Dean Kiley has been given the job of goalkeeping coach at the Baggies: Deano
Deano says that he gets positive vibes from the atmosphere at the Baggies in the way that he did at Charlton.
Another Charlton veteran, 40-year old Chris Powell is hanging up his boots at the end of the season. Many hope that one day he might have a coaching or management role at Charlton.
Wednesday, 31 March 2010
Sunday, 28 March 2010
I catch puck as Blaze storm through
Not only did Coventry Plumbing and Heating Blaze beat Hull Stingrays 4-1 (6-2 on aggregate) at the Skydome tonight to qualify for next weekend's play off finals in Nottingham, but I caught the puck as it came off the ice pad in the third period.
The evening started with the hoisting of the Championship banner. His Worship the Lord Mayor of Coventry announced a special celebratory reception at the historic St.Mary's Guildhall. His Worship dealt effectively with hecklers from the Stingrays, two of whom were dressed as Suomo wrestlers. However, their disco dancing queen was less ebullient than usual.
Blaze went ahead 3-0 in the first period. The second goal, an upward flick from Greg Owen, was especially good. Stingrays got one back in the second period, but Blaze's fourth in the third put the match beyond doubt. Office manager James Pease was allowed on the ice and got a big cheer when he advanced with the puck. Then in the last minute he nearly scored!
There had been a number of fights during the match but Hull charm merchant Adam Knight started one after the match. He had to be restrained by a fellow Stingray and for a moment it looked as if he was going to start a fight with him.
There was a special farewell for captain Adam Calder who is going to be player-coach of rookie team Braehead Clan next season. Despite their evocative name they are located in a shopping mall in suburban Glasgow.
It's been a great season's ice hockey but with Leamington and Charlton both in 5th position in their leagues there is still everything to play for in football.
The evening started with the hoisting of the Championship banner. His Worship the Lord Mayor of Coventry announced a special celebratory reception at the historic St.Mary's Guildhall. His Worship dealt effectively with hecklers from the Stingrays, two of whom were dressed as Suomo wrestlers. However, their disco dancing queen was less ebullient than usual.
Blaze went ahead 3-0 in the first period. The second goal, an upward flick from Greg Owen, was especially good. Stingrays got one back in the second period, but Blaze's fourth in the third put the match beyond doubt. Office manager James Pease was allowed on the ice and got a big cheer when he advanced with the puck. Then in the last minute he nearly scored!
There had been a number of fights during the match but Hull charm merchant Adam Knight started one after the match. He had to be restrained by a fellow Stingray and for a moment it looked as if he was going to start a fight with him.
There was a special farewell for captain Adam Calder who is going to be player-coach of rookie team Braehead Clan next season. Despite their evocative name they are located in a shopping mall in suburban Glasgow.
It's been a great season's ice hockey but with Leamington and Charlton both in 5th position in their leagues there is still everything to play for in football.
Saturday, 27 March 2010
Away point against play off challengers
Nicky Bailey has picked up an ankle injury, so Christian Dailly takes the captain's armband, a role which some think he has deserved for some time writes Paul May from Huddersfield. Sam Sodje partners him in the centre of defence and Randolph is preferred in goal to Warner, contrary to expectations.
Wagstaff gets a start in midfield and is partnered by Semedo, Racon and Reid. Mooney and Forster are up front in the 4-4-2 formation.
Mooney got in behind the rather flat footed defence, but Huddersfield were able to clear and counter attack but it ended in a Charlton throw in. Neither team dominated in the opening phase.
Charlton won the first corner. Borrowdale's effort went beyond everyone for a goal kick.
Sodje headed clear after Robinson advanced. Racon put in a good challenge as Huddersfield attacked again. Richardson had to deal with a potentially threatening Terriers attack just after the quarter hour. They then reverted again to the long, high ball which the Charlton defence was well able to deal with.
Sodje dealt well with a threatening attack and then Mooney was fouled in a poor challenge on the halfway line. Reid conceded a free kick in a promising position for the home side. It was deflected for the first Huddersfield corner which ended in a goal kick for Charlton.
Collins tried a shot but Sodje blocked it. Racon was left crumpled in a heap by a dreadful challenge, but only a yellow was awarded. Peltier should have received a red for such a late and over the top challenge.
Wagstaff advanced well, but Forster's header went out of play. Mooney and Forster were not really linking up well. Robinson challenged Randolph, but the keeper cleared with a punch.
Charlton won a corner kick after pressure from Mooney and Forster. It led to a second, but the Terriers dealt with it. Dailly hauled down Robinson and received a yellow card. The free kick was whipped in and the ball hit the crossbar. A free kick from Drinkwater was dealt with by Sodje.
Two minutes were added on. A last minute Huddersfield attack led to a corner. It had not been an impressive performance by either team while word came through that Millwall were 3-0 ahead at the Toolbox.
Half time: Terriers 0, Addicks 0
Charlton won a corner, Smithies punched the ball out and then clattered into Dailly and collapsed on the pitch, but recovered quickly enough. Charlton won another corner which led to a throw in for the Addicks.
A well delivered cross allowed Rhodes to score on 53 minutes with a header with Randolph left with no chance. Borrowdale was caught out of position in the build up.
Randolph did well with a clearance. A handball by Peltier was ignored, Huddersfield surged forward and tried to claim a penalty. From the corner of the penalty area Reid put in an unstoppable volley to make it 1-1.
Forster was hauled down by the Australian Heffernan as he broke away. A free kick was awarded, but no yellow card. The free kick was unproductive. Robinson advanced into the penalty area, but Huddersfield were not able to take the opportunity.
