Rob Elliot's frustration

After winning a second cap with Ireland (playing for half of Ireland's 2-0 friendly victory over Oman), former Charlton goalkeeper Rob Elliot returns to Newcastle to resume his place on the substitutes bench. He is finding this frustrating, even though it gives him a ringside seat as Alan Pardew displays his silky coaching skills.

Elliot moved to Newcastle in 2011 on a five year contract. Now 28, he has made just 12 first team appearances. Ahead of him is Holland international Tim Krul.

Elliot apparently adores Geordieland, but he told The Times 'I've wanted to play - I don't want to just get the tag of being a No.2 keeper. I think, after this season, depending on how many games I get, I'll have to look at it and see what happens.'

Wilson named in dream team

Burton defender Phil Edwards [who he? ed] names Lawrie Wilson in his dream team in this morning's Football League Paper. He writes, 'I played with Lawrie at Stevenage. He has bags of energy and pace, he got up and down the right well and he was an exciting player going forward but he was a good defender as well.'

With Chris Solly's future career sadly in doubt, some Addicks are talking of Wilson as a possible candidate for Player of the Year. Others think that his performances are too inconsistent, but I rate him highly for both dedication and skill. A good signing by Chris Powell.

Edwards also names former Charlton keeper Rob Elliot: 'We had him on loan from Charlton when I was at Accrington and he was outstanding. He had a great kick on him and was really commanding in the box and was a great shot stopper as well.'

Believers head north

The loyal Addickted will be leaving the Beliebers surrounding the 02 arena behind this morning and heading north for Huddersfield. Hopefully, they will not arrive two hours late and will not encounter any parparazzi or will require a hospital stay.

The Addicks have not claimed all three points at Huddersfield since 1999. I always recall a 0-3 victory there on a Tuesday night in the 1990s when Lee Bowyer, then with Leeds turned up in the row in front, and a 1-2 victory at Christmas time when Johnnie Robinson scored a wonder goal.

Charlton have now gone 16 successive games without a clean sheet, the worst record of any team in the league. Attention therefore turns to the defence. One of the debating points among the Addickted is whether Button or Hamer should be in goal. It's a difficult one to decide, although the more experienced Hamer may have the edge, despite his tendency to fumble the ball.

It's unfortunate that we no longer have Rob Elliot who played for Newcastle in their 0-0 Europa League draw away in the week. Apparently, he only had to make one save though and spent the rest of the time shivering in his goalmouth. Whoever is in goal today will certainly be called into action a lot more.

Leon Cort is still a doubt because of his knee injury so it looks like Taylor and Morrison in central defence. Morrison has been making some uncharacterisic errors recently. Stephens is also a doubt.

In both of the two previous encounters this year, one player was sent off, but there is no reason to expect this happen today. Huddersfield are one of the teams to claim a prime minister as a supporter, Harold Wilson. At one time, they were one of the leading teams in the country and there are some great pictures of their old ground packed with fans.

I think that the best we can hope for today is a draw, but with Charlton away and playing with more confidence than they do at home, you never know.

Charlton report Pardew to Premier League

Charlton have reported Newcastle manager Alan Pardew to the Premier League after he broke a confidentiality agreement in relation to a bid for Rob Elliot.

Newcastle made a derisory £100,000 for the keeper on Wednesday which was immediately rejected.

It is unlikely that we will get any joy from the Premier League, but it is worth making the point.

Any old Iron?

With Charlton topping the league and Scunthorpe in 20th place, tomorrow's fixture would look like a banker for the Addicks. One should never be complacent, but the team is playing well. The midfield has impressed. The central defenders may be a bit agricultural, but they are doing their job. Bradley Wright-Phillips has found his scoring boots and Paul Hayes, much criticised pre-season, is displaying his qualities.

Chris Powell has been playing down speculation about Rob Elliot moving to the Toon saying that talks are at an 'embryonic' stage. It looks as if Rob Elliot will be between the sticks on Saturday and there is a lot to be said for continuity.

