Massive defeat

For the third match in a row Charlton failed to score at Hillsborough this afternoon and went down 2-0 for another defeat.    Louis Mendez thinks it's the first time we've lost five games on the spin outside the top two divisions. 

Charlton had to defend an early corner on a poor pitch at Hillsborough, but a quality ball was well defended.   The Addicks had to cope with early pressure and couldn't get out of their own half while Wednesday won a series of corners.

Charlton didn't want to concede an early goal but it came after five minutes from a free kick leading to a header from Byers to make it 1-0.  It was a poor goal to concede.

Charlton won their first corner of the afternoon after work by Gilbey.   However, it just led to a Wednesday corner at the other end as they flooded forward.   Charlton counter attacked which ended in a throw in near the corner flag.

Lavelle had to head a Johnson cross clear.   Charlton remained on the back foot, chasing shadows. 

Dobson covered well as the home team threatened after Charlton gave the ball away.   Nevertheless, the Addicks were starting to grow into the game a little more and asked more questions, in particular a ball in from Morgan.

Matthews went down and had to receive treatment, but he came back on.

The team did not seem to communicate well as Bannon threatened.   Matthews was down on the floor again.  DJ replaced him with half an hour gone.

Burstow was being well marshalled by Hutchinson and Storey.

Wednesday won a corner after Hunt put in a good cross.  The corner was taken quickly, but Johnson's strike took a deflection leading to a second corner which ended in a goal kick.

Curbs said that we could not get enough attacking possession in the final third to get anything going.

Gilbey did well to win a free kick for Charlton, Palmer receiving a yellow card.  Charlton loaded the box, but the free kick was headed away by Storey and eventually the offside flag went up.

The ball behind DJ found Johnson whose cross found Paterson to make it 2-0.   Curbs said it was very similar to the ball played inside Matthews midweek.  In the final third teams were trying to thread balls through us.     Steve Brown said we could have made it much harder for Wednesday.   It put them in cruise control.   Charlton didn't keep the ball well enough, you can't put yourself under pressure time and time again.   What no one wanted to see was people not trying or a lack of belief.

Curbs said it was just repeat after repeat.   They kicked off and spun us around.  We were on the back foot from the fifth minute.   Sankofa said that the early clearances lacked quality.   Panic started to set in.  Scott Minto said it was a question of basic defending.  Curbs said it never looked as if were going to score a goal.

HT: 2-0

Jayden Stockley replaced Albie Morgan.  DJ was booked for a challenge on Johnson who had to receive treatment on the ground.

A shot from Burstow was straight at the keeper.    The 1,100 Addicks started a chorus of Valley Floyd Road.

Stockley had to head away a home corner.   Leko came on in place of Burstow.

Wednesday got close to a third, but a Gunter block saw the ball go over the bar at the expense of a corner.

Gilbey came off and Fraser came on, Matthews having been a concussion substitution.   A decent Lee free kick ended with a save, but in any case the referee saw an infringement.

Steve Brown said that despite the substitutions we were still struggling.   It hadn't made any difference to shots on and off target.

Dobson cleared a free kick at the expense of a corner.   Purrington received a yellow card for handball.

Storey got booked for a foul on Leko.  

Charlton won a corner taken by Lee but it ended in a free kick for Wednesday.  

Charlton won another corner, but the keeper claimed the ball.

Five minutes were added on.  Charlton won a corner, but it ended in a throw in.   MacGillivray had to make a save.

Wednesday had just two attempts on target, but they scored from them.

Curbs said that the start was important.   It was so poor, it didn't look as if we were ready for it.  Stockley did us give a bit of presence and gave the players a lift.   We can't keep a clean sheet and it doesn't look as if we can score a goal.   Teams have been turning us around and putting us under pressure.   Sankofa said he thought there was a slight improvement in the second half, but it felt very flat towards the end.   Wednesday would have been smelling blood at the start of the game and we did nothing to disappoint them.   If you had to pick a man of the match for Charlton, you would be struggling.   The manager had a big week ahead.

Jacko: 'There's a lack of confidence among the group'

Johnnie Jackson said: 'Disappointing.  They got ahead early which we wanted to avoid.  It was completely against what the plan was.   I don't think we did nearly enough to get back in the game.  I don't think we played the conditions smartly at all.  We got what we deserved.  It was a terrible start.  There's a lack of confidence among the group and going behind that early in the game is not going to help.  Stockley coming on is a positive, he's back now.   Even then we didn't play smart enough.  We didn't test their goalkeeper nearly enough.'   Scott Minto asked if we had enough players with character for a club the size of Charlton. 'I think we'll find out in the next few weeks, they're all playing for their futures.  If they want to be a part of it, they need to show more than they're showing now.'  Asked about a relegation scrap, Jacko said he was worried we were not winning games.   'We've got a clear week to work, we've missed Jayden, an opportunity to do some work with him around.  It's an important week.'