Randolph had words with Semedo about the wall after a Terriers free kick which was unproductive. Semedo got a warning from the referee Mr Singh for a high boot.
Huddersfield advanced down the right, but Pilkington put in a dreadful cross. Mooney looked for Forster, but Trotman was able to intervene. Robinson advanced, but Charlton were able to clear their lines.
Huddersfield advanced down the right again, but Randolph was able to gather comfortably. Rhodes put in a shot, but Dailly put in a good block at the cost of conceding a corner. Forster did some defending.
Sodje went down and looked as if he was in some discomfort. He appeared to be having some attention to his nose.
A cross came into the far post but it was headed away brilliantly by Sodje. The tiring Borrowdale, who seemed to lack full match fitness, was taken off and replaced by Chris Solly.
A highly dubious corner kick was awarded to Huddersfield after the ball went out off one of their players, but the referee rectified matters by giving Charlton a free kick for a non-existent foul.
Akpo Sodje came on for Nicky Forster. It might have been better to take the lightweight Mooney off. Sam Sodje dealt well with a good ball from a free kick at the expense of the corner. Huddersfield attacked again, but Charlton cleared their lines. Reid should have turned provider for Wagstaff who had made a good run.
The lino gave a free kick against Solly as word came through that Norwich were ahead against Leeds. Randolph made a good save. Reid won a corner after a throw in near the corner flag. Richardson's effort led to a goal kick.
Three minutes were added on. We heard that Wycombe had equalised at Colchester. Wagstaff put in a poor delivery and it ended in a goal kick. Reid's run led to an effort that was deflected wide. There was a suspicion of handball by Huddersfield.
The corner kick was gathered by Smithies.
We would have taken an away point against play off challengers Huddersfield before the game.
Wagstaff gets a start in midfield and is partnered by Semedo, Racon and Reid. Mooney and Forster are up front in the 4-4-2 formation.
Mooney got in behind the rather flat footed defence, but Huddersfield were able to clear and counter attack but it ended in a Charlton throw in. Neither team dominated in the opening phase.
Charlton won the first corner. Borrowdale's effort went beyond everyone for a goal kick.
Sodje headed clear after Robinson advanced. Racon put in a good challenge as Huddersfield attacked again. Richardson had to deal with a potentially threatening Terriers attack just after the quarter hour. They then reverted again to the long, high ball which the Charlton defence was well able to deal with.
Sodje dealt well with a threatening attack and then Mooney was fouled in a poor challenge on the halfway line. Reid conceded a free kick in a promising position for the home side. It was deflected for the first Huddersfield corner which ended in a goal kick for Charlton.
Collins tried a shot but Sodje blocked it. Racon was left crumpled in a heap by a dreadful challenge, but only a yellow was awarded. Peltier should have received a red for such a late and over the top challenge.
Wagstaff advanced well, but Forster's header went out of play. Mooney and Forster were not really linking up well. Robinson challenged Randolph, but the keeper cleared with a punch.
Charlton won a corner kick after pressure from Mooney and Forster. It led to a second, but the Terriers dealt with it. Dailly hauled down Robinson and received a yellow card. The free kick was whipped in and the ball hit the crossbar. A free kick from Drinkwater was dealt with by Sodje.
Two minutes were added on. A last minute Huddersfield attack led to a corner. It had not been an impressive performance by either team while word came through that Millwall were 3-0 ahead at the Toolbox.
Half time: Terriers 0, Addicks 0
Charlton won a corner, Smithies punched the ball out and then clattered into Dailly and collapsed on the pitch, but recovered quickly enough. Charlton won another corner which led to a throw in for the Addicks.
A well delivered cross allowed Rhodes to score on 53 minutes with a header with Randolph left with no chance. Borrowdale was caught out of position in the build up.
Randolph did well with a clearance. A handball by Peltier was ignored, Huddersfield surged forward and tried to claim a penalty. From the corner of the penalty area Reid put in an unstoppable volley to make it 1-1.
Forster was hauled down by the Australian Heffernan as he broke away. A free kick was awarded, but no yellow card. The free kick was unproductive. Robinson advanced into the penalty area, but Huddersfield were not able to take the opportunity.
Randolph had words with Semedo about the wall after a Terriers free kick which was unproductive. Semedo got a warning from the referee Mr Singh for a high boot.
Huddersfield advanced down the right, but Pilkington put in a dreadful cross. Mooney looked for Forster, but Trotman was able to intervene. Robinson advanced, but Charlton were able to clear their lines.
Huddersfield advanced down the right again, but Randolph was able to gather comfortably. Rhodes put in a shot, but Dailly put in a good block at the cost of conceding a corner. Forster did some defending.
Sodje went down and looked as if he was in some discomfort. He appeared to be having some attention to his nose.
A cross came into the far post but it was headed away brilliantly by Sodje. The tiring Borrowdale, who seemed to lack full match fitness, was taken off and replaced by Chris Solly.
A highly dubious corner kick was awarded to Huddersfield after the ball went out off one of their players, but the referee rectified matters by giving Charlton a free kick for a non-existent foul.
Akpo Sodje came on for Nicky Forster. It might have been better to take the lightweight Mooney off. Sam Sodje dealt well with a good ball from a free kick at the expense of the corner. Huddersfield attacked again, but Charlton cleared their lines. Reid should have turned provider for Wagstaff who had made a good run.
The lino gave a free kick against Solly as word came through that Norwich were ahead against Leeds. Randolph made a good save. Reid won a corner after a throw in near the corner flag. Richardson's effort led to a goal kick.