Four Four Two saw the Iron finisihing in the play offs. The Times thought 'It will be a significant surprise if they make an immediate return to the Championship' and saw them finishing 16th. They thought that the looss of David Mirfin to Watford left a big hole in defence and saw their weakness as 'brittle confidence after relegation last season' which ended in a 6-0 defeat at Carrow Road.

The supremo is giant former central defender Alan Knill who was brought in from Bury with eight games to go last season but was not able to turn things around.

Some disllusioned Addicks may be tempted to return tomorrow, but don't expect a big crowd as Scunthorpe are expected to bring only around 250.

I am going for a 3-1 win for the Addicks.

Addick's Third Division Diary has now been running for a few weeks and this blog will now be phased out. There will be reduced content from now on, but links will be provided to stories on the new blog.

Pards swoops for Elliot

Newcastle United are expected to sign Charlton goalkeeper with Rob Elliot in the next day or two. He would be a replacement for Fraser Forster who has rejoined Celtic on loan with a view to a £2m transfer.

Elliot was recommended to Pardew by Andy Woodman, the goalkeeping coach, who worked with the player at Sparrows Lane.

Elliot has had a good start to the season, conceding only one goal. Doubts have been expressed in the past about how well he commands his area and how good he is with crosses, but I am far from sure that his departure is good news.

New keeper in

Charlton are involved in talks to sign keeper Ben Hamer from Reading: Hamer

Should this signing go ahead, it must cast doubt on the future of Rob Elliot. Some Addicks who were at the Millwall game thought that he was positioning was not too good for the two free kicks that led to goals

Hamer came up through the youth academy at Reading. He is a fluent German speaker, a talent likely to be wasted at Charlton: Wikipedia

A Bee has e-mailed me to say that he was a great keeper for Brentford and a fans' favourite.

Apparently Hull were also interested so we did well to get him.

The Sky report also refers to the possible signing of another striker, but I have heard reports linking us to another full back, Andy Hughes from Scunthope. Scunthorpe have confirmed that there has been an enquiry about the 33-year old who has only spent six months at the club after joining them from Leeds.

Charlton fight hard for away point

A spirited performance by Charlton saw them secure an away point against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough with a 2-2 draw at a ground where they have not won in the league since 1953.

I couldn't pick up any commentary at first from Charlton and then it seemed to be from a match involving Rochdale so I switched to the home commentary. It was rather amusing listening to two glum Yorkshiremen trying to console each other.

I missed Waggy's opening goal on 5 minutes, but heard Johnnie Jackson put the ball past Nicky Weaver on 7 minutes to extend the lead to 2-0.

Charlton were passing well, although they tended to sit back a bit. The Owls then had a chance to get back into the game with a penalty of their own, but it was saved. The local commentators described this as a 'miss', although they were perplexed that this was the first time their penalty taker had missed. They then had to admit that Elliot had made a 'decent' (i.e., excellent) save by diving to his left.

Half times: Owls 0, Addicks 2

The local commentators had remarked that Wednesday were a one half team and they can storming out of the traps after the break. The swirling wind in the penalty area meant that the ball was hanging high in the air, giving opportunities to the big lads of the home team.

Heffernan scored their opener on 48 minutes. Anyinsah had a chance to reply immediately at the other end, but put the ball over the bar. Charlton were under the cosh and after a succession of corners Johnson made it 2-2 on 52 minutes.

Charlton were not defending well, emphasising the need for a younger and more mobile central defender. Sodje was brought on to give greater physical presence with Anyinsah being withdrawn. Then Racon was withdrawn to give Eccleston his Charlton debut. The youngster seemed to lift Charlton to some extent.

Elliot made good some saves, while Francis defended well and made his presence felt at the other end. He provided a great cross to Sodje, but Purse was able to take the pace off the ball and Weaver managed to collect.

It looked as if the Owls were going to score in injury time, first through a good effort from 25 yards out by O'Connor. The Owls had a succession of corners with the ball coming off the inside of the bar and being put away by Francis.

It was a pulsating game and there was no lack of commitment from the Charlton players. The squad does need strengthening, however.

I predict that this will be Keith Peacock's last game as Charlton manager.