Charlton remain 16th, but are now eight points above the first relegation position.

In Jackson we no longer trust?

Richard Cawley reviews the various challenges facing Charlton as they seek to avoid a worst ever league finish: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-need-to-avoid-an-unwanted-new-low-in-englands-third-tier-but-striker-statistics-a-stark-reminder-of-what-is-missing/

The 0-0 home draw against Sheffield Wednesday at the beginning of the season was seen as a creditable result and it was.   However on Saturday a depleted Charlton face an on form Massives side at Hillsborough with Wednesday chasing a play off place.

The one piece of good news is that Mason Burstow looks as if he might be available.  It was severe cramp rather than a hamstring that felled him on Tuesday.

I agree with the diagnosis of the Burgundy (formerly Blackheath) Addick that a 4-5-1 would be the best formation on Saturday.   As a minimum we have to try and keep a clean sheet, although MacGillivray in goal has been disappointing.

At home the Massives have won nine, drawn four and lost two but they are hardly prolific goal scorers,

The same keyboard warriors who were calling for Johnnie Jackson's immediate appointment are now calling for his dismissal.   I had more reservations than many about Jackson's appointment as I thought that he was as much part of the problem as part of the solution, particularly as he was in charge of defensive coaching.

I am also rather sceptical of the argument that the manager should have a Charlton background.   There would be benefit in an outsider who could take a long hard look at everything - if he was given the autonomy and authority to do so, which is a big if.

Nevertheless, Jackson proved himself in his caretaker spell.   Unfortunately once the players had got their desired outcome, performances dropped.

In the recent past we have changed managers every seven and a half months.   This is not a formula for success.   Jackson at least needs a pre-seasn and a chance to bring in the players he would like - if he is allowed to. 

Sandgaard's company is not in trouble

Reports about difficulties at Thomas Sandgaard's company have no foundation.   An International Addick has stated: 'Seen some reports on the "unofficial" page that TS company Zynex is in trouble due to losing it's biggest contract, I actually am a shareholder and get all the reports, I can say the individual who wrote the story is "shorting" the stock, so in his interest to post negative stories. CAFC won't be filing bankruptcy any time soon.'

It may well be the case that Sandgaard is seeking additional investment in Charlton, but that was always his intention.

Unfortunately, this may have led to artificial attempts to boost attendances which have denied fans their usual seats.

Groundhog day

 Charlton were without injured Chuks Aneke and Conor Washington at Wigan while Scott Fraser was struck down by Covid.   Akin Famewo did not feature due to loan limits but Kanu was on the bench.

Clare took one for the team as Wigan broke.   In following play Wigan won a corner but the ball went over the bar.

Matthews put in a great cross, after a good initial ball by Burstow, and Lee scored for Charlton on seven minutes, his first goal since October.

Wigan won a second corner.   The ball went straight across the six yard box but went out for a goal kick.

Gilbey got the ball off the crossbar, after a lovely turn by Leko sent it forward to Lee.   Charlton were holding the ball up well.    They started to play with some confidence in attacking areas.

Purrington challenged Magennis and they both went down in a heap.   Wigan claimed a penalty with some justice, but a goal kick was awarded.

Clare was judged to have taken out Lang who got in the area easily and a penalty was awarded on 25 minutes from which Wigan equalised through Keane.   Curbs thought that Matthews should have made a challenge before the ball got anywhere near the box.

Purrington did well to win Charlton a corner, but Lee's effort was unproductive.   A penalty appeal for a foul on Gilbey was waved away.

Wigan won a corner taken by Max Power.   The referee spotted a foul on Inniss as he headed away.  

Leko put in a shot in time added on but it went over the bar.   It had been a non-stop first half.

Curbs said it was a terrific goal we scored.   Brown said it was superb in terms of the build up and the delivery.  

HT: 1-1

The blustery wind continued.    The referee had a word with Sean Clare after he fouled Magennis.  

Inniss had to clear away a ball across the goal.  After Charlton went forward, Wigan broke well and Dobson got a yellow card after a foul.  Max Power took the free kick but Lee did well to get it away.