Three minutes were added on. We heard that Wycombe had equalised at Colchester. Wagstaff put in a poor delivery and it ended in a goal kick. Reid's run led to an effort that was deflected wide. There was a suspicion of handball by Huddersfield.
The corner kick was gathered by Smithies.
We would have taken an away point against play off challengers Huddersfield before the game.
Friday, 26 March 2010
Smart money favours draw
A lot of the smart money on tomorrow's match between Huddersfield Town and Charlton favours a draw. I suppose I retain a no doubt forlorn hope that with the addition of Nicky Forster to the squad, Charlton might just sneak a win.
One challenge for Parky will be who to put in goal. The Iberian Valley blog has already suggested that Randolph looks likely to be passed over again, although in my view he has never done that much wrong in his career at Charlton. But perhaps this is an occasion for experience.
The Batley and Birstall News previews tomorrow's 'tough test' for Town against 'high flying' Charlton: Batley
One challenge for Parky will be who to put in goal. The Iberian Valley blog has already suggested that Randolph looks likely to be passed over again, although in my view he has never done that much wrong in his career at Charlton. But perhaps this is an occasion for experience.
The Batley and Birstall News previews tomorrow's 'tough test' for Town against 'high flying' Charlton: Batley
Re-living happier days
It was the last televised match of the 20th century in the old first division. Chalton's attempt to return to the Premiership was faltering, but a 2-1 victory at table topping Huddersfield was in many ways the turning point. Johnnie Robinson was the hero of the hour. Relive the experience here: Huddersfield
Thursday, 25 March 2010
Two more signings
Nicky Forster has been brought in on loan from Brighton. The striker has had a good goals-to-game ratio throughout his career. Although he is now 36, he has found the back of the net for the Seagulls 16 times in all competitions this season so he clearly has an eye for goal. With Burton injured, and now Sodje with an unspecified problem with his toe, Mooney has been the only striker in training at Sparrows Lane this week.
19-year old Matt Fry has been brought in from West Ham. He was on loan at the Gills earlier this season. He can play at left back as well as centre back which is an important consideration given that Borrowdale is only on a 28-day loan.
19-year old Matt Fry has been brought in from West Ham. He was on loan at the Gills earlier this season. He can play at left back as well as centre back which is an important consideration given that Borrowdale is only on a 28-day loan.
Loadsamoney Charlton hung on to Parkinson
Complaints from Huddersfield about alleged dirty dealing which allowed the Addicks to hang on to Phil Parkinson: Parky
This looks a bit like typical northern moaning about being outsmarted by wily geezers from the smoke.
However, the mood in Huddersfield is that Charlton's injury worries and the level of moaning from the Addickted should help to ensure three points for the home side on Saturday: Huddersfield
This looks a bit like typical northern moaning about being outsmarted by wily geezers from the smoke.
However, the mood in Huddersfield is that Charlton's injury worries and the level of moaning from the Addickted should help to ensure three points for the home side on Saturday: Huddersfield
Addicks beat Spanners in keeper race
Charlton have beaten Millwall in a race to secure the signature of veteran keeper Tony Warner: Tony Warner The 35-year old was with the Spanners for some years and has been training with them recently, but would have been confined to the bench at the New Cross club.
Read more about his career here: Warner
Read more about his career here: Warner
Wednesday, 24 March 2010
Results
Once presented as an invincible force of nature, Colchester are looking anything but after their 3-3 draw at home to Brentford last night. They remain in 6th place.
Unfortunately, the most we can probably hope for on Saturday is one point. Huddersfield have only lost at home once all season.
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace's 2-0 defeat at Forest leaves them in the relegation places in the Championship.
Unfortunately, the most we can probably hope for on Saturday is one point. Huddersfield have only lost at home once all season.
Elsewhere, Crystal Palace's 2-0 defeat at Forest leaves them in the relegation places in the Championship.
Tuesday, 23 March 2010
Millwall above Charlton
Millwall are above Charlton for the first time in 14 years after they beat Leeds 2-0 at Elland Road last night. Those who watched say that Leeds were awful so perhaps there is some hope for the home game if we can get our act together.
Monday, 22 March 2010
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.
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.
Does Dowie have what it takes?
Sunday, 21 March 2010
We are the champions!
Amid all the gloom at Charlton, one piece of good news: Coventry Blaze won the Elite Hockey League championship with an overtime win at Edinburgh Capitals last night.
Of course, there are still the play offs in which all eight teams compete.
Next year kilted hordes Braehead Clan will be joining the action.
It's been a great hockey season.
Of course, there are still the play offs in which all eight teams compete.
Next year kilted hordes Braehead Clan will be joining the action.
It's been a great hockey season.
How bad was it?
Luxembourg: Apparently there was some kind of anti-Parkinson demo before the match yesterday and the manager was booed by a section of the North Stand before the match, at half time and at the end of the match. This is directed at a team who are 3rd and, as Parky has pointed out, this has been achieved on a much smaller wage bill than many teams around them.
So how bad was the performance in the 2-2 draw against the Gills? Charlton edged the possession on 51 per cent and had nine shots on target to three for the Gills. We had seven to two off target and led the corner tally by 10 to 4. That sounds to me like a team short on luck.
Admittedly, once again, our defence might have some questions to answer. Richardson gave Charlton the lead with a shot from distance. Their equaliser could have been better defended and then Elliot was at fault for the second in stoppage time. He had to be taken off injured at the break and one wonders if he should have started given that he has had groin problems for some time.
Burton also had to be taken off injured after 43 minutes not long after he hit the crossbar.
One has to be aware that there are limitations to the quality of this team, but a play off place is still more than possible.