Charlton are now outside the play off places in 7th place, MK Dons having gone up to 6th.

Benson sent off in 3-3 draw

There are no great surprises in the Charlton line up at Colchester, reports Erith Addick Paul May. The injured Anyinsah (spine) is replaced by Martin and Sodje returns to the bench. Indeed, the biggest change is in our commentary team where I am joined by Hans-Peter Knoeofel aus Schweiz mit die Ubersicht.

Colchester manager John Ward told Radio Essex that Charlton had a very strong bench and complained 'We're up against some very strong clubs, some very wealthy clubs.'

The advancing Martin was cynically pulled back by Reid who might have got a yellow card. Elliot asked for the ball to be changed. The game started quietly with neither side dominating. Then Mooney put in a shot after Doherty did not read the flight of the ball well but Elliot saved. Fry made a poor clearance, but the U’s were not able to take advantage of the opportunity.

Doherty made a poor header and Elliot had to sprint to deny Mooney. Elliot went down with what appeared to be a turned ankle, although his left knee might also have been troubling him. He pulled up awkwardly after the clearance. Colchester advanced and Semedo put in great work to clear in the area. Racon put in a shot on target, but it was an easy save for Williams.

A free kick 30 yards out was awarded against Semedo as concerns about Elliot continued. Wordsworth curled the ball round the wall and Elliot made a fantastic save to his left at the expense of a corner. Lloyd James ran in and Heath put in a near post header to put Colchester 1-0 ahead.

Martin was challenged in the area and a penalty, which some referees would not have given, was awarded. Top scorer Jackson put the ball straight into the corner to equalise. Doherty appeared to foul Mooney, but the former Addick was given a yellow card for diving. Ross Worner was sitting down again.

A cross put in Martin was turned away by Reid for a corner. Reid headed the corner away and Mooney advanced. Francis put in a good tackle leading to a Charlton throw. Colchester advanced on the right and went 2-1 ahead through Andy Bond. The marking at the back by Charlton was slack. Elliot dived to his right and went down on the ground. The stretcher was called for, but Elliot got up again. Francis appeared to have a head injury.

Francis had to put the ball away for a corner to prevent a clear shot on goal. Semedo cleared, but the U’s re-gained possession and Doherty put the ball out for a corner. Elliot punched the ball out, Vincent had two attempts and the ball went over the crossbar for a goal kick.

Colchester advanced again, Vincent’s first touch was too strong and Dailly put the ball away for a corner which was taken short. Bond put in a volley but Elliot made a great save. Charlton were under the cosh.

Dailly went in late on Vincent and received a yellow card. Wordsworth swung in the ball towards the far post but it went out of play. Martin put in a decent cross, but the resultant throw by Francis was poor. A cross by Francis led to a corner.

A great header from Benson went in, there was a deliberate handball from Perkins on the goal line and he was sent off. This time Jackson put it in the opposite corner to last time to make it 2-2 and put his league tally up to ten.

Charlton were playing better possession football. Six minutes were added on. Benson had a golden chance with a free header after a great cross by Jackson but his effort had no power behind it. Francis was brought down by Wordsworth who was lucky not to be booked.

Hans-Peter: Der Torwat ist tapfer. I am worried about the quality of the defending from set pieces.

Half-time: U's 2, Addicks 2

The U’s made a bright start to the second half. After some neat passing by Charlton, a drive was blocked. Charlton started to dominate possession. Francis made a poor pass which went to the keeper. Martin got a shot away from the edge of the D despite the attentions of three defenders.

Parky made a double substitution after a quiet spell in the match. Racon was replaced by Abbott in an attacking change and Reid replaced Wagstaff who had not been very involved. Jackson went into a more central midfield position with Martin on the right.

The U’s won a corner off Lee Martin. James put in a shot but Elliot saved. The U’s broke down the right (a problem for Charlton all afternoon), there were appeals for a free kick as Doherty was having his shirt tugged and they scored from the left of the area through Wordsworth to go 3-2 ahead. Mooney got a shot away which went just past the post with Elliot nowhere near it.

