out at the expense of a throw in. Bailey put in a good shot from distance but it went just over the bar and into the Jimmy Seed stand.

Llera headed the ball across his own penalty area. Eventually Omozusi was able to clear.

Sam Sodje was sent off on 19 minutes as McGovern went down after a unnecessary two footed challenge where there was no danger. Semedo dropped back into central defence leaving a three man midfield.

Elliot read a Swindon effort well and made a great save to turn the ball over with his fingertips. The corner was taken short which usually doesn't work and the ball was cleared.

Charlton won a corner. Llera failed to make contact. Bailey played the ball back in and following further play Omozusi fed Shelvey, leading to a second corner. Journeyman Matt Lucas in the Swindon goal collected.

Omozusi made a good run. Bailey had a go but it was never really on. Spring fed Basey well, but he lost possession. Omozusi continued to look lively. Akpo Sodje went down after a challenge by Haitian international Jean-Francois Lescenel. Sodje got back to his feet and Jean-Francois Lescenel got away with a quiet word.

The free kick did not how much power behind it and it was easily collected by Lucas, drawing on his early career experience in short-term loan deals. He has now found what may be a permanent home in Wiltshire.

There was a 50-50 between Akpo Sodje and Jean Francois which could have produced a penalty. The players thought that it was a penalty and Deon Burton got a yellow card for making his views known to the referee. Akpo Sodje looked very angry.

Shelvey put in a superb shot, picking his spot well, to put the ten men of Charlton ahead.

Charlton were down to nine men after Akpo Sodje had played the ball forward, Burton fouled Lucas and was shown his second yellow and sent off with five minutes of normal time left. I am having to tell Wyn to change the headlines every few minutes.

Swindon tried to attack, but Elliot collected at close range. Five minutes of time were added on. Elliot read a lofted ball well. Swindon kept up the pressure and they won a corner. It was taken short and it went out of play for a goal kick. Bailey took a free kick too quickly and an opportunity was wasted to keep possession.

Swindon were given a free kick in a very dangerous position after a foul by Bailey. It went over the wall and Elliot saved.

Millwall were losing 1-0 at Norwich.

Half time: Addicks 1, Robins 0

Swindon won an early corner. This time it was not taken short. The referee spoke to Douglas and Shelvey after they competed for the ball.

Semedo challenged well. Omozusi managed to avoid conceding a corner. Swindon kept up the pressure. Charlton turned defence into attack. Good work by Llera saw the ball safely shepherded out. Jean-Francois was taken off and Alan O'Brien came on for the visitors.

A strike from Douglas was deflected by Bailey for a corner. The short corner routine was used, an effort by Douglas was deflected for a second corner. Shelvey evaded two defenders and forced a save on the ground from Lucas.

Semedo managed to clear as danger threatened, but the ball came back in and Swindon got the equaliser from Austin on 56 minutes. It was a relatively soft goal which could have been prevented after some poor defending and Elliot perhaps could have done better. It was unfortunate that Charlton could not have held out longer.

Charlton won a corner, but Bailey's effort led to nothing. Swindon won a corner. Basey connected with Sodje, but he was unable to make good use of the ball. A free kick from Bailey led to a Charlton corner. Llera's header was cleared off the line by Douglas. The crowd of 17,977 were doing their best to get behind the Addicks.

Swindon won another corner. Elliot punched the ball away and Charlton got a free kick. Basey kicked the ball away after the referee failed to give a corner and he received a yellow card. Swindon brought on Celtic loan striker Ben Hutchinson to strengthen their attack.

Swindon threatened, but Charlton were able to block through Bailey. McKenzie came on to replace Akpo Sodje to provide fresh legs. Swindon put in a strike but Elliot saved well.

After Austin played the ball to the far post, Paynter put the ball in the net to make it 1-2. The Swindon fans sang 'Up the football league we go'. Bailey made an error, but Swindon were not able to take advantage as they shot on sight.

Austin came off and was replaced by a midfield player. Omozusi was withdrawn and Scott Wagstaff replaced him, giving Charlton more attacking options. Charlton's outfield was playing 3-4-1. Returning prodigal Chris Dickson replaced Jonjo Shelvey who had become quieter. The formation changed to 3-3-2.

Wagstaff put in a superb cross, but McKenzie was inches away and Swindon were able to clear. Charlton won a free kick after a clear foul on Wagstaff and then a challenge on McKenzie. Basey's ball was headed into the air and a free kick was given to Swindon.

Swindon received their first yellow card when Hutchinson was booked to ironic cheers from the Addickted. Four minutes of time were added on. Swindon just had to retain possession. Charlton won a free kick and Llera scored the equaliser. Often derided as a carthorse, he will be the hero of the hour. Parky went beserk celebrating.

Colchester beat Southend 2-1 at Roots Hall and Norwich defeated the Spanners 2-0 to close the gap to two points. Charton face a tricky match at Brentford on Monday without Burton and Sam Sodje.