So how bad was the performance in the 2-2 draw against the Gills? Charlton edged the possession on 51 per cent and had nine shots on target to three for the Gills. We had seven to two off target and led the corner tally by 10 to 4. That sounds to me like a team short on luck.
Admittedly, once again, our defence might have some questions to answer. Richardson gave Charlton the lead with a shot from distance. Their equaliser could have been better defended and then Elliot was at fault for the second in stoppage time. He had to be taken off injured at the break and one wonders if he should have started given that he has had groin problems for some time.
Burton also had to be taken off injured after 43 minutes not long after he hit the crossbar.
One has to be aware that there are limitations to the quality of this team, but a play off place is still more than possible.
Friday, 19 March 2010
Rapper bids for Palace
A surprise bidder to take Crystal Palace out of administration has emerged in the form of hip-hop mogul and multi-millionaire Sean 'Diddy' Coombs. Palace administrator Brendan Guilfoyle is so excited by the news that he has declared that he is prepared to fly to New York to seal the deal.
The rapper had considered buying Portsmouth, but thought Palace was a better deal. Moreover, he liked the name. He has not yet said whether he will write an Eagles rap.
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.
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.
Thursday, 18 March 2010
Former Glazier in as emergency cover
Luxembourg: Former Glazier Gary Borrowdale, now with the Super Hoops, has been brought in on a month's loan as emergency cover at left back. He has been out of favour at Loftus Road since the arrival of Warnock from Palace.
Chris Solly does not seem to have done too bad a job at Millwall, but he probably lacks the experience needed at this crucial phase of the season.
I can't say the news has caused great excitement in the Grand Duchy, but it is not clear what does.
Chris Solly does not seem to have done too bad a job at Millwall, but he probably lacks the experience needed at this crucial phase of the season.
I can't say the news has caused great excitement in the Grand Duchy, but it is not clear what does.
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Dowie favourite at Hull shock
Iain Dowie has emerged as the favourite candidate for the managerial vacancy at Hull: Dowie
Sources close to Hull said that they were familiar with unusual forms of training. The spokesperson added, 'It would be difficult to find an out of work manager with a more consistent record of failure at a number of clubs. These are the qualities you need when you are in a relegation dogfight.'
Sources close to Hull said that they were familiar with unusual forms of training. The spokesperson added, 'It would be difficult to find an out of work manager with a more consistent record of failure at a number of clubs. These are the qualities you need when you are in a relegation dogfight.'
Dickson isn't the answer
Interesting to see what our 'Kent derby' rivals have to say about Chris Dickson:
'Gillingham manager Mark Stimson says he has been disappointed with long-term target Chris Dickson. Stimson pursued the Charlton striker for two years before he finally signed a three-month loan deal in February. But he has not played in the last two games and Stimson opted to use Dennis Oli as a substitute ahead of Dickson in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Stockport.'
"When you saw Chris and what he brought to the table, Dennis brought a bit more," Stimson told BBC Radio Kent. "Twice he (Dickson) had the ball in the middle of the pitch and he gave it away and put their team on the attack," added Stimson.
We could have told him that, but it was a nice piece of business to offload Dicko, although I don't suppose we are saving much.
Apparently McKenzie is out injured for three weeks. Rather than bring in the hardly ever fit McKenzie, the lightweight Mooney and Akpo Sodje (the best of the bunch), it would have been better to get one higher quality striker in on loan.
'Gillingham manager Mark Stimson says he has been disappointed with long-term target Chris Dickson. Stimson pursued the Charlton striker for two years before he finally signed a three-month loan deal in February. But he has not played in the last two games and Stimson opted to use Dennis Oli as a substitute ahead of Dickson in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Stockport.'
"When you saw Chris and what he brought to the table, Dennis brought a bit more," Stimson told BBC Radio Kent. "Twice he (Dickson) had the ball in the middle of the pitch and he gave it away and put their team on the attack," added Stimson.
We could have told him that, but it was a nice piece of business to offload Dicko, although I don't suppose we are saving much.
Apparently McKenzie is out injured for three weeks. Rather than bring in the hardly ever fit McKenzie, the lightweight Mooney and Akpo Sodje (the best of the bunch), it would have been better to get one higher quality striker in on loan.
Monday, 15 March 2010
Curbs now out of frame for Hull
Contrary to earlier reports, Alan Curbishley is not on the short list to replace sacked manager Phil Brown at Hull City. In the past it has always been said that he would not go to a northern club, but he has been out of management for some while and has settled his dispute with West Ham so the initial reports had some credibility. At least giving half-time team talks on the pitch would not be his style. But keeping the cash strapped club in the Premiership would be a challenge, although he could claim that he has brought a club straight back up. But someone else will be in the manager's chair by Wednesday.
Narrow win over Steelers as ref is poleaxed
Coventry Blaze beat the Sheffield Steelers 5-4 at the Skydome last night to maintain their narrow lead at the top of the Elite Ice Hockey League as the season draws to an end. They were 4-1 ahead after the first period, but some careless defending and penalty plays let Steelers back into the action.
In the second period referee Dean Smith was knocked to the floor by a Steeler who then landed on top of him. I have never seen him a referee so furious and the offender was dragged away by the referee and one of the linos before receiving the red card.
In the second period referee Dean Smith was knocked to the floor by a Steeler who then landed on top of him. I have never seen him a referee so furious and the offender was dragged away by the referee and one of the linos before receiving the red card.
Saturday, 13 March 2010
Charlton given a stuffing
Semedo was brought into the Addicks starting line up to play alongside Racon with Reid on the right and Bailey on the left reports Paul May from the Toolbox. Chris Solly came in as left back. Charlton started brightly and won an early corner, but the Spanners responded with a corner of their own, but Elliot was eventually able to gather comfortably.