Jackson put in a cross, but it was headed away. Elliot sliced a clearance after Fry passed the ball back to him. The keeper did not look completely comfortable. However, he dealt well with a cross from Vincent. Charlton applied some pressure. Martin put in a good cross with Benson stealing in but Williams claimed well.

Good movement by Reid led to a Charlton corner. Williams punched it out, Fry missed out it and the U’s counter attacked, Mooney went for glory with options to his left and right and he put the ball over the bar. Abbott advanced but suffered from a very marginal offside decision.

Paul Benson scored a spectacular goal with an overhead volley to make it 3-3. Colchester made a double substitution taking off Vincent who was replaced by Henderson. Mooney went off and was replaced by Odejayi. These were like-for-like replacements to deal with tired legs.

Elliot caught the ball well. Martin put in a good cross towards the far post and it was headed behind for a corner. Fry tackled well to deny the U’s as they broke.
Dailly fed Reid and Benson put the ball in the net, but the referee gave a free kick. Colchester were backs to the wall, but they were given a generous free kick. The U’s were given a free kick on the edge of the area. Wordsworth’s effort went over the crossbar, Elliot judging it well not to concede the corner.

Benson was late in a challenge on White and was shown red. Five minutes were added on. News came through that George Burley had been dismissed by the Glaziers after their defeat by the Spanners.

The Addicks conceded a corner after a free kick: it was a dubious decision and Parky was not happy. Heath had a free header but Elliot made the save. Charlton counter attacked. The U’s advanced and Elliot had to kick a back pass away. Reid wasted an opportunity. The U’s applied more pressure, but Charlton countered.

The Addicks had not won away on New Year’s Day since 1953 and the chance to go second was missed.

Die Ubersicht: Hans Peter has awarded the box of chocolates to Elliot for a fighting performance. He was concerned about the way in which the U's could advance on the right and wonders how good Herr Braten from West Ham is. There are also defensive worries at set pieces, but the fighting spirit was good.

Gasheads face defensive problems

Bristol Rovers boss Paul Trollope faces defensive problems after Byron Anthony, one of their most consistent performers, picked up his fifth yellow card of the season in the draw at Brighton. He had switched to the right back position with first choice player in that slot, Carl Regan, serving out a three match ban. Read more about their defensive woes here: Pirates

Of course, we face our own defensive challenges. Rob Elliot, who has been playing well, was once again let down by the defence in front of him on Saturday. Leaving aside the own goal, Doherty was constantly hoofing the ball up the field to an opposition player. After showing some signs of improvement, Francis had another mare. Only Fry was really solid.

Now we have lost Dailly with the sending off evidently justified when the evidence was reviewed. Dailly has not looked at his best in recent games. Fortune was solid enough when he came on as a sub on Saturday, but can he keep it up for 90 minutes? Llera can be good in patches, but he is also prone to serious errors.

At least we can score goals, but we need to stop them going in as well.

Unfortunately, neither Paul May nor Philippa Nicholson will be available to cover tomorrow night's match, but I am forecasting a 2-1 win for the Addicks.

Elliot out for a month

In a big blow for the Addicks, Rob Elliot has chipped a bone in his elbow in training and will be out for a month: Elliot

Phil Parkinson is desperately looking for a new keeper for the weekend as Ross Worner has not found it easy to bridge the gap from the second step of non-league.

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.

Reid wins game for Charlton in time added on

With Deon Burton out injured, Akpo Sodje and David Mooney combine for the Addicks for the first time at Roots Hall tonight reports Paul May. Semedo comes backing into the starting line up at the expense of Kyel Reid and local hero Nicky Bailey moves out to the left once again.

Bailey opened the action with a great cross, but Sam was unable to connect. Racon lost possession with a showboating back heeled flick and Southend won a free kick. Vernon headed the free kick back across the six yard box, but Vernon managed to clear. Richardson put in a good ball, but Mildenhall claimed for Southend.

Neither side was really dominant in a rather scrappy opening phase of play. A good effort by Bailey from just outside the box on his right foot was well saved by Mildenhall to give Charlton the first corner of the game. Southend won a free kick after a challenge by Llera.