Millwall were awarded a free kick 30 yards out which led to a corner despite protests by Nicky Bailey. The corner was poorly delivered. A Charlton free kick was caught comfortably by the keeper. A Dailly foul led to a Spanners free kick. Mooney could have jumped with Darren Ward for the ball, but didn't.
Bailey and Racon combined and nearly caused the Spanners some trouble. Morison advanced, but Dailly was able to defend. Neither side had a real chance in the first twenty minutes, but Charlton were holding their own. Solly defended well. Racon made use of some space and Sodje put in an effort which went wide.
Darren Ward put the ball behind for a corner, but it led to a Millwall goal kick. Millwall threatened and Llera was left standing, but Charlton were able to defend. Richardson put in a cross, but Reid blasted the ball away although Charlton players were arriving. Bailey put in an effort, but it was blocked.
The Addickted taunted the Spanners with a chant of 'What's it like to see a crowd?' Dailly was dealing well with Millwall attacks. An effort from Mooney was over the bar. Batt advanced but Elliot spread himself well and saved at the expense of a corner.
Word came throught that both Norwich and Leeds were losing. Charlton were dispossessing Millwall before they got into the final third. Trotter fouled Semedo who had been ensuring that Morison couldn't cause too much trouble.
Batt tried to get behind Dailly who conceded a corner which led to a second after Bailey defended well. The unmarked Darren Ward headed in at the far post from Hackett's delivery to put the Spanners 1-0 ahead just before the break. This was poor defending from a set piece yet again after Charlton had started well and were probably edging the match.
Charlton tried to respond, but Reid's effort led to a Millwall goal kick. Millwall made a last minute attack, but Charlton were able to do enough to defend. The Spanners won a free kick against Solly, but Richardson was able to get a flick on it.
Half time: Spanners 1, Addicks 0
Millwall advanced down the left and won a corner. It was overhit, Morison recovered, Elliot punched the ball away and then it was booted away by Richardson. Mooney broke on the right, but was caught offside. Racon advanced, but he could not find Mooney before Ward intervened.
A shot from Morison was saved by Elliot. Dunne got forward, but Elliot was able to save. Millwall won a corner, but Charlton cleared. Reid did not provide a good ball for Bailey. Richardson cleared a free kick from Hackett. Bailey made a good run, Racon laid the ball off, Solly put in a cross and it came off Dunne to give Charlton a corner on 59 minutes. Richardson's effort was just kept out by the Millwall keeper at the near post.
Dailly blocked a shot from Schofield at the expense of a corner. Trotter dived and the referee who was nearby awarded a goal kick but no yellow card. Solly and Semedo combined well, but Reid was not able to control the ball. Neil Harris, who had picked up an injury at Walsall, came on to replace Batt to finish the job for Millwall.
Sodje had a couple of opportunities to hold the ball up, but failed to do so. Racon, who had had a good game, was taken off in favour of Sam. Charlton won a free kick on the right 30 yards out after a foul on Sodje. The ball was claimed by the keeper.
A cross from Sam was headed away. Reid advanced well, but the Spanners were able to clear the cross. Sam put in a good cross but Reid and Mooney got in each other's way. Sodje put in a poor shot from distance. Hackett advanced well, evading Solly, Harris was lurking but Dailly put it in his own net to make it 2-0.
Harris played in Morison who put it under Elliot to make it 3-0 and game over. Bailey had a right go at Llera, jabbing his finger in his face. The stuffing had been knocked out of Charlton. Some of the Addickted left.
Following a corner Hackett put in a formidable strike but it went just over the bar.
Word came through that Norwich had gone ahead at Huddersfield. Charlton won a free kick 25 yards out. Llera's effort went over the bar.
An effort from Hackett went across the face of goal and Morison made it 4-0 as the Spanners chanted 'Easy!' I was increasingly on my own in the away end as I stuck to my dismal task. Burton came on to replace Sodje, but it was far too late. Morison was taken off. Harris went down claiming an elbow and Llera received the first yellow card of the game. Millwall had a free header at the far post off the free kick, but Dunne's effort went over.
The ball was put behind from Mooney. Richardson's corner was caught well by the keeper. Hackett was taken off. Bailey put a ball across goal, but it led to a goal kick, although Ford got a touch to it. Reid was replaced by Wagstaff.
Elliot saved brilliantly from a Millwall free kick to prevent goal number five.
I am going back to Erith to have a stiff drink.
Millwall were awarded a free kick 30 yards out which led to a corner despite protests by Nicky Bailey. The corner was poorly delivered. A Charlton free kick was caught comfortably by the keeper. A Dailly foul led to a Spanners free kick. Mooney could have jumped with Darren Ward for the ball, but didn't.
Bailey and Racon combined and nearly caused the Spanners some trouble. Morison advanced, but Dailly was able to defend. Neither side had a real chance in the first twenty minutes, but Charlton were holding their own. Solly defended well. Racon made use of some space and Sodje put in an effort which went wide.
Darren Ward put the ball behind for a corner, but it led to a Millwall goal kick. Millwall threatened and Llera was left standing, but Charlton were able to defend. Richardson put in a cross, but Reid blasted the ball away although Charlton players were arriving. Bailey put in an effort, but it was blocked.
The Addickted taunted the Spanners with a chant of 'What's it like to see a crowd?' Dailly was dealing well with Millwall attacks. An effort from Mooney was over the bar. Batt advanced but Elliot spread himself well and saved at the expense of a corner.
Word came throught that both Norwich and Leeds were losing. Charlton were dispossessing Millwall before they got into the final third. Trotter fouled Semedo who had been ensuring that Morison couldn't cause too much trouble.
Batt tried to get behind Dailly who conceded a corner which led to a second after Bailey defended well. The unmarked Darren Ward headed in at the far post from Hackett's delivery to put the Spanners 1-0 ahead just before the break. This was poor defending from a set piece yet again after Charlton had started well and were probably edging the match.
Charlton tried to respond, but Reid's effort led to a Millwall goal kick. Millwall made a last minute attack, but Charlton were able to do enough to defend. The Spanners won a free kick against Solly, but Richardson was able to get a flick on it.
Half time: Spanners 1, Addicks 0
Millwall advanced down the left and won a corner. It was overhit, Morison recovered, Elliot punched the ball away and then it was booted away by Richardson. Mooney broke on the right, but was caught offside. Racon advanced, but he could not find Mooney before Ward intervened.
A shot from Morison was saved by Elliot. Dunne got forward, but Elliot was able to save. Millwall won a corner, but Charlton cleared. Reid did not provide a good ball for Bailey. Richardson cleared a free kick from Hackett. Bailey made a good run, Racon laid the ball off, Solly put in a cross and it came off Dunne to give Charlton a corner on 59 minutes. Richardson's effort was just kept out by the Millwall keeper at the near post.
Dailly blocked a shot from Schofield at the expense of a corner. Trotter dived and the referee who was nearby awarded a goal kick but no yellow card. Solly and Semedo combined well, but Reid was not able to control the ball. Neil Harris, who had picked up an injury at Walsall, came on to replace Batt to finish the job for Millwall.
Sodje had a couple of opportunities to hold the ball up, but failed to do so. Racon, who had had a good game, was taken off in favour of Sam. Charlton won a free kick on the right 30 yards out after a foul on Sodje. The ball was claimed by the keeper.
A cross from Sam was headed away. Reid advanced well, but the Spanners were able to clear the cross. Sam put in a good cross but Reid and Mooney got in each other's way. Sodje put in a poor shot from distance. Hackett advanced well, evading Solly, Harris was lurking but Dailly put it in his own net to make it 2-0.
Harris played in Morison who put it under Elliot to make it 3-0 and game over. Bailey had a right go at Llera, jabbing his finger in his face. The stuffing had been knocked out of Charlton. Some of the Addickted left.
Following a corner Hackett put in a formidable strike but it went just over the bar.
Word came through that Norwich had gone ahead at Huddersfield. Charlton won a free kick 25 yards out. Llera's effort went over the bar.
An effort from Hackett went across the face of goal and Morison made it 4-0 as the Spanners chanted 'Easy!' I was increasingly on my own in the away end as I stuck to my dismal task. Burton came on to replace Sodje, but it was far too late. Morison was taken off. Harris went down claiming an elbow and Llera received the first yellow card of the game. Millwall had a free header at the far post off the free kick, but Dunne's effort went over.
The ball was put behind from Mooney. Richardson's corner was caught well by the keeper. Hackett was taken off. Bailey put a ball across goal, but it led to a goal kick, although Ford got a touch to it. Reid was replaced by Wagstaff.
Elliot saved brilliantly from a Millwall free kick to prevent goal number five.
I am going back to Erith to have a stiff drink.
Friday, 12 March 2010
Sir Chris Powell
Chris Powell talks about his love for the game of football in this interview: Powell
Jackson blow for Charlton hopes
The news that Johnnie Jackson will be out for six weeks with a hamstring problem is not good news ahead of tomorrow's clash with Millwall at the New Den. Jackson has made a positive impact on the side since joining on loan, but even more worrying is the lack of cover. Kelly Youga is only just coming back to fitness, Grant Basey is out for the rest of the season and it's a big ask for Chris Solly to slot in in such a needle game. Whether there are any options I don't know, but someone like Llera would be too slow in that position.
The home game against Millwall was one of the most frustrating season when we sacrificed a lead to end up with a 4-4 draw. It was certainly exciting, but those two points lost could turn out to be particularly important at the end of the season.
Millwall have dropped only four points in their last twelve games and are clearly the in form team. Spirits are understandably said to be high in their camp. I do not have a good feeling about this game and I am forecasting a 2-1 win for Millwall. Paul May will be making the journey up from Erith to cover the match.
The home game against Millwall was one of the most frustrating season when we sacrificed a lead to end up with a 4-4 draw. It was certainly exciting, but those two points lost could turn out to be particularly important at the end of the season.
Millwall have dropped only four points in their last twelve games and are clearly the in form team. Spirits are understandably said to be high in their camp. I do not have a good feeling about this game and I am forecasting a 2-1 win for Millwall. Paul May will be making the journey up from Erith to cover the match.
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
Let's all laugh at Millwall
Millwall fans are known for their intelligence as this story would seem to demonstrate: Spanners
Monday, 8 March 2010
Why Frazer hates the play offs
Why Frazer Richardson hates the play offs and wants to avoid a trip to Wembley by leaping over Leeds: Richardson
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Underwhelming
I took an American guest to see the Brakes in 2-0 against Bedford Town yesterday and maintain their 4th spot in the table and then to the Skydome to see Coventry Blaze win 4-3 in an exciting game against Cardiff Devils which maintained their top place in the table. So I didn't follow the Charlton game apart from getting the result. When I read the posts on the Glynne Jones list this morning, two points were noticeable: first, there were relatively few posts, as is usually the case when we win as it is harder to moan (although some always succeed); second, the impression was of an underwhelming performance.