Sam made a great run, but a much needed tackle came in from Southend. Elliot had to make a brilliant save after diving to the right to scoop the ball round the post. Southend kept up the pressure after the corner. Mooney went off to have his boots changed, the pitch having proved slippery.

Southend were given a free kick in the D, Bailey went down holding his neck and rolling around and Christophe was given a red card for violent conduct. Bailey got a yellow card for his foul. The free kick was a good one by Francis but Elliot made another fantastic save. There was a scramble in the six yard box after the corner.

A long range drive came in from 35 yards from Paterson and Elliot spilled the ball to concede. Llera and Dailly both went for the same ball. Sam received the ball in a one-two from Mooney but he failed to beat the keeper.

Southend won a corner kick, but Charlton were awarded a free kick for a push. A Charlton corner was unproductive. A shot by Sam was not that strong. Arsenal loanee Sanchez Watt was given a yellow card by the referee.

Three minutes were added on. Charlton won a late corner after work by Sam and Mooney. Southend broke, but Richardson made an excellent interception and Southend won a corner kick.

Shrimpers 1, Addicks 0

Paterson made a nasty challenge on Elliot. Bailey put in a cross but Mildenhall was able to intercept at the expense of a corner. The ball went over the goal. Paterson came off. The home side were playing deeper.

Charlton won another corner, but it was unproductive. Sam fluffed a cross. Reid came on. Richardson sent a cross in, Mooney stretched, but it was straight at the keeper. Reid won a corner kick, but Southend cleared.

An effort by Reid was saved by Mildenhall to his right. Racon turned provider for Mooney, but his relatively weak shot was blocked on the line by Baldwin on the floor.
Mooney tried for goal but it went just over. Mooney was caught offside.

Barrett defended on the line as Charlton threatened following good work by Kyel Reid.
Southend won a corner. Bailey provided a good ball across to the left-hand side to Reid and Akpo Sodje slid the ball into the net. Mooney was replaced by McKenzie.

Racon conceded a free kick 22 yards out which was very well struck by Francis. Elliot made a double save after the ball hit the underside of the crossbar, bounced to the edge of the six yard box and the keeper made the save. Sam won a corner kick but it was denied by the linesman.

Another corner kick was signalled as a goal kick. At last Charlton were given a corner kick, but it was unproductive. A long range drive from Bailey went wide. Wagstaff was brought on. Elliot had to save off Francis at the second attempt.

Southend won a corner kick. Six minutes of time were added on. Reid accelerated, composed himself for his shot and drilled in a beautiful finish from a difficult angle to make it 2-1 to the Addicks. The 2,297 Addicks in attendance were sent home happy unlike the Nicky Bailey boo boys among the home fans.

A good win

Even professional moaners will find it difficult to argue that Charlton's win against Yeovil today was not a good one - and much needed. (However, having subsequently looked at the postings on the Glynne Jones list, I see that the search for negatives is on). OK, Yeovil are not that talented, their main asset being that most of their players are very tall, but they kept their pattern and shape well and had a few creative ideas. They were also very difficult to break down and blocked attacking balls well, especially in the first half, which helps to explain why we did not score before we did.

Reid's goal was very well taken, the sort of goal we love to see and the second one was a well worked move finished off neatly by Mooney. Elliot had to make some good saves to keep us in the game in the first half and it may be that the absence of Semedo opened up a gap between our defence and Bailey and Racon pushing forward.

It was noticeable that Yeovil began to tire after 70 minutes but we were unable to score a third goal. One disappointment was at the end of the game when we had a free kick out on the West Stand side, could have put the ball in the box but instead we tried to hang on to it, consequently lost possession and ended up conceding a free kick and earning a yellow card.