Well, you have to beat who is in front of you and Charlton narrowed the gap on Leeds who look anything but invicible. There has been a lot of talking up of our play-off rivals in recent weeks, but Huddersfield lost at Gillingham; the Spanners could only manage a draw at Walsall; and Swindon, supposedly the on form team, were beaten 4-0 at home by rivals Bristol Rovers. Colchester play on Monday and Norwich look as if they are powering away to the title.
When I looked at the stats, I saw that we only had 52 per cent of the possession and had just two goal attemps on target, although we led goal attempts by 10 to 7. But perhaps what summed those was an effort by substitute Deon Burton whose headed effort from just inside the box went over the goal.
It's a concern that Jackson had to be taken off, apparently with a hamstring injury. Let's hope we don't have yet another left back crisis. Richardson was below his best, but may be carrying an injury and that may also help to explain what was apparently a disappointing performance by Sam.
Looking for positives, Reid is clearer getting fitter and sharper and it was his cross that created the first goal obligingly scored by Owen Goal. Akpo Sodje gets a lot of stick, but he has now scored five goals in seven starts.
Well, you have to beat who is in front of you and Charlton narrowed the gap on Leeds who look anything but invicible. There has been a lot of talking up of our play-off rivals in recent weeks, but Huddersfield lost at Gillingham; the Spanners could only manage a draw at Walsall; and Swindon, supposedly the on form team, were beaten 4-0 at home by rivals Bristol Rovers. Colchester play on Monday and Norwich look as if they are powering away to the title.
When I looked at the stats, I saw that we only had 52 per cent of the possession and had just two goal attemps on target, although we led goal attempts by 10 to 7. But perhaps what summed those was an effort by substitute Deon Burton whose headed effort from just inside the box went over the goal.
It's a concern that Jackson had to be taken off, apparently with a hamstring injury. Let's hope we don't have yet another left back crisis. Richardson was below his best, but may be carrying an injury and that may also help to explain what was apparently a disappointing performance by Sam.
Looking for positives, Reid is clearer getting fitter and sharper and it was his cross that created the first goal obligingly scored by Owen Goal. Akpo Sodje gets a lot of stick, but he has now scored five goals in seven starts.
Friday, 5 March 2010
Stockport confident
Stockport County are looking forward to Saturday's game full of confidence given their recent recovery of form and the imminent removal of the club from administration. However, the Manchester Evening News is forecasting a Charlton win: Hatters
Phil Parkinson has revealed that midfield duo Jose Semedo and Jonjo Shelvey were both struggling ahead of tomorrow's match against Stockport County, while a decision on Deon Burton would be made today.
Burton missed the win against Southend United last Friday due to a groin strain, and Phil said: "Deon had an injection in his groin on Tuesday and we'll know more on Friday. He has a chance. "Jonjo took a whack to his ankle in training today but it's nothing serious. Semedo is ill with a virus. We won't know how he is until Friday."
Unfortunately I won't be at The Valley tomorrow as I am looking after an American visitor over the weekend. Whilst I am reluctant to read results off the table, I do think that we have enough going for us to beat Stockport and I am going for a 3-1 win for the Addicks.
Phil Parkinson has revealed that midfield duo Jose Semedo and Jonjo Shelvey were both struggling ahead of tomorrow's match against Stockport County, while a decision on Deon Burton would be made today.
Burton missed the win against Southend United last Friday due to a groin strain, and Phil said: "Deon had an injection in his groin on Tuesday and we'll know more on Friday. He has a chance. "Jonjo took a whack to his ankle in training today but it's nothing serious. Semedo is ill with a virus. We won't know how he is until Friday."
Unfortunately I won't be at The Valley tomorrow as I am looking after an American visitor over the weekend. Whilst I am reluctant to read results off the table, I do think that we have enough going for us to beat Stockport and I am going for a 3-1 win for the Addicks.
Let's keep Jacko says Parky
Phil Parkinson has spoken of his desire to keep Johnnie Jackson at The Valley when his initial loan spell from Notts County ends in mid-March. His temporary spell at The Valley will end on March 17th, after the away match against Millwall, but Parkinson is hoping a deal can be struck to keep the Camden-born player at The Valley beyond then.
"I think he's halfway through his loan, and I'd like to keep him," said Parkinson, who signed Jackson on loan for Colchester United from Tottenham Hotspur in 2003"Johnnie wants to stay; he wants to be in the London area. The chairman [Richard Murray] has asked whether I'd like to keep him and it's a resounding yes, but it's whether we can find the money, because finances are tight. I'm sure we'll do everything we can to keep him."
With Basey out for the rest of the season, I would certainly back such a move. Jackson has generally impressed so far.
Apparently Mouto's agent is ringing round trying to find a berth for the out-of-favour right back. Swindon Town expressed some interest but nothing more has been heard. Probably they thought that even a proportion of his salary was too much to pay. But if he did go out on loan, it would probably enable the Jackson deal to be sealed.
"I think he's halfway through his loan, and I'd like to keep him," said Parkinson, who signed Jackson on loan for Colchester United from Tottenham Hotspur in 2003"Johnnie wants to stay; he wants to be in the London area. The chairman [Richard Murray] has asked whether I'd like to keep him and it's a resounding yes, but it's whether we can find the money, because finances are tight. I'm sure we'll do everything we can to keep him."
With Basey out for the rest of the season, I would certainly back such a move. Jackson has generally impressed so far.
Apparently Mouto's agent is ringing round trying to find a berth for the out-of-favour right back. Swindon Town expressed some interest but nothing more has been heard. Probably they thought that even a proportion of his salary was too much to pay. But if he did go out on loan, it would probably enable the Jackson deal to be sealed.
Thursday, 4 March 2010
Stockport out of administration
Stockport County are to come out of administration after a deal was agreed with the Melrose consortium: Hatters
The liberated side hope to celebrate with three points at The Valley on Saturday.
The liberated side hope to celebrate with three points at The Valley on Saturday.
Wednesday, 3 March 2010
Mark Bright's tough line
Mark Bright recalls what he did when a Charlton reserve player dissed him in the context of the John Terry debate: Bright
Leamington go 4th after beating bogey team
Leamington went into the play off places in the Zamaretto Premiership last night after beating bogey team Stourbridge 2-1 at the New Windmill Ground last night. The Glassboys were on top in the first half hour and looked like shattering Leamington but two great saves from on loan Leicester City keeper Carl Pentney kept them in the game. His quality showed throughout the game and it is hoped that he will stay until the end of the season.
Brakes got back into the game in the last quarter of an hour and at half time it was 0-0. It was Stourbridge that scored first but Brakes went up the other end and responded within a minute. James Husband then scored the winner on 69 minutes.
There are two types of referees at this level, young up-and-coming ones who are often very good and older ones who have reached their level of incompetence. We had one of the latter type tonight. He disallowed two Leamington goals. What is wrong with this one in particular? Goal
Brakes got back into the game in the last quarter of an hour and at half time it was 0-0. It was Stourbridge that scored first but Brakes went up the other end and responded within a minute. James Husband then scored the winner on 69 minutes.
There are two types of referees at this level, young up-and-coming ones who are often very good and older ones who have reached their level of incompetence. We had one of the latter type tonight. He disallowed two Leamington goals. What is wrong with this one in particular? Goal
Monday, 1 March 2010
Where we are
I thought that this contribution to the Glynne Jones from a lister was worth reproducing (with some editing):
For what it's worth I think the last few seasons have produced quite the sense of frustration amongst the fans. None of us can quite believe just how wrong things have gone, and it doesn't feel that we've bottomed out even now. Having worked so hard - fans, board, manager, players - over 30 years to produce a club to be proud of, it's hard to even begin to understand how we find ourselves struggling to maintain a challenge to get out of the third division just 3 years on from being an established Premier League club.
Our expectations are disproportionately high, our confidence is extremely brittle and every setback feels like a knockout blow. That we lost in the week after a few draws really isn't the end of the world when you win the next game, and as the weekend's results proved there's still a whole lot to play for. In truth we can't expect these players, these third divisionplayers, to be anywhere near the standard we became accustomed to, or indeed as consistent as we were under Curbs.
We've also all got our views on how things should be done to make it better, off the pitch, on the pitch. I think we could all do with a sense of perspective and context though. It's interesting that very few people were prepared to state promotion was their prediction on at the start of the season, nor nail their colours to Parkinson's mast. Yet now we sit in 3rd place, in touch with the automatic promotion places and firmly in a play off spot, we're all having a go at Parky for not running away with the league.
The reality is that our full strength first XI is a match for anyone in this division, but loss of form, injuries or suspensions exposes a squad that is otherwise pretty ordinary. We can all argue the toss about whether Semedo should be in the side or not, that's part of healthy football debate. Hard truth is that most of the team would pick themselves because there's not a lot behind them.
One of the things I was proudest of at Charlton was that going a goal down would galvanise the supporters and we'd sing all the more. Now we get moans and booing. It's produced in response to what's happened at the club, I accept that, but I would echo Richard Hunt's sentiments that as supporters right now all we can really do is to unite, get behind the team and stop sniping at each other and anything that doesn't go our way.
Let's all go to our happy place.
For what it's worth I think the last few seasons have produced quite the sense of frustration amongst the fans. None of us can quite believe just how wrong things have gone, and it doesn't feel that we've bottomed out even now. Having worked so hard - fans, board, manager, players - over 30 years to produce a club to be proud of, it's hard to even begin to understand how we find ourselves struggling to maintain a challenge to get out of the third division just 3 years on from being an established Premier League club.
Our expectations are disproportionately high, our confidence is extremely brittle and every setback feels like a knockout blow. That we lost in the week after a few draws really isn't the end of the world when you win the next game, and as the weekend's results proved there's still a whole lot to play for. In truth we can't expect these players, these third divisionplayers, to be anywhere near the standard we became accustomed to, or indeed as consistent as we were under Curbs.
We've also all got our views on how things should be done to make it better, off the pitch, on the pitch. I think we could all do with a sense of perspective and context though. It's interesting that very few people were prepared to state promotion was their prediction on at the start of the season, nor nail their colours to Parkinson's mast. Yet now we sit in 3rd place, in touch with the automatic promotion places and firmly in a play off spot, we're all having a go at Parky for not running away with the league.
The reality is that our full strength first XI is a match for anyone in this division, but loss of form, injuries or suspensions exposes a squad that is otherwise pretty ordinary. We can all argue the toss about whether Semedo should be in the side or not, that's part of healthy football debate. Hard truth is that most of the team would pick themselves because there's not a lot behind them.
One of the things I was proudest of at Charlton was that going a goal down would galvanise the supporters and we'd sing all the more. Now we get moans and booing. It's produced in response to what's happened at the club, I accept that, but I would echo Richard Hunt's sentiments that as supporters right now all we can really do is to unite, get behind the team and stop sniping at each other and anything that doesn't go our way.
Let's all go to our happy place.
A good sporting weekend
Charlton win and stay 3rd after Colchester slip up at Bristol Rovers; Leamington win 2-1; and in an exciting match Coventry Blaze beat second placed Belfast Giants 6-4 to stay top of the Elite League. And I was home in time to see Canada win the ice hockey gold in the Olympics.
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