Match analysis

There were a number of candidates for the Silver Bone but we like to introduce new players to this well-established Charlton tradition and Ivy the Terrible made the award to Johnnie Jackson. He was involved throughout the game, as someone remarked is clearly a footballer and made some very good moves forward. Elliot had a very good game, making some vital saves, especially in the first half. Dailly made a series of excellent defensive headers at the back. Llera gave us extra height and was generally solid and reliable, it was a good move by Parky to replace Sodje. Richardson made some really good passes forward,
Sam looks more involved at some times than others. He put in none great shot from distance which was just inches over. Bailey had a bit of a 'mare, although he improved as the game went on. But why does he play long balls across the park which the recipient cannot control? Also one fan told me that he lost possession when not under pressure eight times. But he did make a couple of important defensive interventions. Racon showed some nice touches, but I remain unconvinced. Reid had a sparkling game, very energetic and showing real skill. Mooney took his goal well, but he had another opportunity which he could have made something of with more pace. He has some good ball skills, but seems lightweight. I thought that Burton had quite a good game, even if he did get caught offside a few times. Although he is not that tall, he was winning headers quite well. Perhaps he could have made more of one scoring chance. Bringing on Wagstaff was a good idea as Sam was tiring, but he made less of an impact than on some occasions. Semedo seemed bewildered when he came on for his cameo.

Juneau the Soccer Cat has had great difficulty in finding a Hiss of the Match although she did complain about the quality of the cat food this morning. Although the referee was reluctant to penalise pushes by either side, the officials had a good game on the whole with the linos understanding the offside rule. In the end Juneau gave the Hiss to the great big Somerset drum brought by the Glovers.

Crowd rating The nervousness was apparent before we scored our first goal, but spirits rose as it became evident that we were in charge. Even the Bloke Behind Me laughed when someone shouted 'Wake up Charlton' when we were 2-0 up. 6/10.

Charlton bring in international goalkeeper

Charlton are bringing in the keeper for the Bermuda international side on a two week trial: Bermuda

He could potentially be there to back up to Rob Elliot if Darren Randolph goes elsewhere.

Suprisingly, no comment is yet available from our man on the beach [you mean on the spot - ed] the Chicago Addick living in Bermuda.

Meanwhile, a well-known Addickted American sports commentator has remarked, 'I wouldn't get too excited about a keeper from Quinnipiac, a middling university in central Connecticut that has attempted to make big strides in its athletic programs. I've seen Quinnipiac play, although not this season, and don't recall any standouts.'

Elliot blow

The news that Rob Elliot is out for six weeks with a torn adductor muscle sustained in the match at Gillingham is a real blow. Although not faultless, Elliot has generally been a reliable custodian.

Carl Ikeme has been brought in from Wolves on an emergency loan, but it is not clear from the official web site whether he will be preferred to Darren Randolph. Randolph will, in any event, get his chance in front of the cameras against Northwich Victoria as Ikeme cannot play in this FA Cup match.

The club has acted swiftly, but this does not alter the fact that this is not good news.

We Make It Hard for Ourselves

Charlton secured their first three points of a season with 3-2 victory over Wycombe Wanderers at The Valley this afternoon. However, they twice surrendered a two goal lead and but for some last minute heroics by keeper Rob Elliott it could have easily ended in a 3-3 draw. Charlton played some neat football, and at times tore the Chairboys apart, but they were too inclined to sit back on their lead and too ready to panic when under pressure.

Gloomsters were forecasting that it would be difficult to reach attendances of 10,000 this season, but despite the fact that many people are still on holiday, there were some of the longest queues I have ever seen outside The Valley for walk up tickets and the final attendance was announced at 16,532. It was certainly an exciting match, but in many ways the kind of excitement I could do without.

When I got to Marylebone the tube train was stuck in the platform and paramedics were attending to an unfortunate individual who had been taken ill. Fortunately, he was able to walk away with them. The driver advised us to hold on tight and I then had the faster tube journey ever which showed how quickly these trains can go if there is nothing in front of them.

I was pleased to see that the tide was in at Deptford Creek. One benefit of being in League 1 was that the Rose of Denmark was far less crowded.

Despite the best efforts of Bream Team, the Big Screen went down before the match. Apparently one of the goldfish jumped out and Big Dave Lockwood was trying to catch it with a net and damaged the screen. I realised how useful a service it was.

The game started at a fast and furious pace and I wonder whether this could be maintained on a warm day. Indeed, Parky said that Charlton got tired in the second half and clearly fitness levels have to be looked at. This is a downside of having two centre backs with a combined age of around seventy.

New wonder player Adam Smith was lacking for the Chairboys despite his illustrious name and his Spurs pedigree. He managed to foul Bailey and then Racon in the first few minutes, leading to free kicks.

Llera and Racon got in decent crosses but they were cleared. Charlton won their first corner and Ronaldo's friend Semedo (see programme) took a shot but it was blocked by Adam Smith who had finally managed to find an equilbrium position. Bailey turned provider for Youga who was bearing down on goal and it looked as if we might score but he put his shot wide of the post. Racon had a go from just outside the area and covered his head in frustration when the shot went just over the bar.

Charlton were getting in some shots, but they were being blocked quite effectively by the Chairboys. Duberry blocked an effort from Burton and then Bailey sent the ball over. Bailey then drew a save from Shearer in the Wycombe goal.

Charlton won a corner, followed by a second. Dailly rose impressively from Shelvey's corner to head the ball in to the back of net. This was a well taken goal by the new signing.

Two minutes later Frazer Richardson turned provider for Bailey who put the ball in the top right hand corner of the net to make it 2-0. Unfortunately, we then started to go a bit mad and fail to use chances which could have finished off the match. We were not helped when Llera was off the pitch for ten minutes or so after a clash of heads. During this period we attempted to slow the game down and play possession football which worked until the Chairboys broke and scored.

One of the best chances came on 26 minutes when Sam shot with his right foot (he should have used his left) from outside the box and saw the ball go wide. Shelvey made a decent headed effort but it went wide. Then another effort by Shelvey went just over the bar. Dailly tried again, but his header went wide.

Then, almost from nowhere, Wycombe scored. They broke down the left side and I think it was Woodman who sent in a high inswinging ball with which Zebroski scored to make it 2-1 on 43 minutes. It was a typical League 1 goal and we have to be alert to that kind of danger.

Half time: Addicks 2, Chairboys 1

At half time Peter Taylor used the Roosevelt analogy of 'You have nothing to fear but fear itself.' He told his squad that they shouldn't come to places like The Valley and show fear. It's hardly the Emirates, but I see what it means. And it seems to have worked. The view of many Addicks is that we did not play as well in the second half, and I think that is true, but the other part of the story is that Wycombe upped the game. It's the familiar story of concentrating on your own failings and ignoring what the other team is doing.

The spirits of the Addickted were raised on 49 minutes when Llera made it 3-1 with a shot into the bottom left-hand corner from a few yards out, the assist coming from Shelvey. Again, we had our chances to put the match beyond doubt and didn't take them.

Wycombe threatened and Youga made a good defensive header in front of goal. The Chairboys made a double substitution, but I wasn't sure about who the players were or what they were likely to do. Once again Wycombe threatened and Charlton provided some good defensive work in front of goal. Wycombe won a corner, but Burton showed his worth in defence by making a decisive clearance.

Parkinson then made a double substitution on 67 minutes, replacing Gray by Burton and Sam by McLeod. I think Sam needed to come off, but it was a mistake to get rid of Burton who was playing an effective role in the game.

Initially, Gray and McLeod looked lively. Gray got a shot in which was blocked for a Charlton corner. Shelvey's inswinging corner was a good one and McLeod's header was just over the bar.

Youga gave away a free kick in a dangerous position, but fortunately it was cleared. Semedo lost the ball in midfield, Wycombe were able to break and Stuart Beavon turned provider for Chris Zebroski who made it 3-2 on 73 minutes.

It was very much game on and Wycombe could see a draw or even a win in their sights. Youga fouled Zebroski in a promising poistion for the visitors and Elliot had to make the save. He was then forced to give a corner away as he saved from danger man Zebrovski. By now it was panic stations in the Charlton defence as Elliot had to save from Zebroski again.

Charlton won a corner, but it was punched out by Shearer in the Wycombe goal. The Chairboys forged forward and Charlton gave away yet another free kick, this time through Racon. The panic was showing as Gray conceded a free kick and then Bailey near the corner flag, the captain receiving a yellow card for his offence.

The referee put in a good block but was injured. The captains were called over and after some delay one of the linos came on as referee. Substitute Pittman put in a header from close range which went just over. Llera received a yellow card for a foul.

Elliot had to make a great save from Phillips. As we went into four minutes of time added on (five played), Charlton were under continuing pressure with the ball again being cleared off the line. Luke Oliver came on for Wycombe and made good use of a corner, putting in a shot from close range that went just over the bar. Finally, the whistle went and the three points were safe.

Clearly, there is much work to do but matters off pitch should stabilise soon. If we don't see a takeover within the next week, I doubt it will happen, but I think odds on it will. It's been a difficult process and it's perfectly understandable that two directors should be concerned about the treatment of the club's financial debt to them (it would concern me if I was in their shoes), but hopefully a resolution of that issue is close.


Match analyst Ivy the Terrible thought that there were a number of candidates for the Silver Bone with strength, skill and determination being displayed by a number of players. However, she gave it to keeper Rob Elliott for his brave last ditch save which ensured that the Addicks got all three points. Admittedly, he let two goals in, but one of these came when we were down to ten men. I thought that Richardson looked like a quality right back at this level. Youga was his usual self despite his change of hairstyle: lively, involved, getting forward, but making some awful mistakes at times. He doesn't give me confidence. Clearly there are still questions about the central defence given that we conceded two easy goals, although both central defenders also scored. We also lack cover in this position (unless you count Mambo) which is why Llera had to go off for treatment and play on when he was probably feeling a little bit groggy. I am therefore not going to make a hasty judgment about him. Dailly I quite like the look of. OK, he is 36, but he has kept himself fit and he is an experienced player. Semedo made a couple of serious errors in giving the ball away, one of which started the move which led to their second goal.
Racon played his part well and was on the short list for the Silver Bone. What took it away from him was an appalling display of dithering in the second half after we had gone 3-1 up and he could have created a fourth goal. Bailey scored and was very involved, but I am not sure how suitable he is for the role of captain. I got the sense that he might yet move on. Shelvey was nowhere near as impressive as he was at times last season, but it is easy to expect too much of a 17-year old. My view on Sam is likely to be controversial. More than one person thought he was Man of the Match, whilst the Bloke Behind Me covered me in a shower of spittle as he shouted abuse at him. I thought that he was very good in the first half, but much less so in the second. He was playing on the East Stand side in the second half. Richardson said in the programme that he had formed a good partnership with Sam, but I was less convinced. Sam needs to get on the wing more and not cut inside, which he was doing much more in the second half, and he needs to move more off the ball rather than standing around waiting for it to be delivered to him. I thought Parky was right to substitute him when he did. Burton gets a lot of stick, but he can actually hold the ball up rather well. It's a Leaburnesque quality, but not one to be despised. McLeod confirmed my view of him when he came on, a lot of running around to very little effect. After one good touch when he first came on Gray also disappointed once again. I heard someone say after the match that we should take Barnsley's offer of £600,000. Well, the new owners may want to decide that.

Hiss of the Match This goes to South-Eastern Trains who provided a completely inadequate service for the crowd after the match.

Crowd rating The Addickted were in good voice 8/10.

Discount voucher at Specsavers This new award was not made. On the whole I thought that referee Darren Deadman had a good game. He kept control of the match, did not dish out excessive numbers of cards, and got most of his decisions right. It was unfortunate that he had to be substituted. The linos also kept up with the game and seemed to understand the offside rule.

Preston exhausted

Preston North End's players are so exhausted that they are taking the unusual step of a three day break in advance of Saturday's match at The Valley: Fatigue

Apparently they find the length of the journey intimidating. Whether they will be intimidated by the Charlton team is another matter, although I think the Addicks could actually win this match, irrelevant though it is.

There are doubts about keeper Rob Elliot who has a back problem, although he has been training. If he isn't available, Darren Randolph, who has been doing well in training may replace him, although Nicky Weaver could also be available after playing in the reserves. Butterfield and Youga also have fitness problems.