Wigan made another penalty appeal.   After a flat second half, it was the first piece of movement. 

Wigan were able to win a corner after Charlton were slow to react.   Wigan made it 2-1 through Humphries after 74 minutes.   Curbs noted that two Wigan players got away from our players.

Castillo and Kanu came on with Burstow and Matthews going off.  

Wigan advanced but Magennis couldn't get a touch. 

Five minutes were added on.   MacGillivray had to make a good save from Humphries.  

In the second half Charlton struggled to create anything while Wigan had a little bit more quality when it mattered.

Curbs said that not many clubs could cope with three centre forwards missing.   Steve Brown agreed that we were light up front.   Curbs said it looked as if we were going to concede from a set play in every game.

Curbs said there was a lot of thinking to be done, we had a lot of players coming to the end of their contracts.  There were a lot of loans.   Steve Brown said that you couldn't do anything until the manager knew he was here next year.

Johnnie Jackson said: 'I thought we played better today [than at Bolton].  They're probably going to get promoted, we were more than a match for a good part of the game, certainly in the first half.   From the corner we lost the first contact and the second contact.   We're getting done with soft goals.   Brilliant for Kanu that we got involved, but it shows where you are when you have to get a kid on.'   Jacko thought it was unlikely that Fraser would be back for Oxford.   He wasn't able to say anything certain about Aneke and Washington.  Jacko said he hoped to finish the season as strong as possible.   'I want to be that so we are in a great place in the summer, I haven't had a pre-season with these lads.   There's great glimpses of what we can be, how I want to progress, that requires time, pre-season, recruitment.  For players who are out of contract every game becomes vital for them, I have my own ideas of how I want to take it forward, it's up to the players to show they want to be part of it.'

Charlton are now 14th.

Louis Mendez says that Charlton have only themselves to blame for their defeat: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-defeat-at-wigan-another-loss-for-which-they-only-have-themselves-to-blame/

In form Bolton present a challenge

Johnnie Jackson says that the loss at home to Bolton earlier in the season under the Adkins diet was a real disappointment: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/it-didnt-sit-right-charlton-boss-on-valley-loss-to-tomorrows-opponents-bolton-being-cause-for-concern/

Undefeated in five, Bolton sit fourth in the form table while Charlton are eleventh, also their position in the actual table. where Bolton are one place above them.   At home they have won seven, drawn four and lost three.

Bolton boss Ian Evatt comes up with the customary pre-match narrative of bigging up the opposition, selecting Jason Euell for particular praise.   After Saturday's exhausting game at Morecambe, he may have to refresh his squad: https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/19906778.bolton-wanderers-boss-ian-evatt-calls-big-backing-fans-charlton/

Blackett-Taylor blow

Corey Blackett-Taylor will not be available for tomorrow night's game at Bolton and it sounds as if Jayden Stockley is making slow progress: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-wing-back-set-to-miss-match-at-bolton-wanderers/

Bolton's manager has proclaimed them to be the best team in the division to the amusement of the pundits on the EFL show, but there is no doubt they can be formidable opponents as they showed at The Valley.  Their 6-0 demolition of Sunderland in part reflects the tendency of that team to fall apart when they go behind, but it emphasises the attacking threat of Bolton.

Johnnie Jackson won't have much time to work on the weaknesses at defending set pieces apparent on Saturday.

Charlton's 'quiet' approach

Alex Gilbey says that Charlton will go about their business 'quietly' and see if they can sneak into the top six: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-midfielder-alex-gilbey-well-go-about-our-business-quietly-and-see-what-happens/

Burstow shows the 'mad' way a career can progress

Discussing Mason Burstow's Chelsea move, Johnnie Jackson says that it illustrates the 'mad' way in which career progression can occur in football.  He did not hear any booing directed towards the youngster at yesterday's game: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-admits-mason-burstows-chelsea-move-shows-mad-way-a-career-can-progress/

Jacko hoped to start Fraser earlier

Johnnie Jackson had hoped to get Scott Fraser on the pitch earlier yesterday.   He also said that Corey Blackett-Taylor made the right decision in deciding to come off: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-reveals-sub-switch-and-provides-injury-update-on-corey-blackett-taylor/

Jacko is taking a 'one game at a time' approach to reaching the play offs: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/boring-for-you-guys-charlton-athletic-boss-johnnie-jackson-on-whether-they-can-still-make-play-offs/

I doubt whether it is possible, although four points from the next two tough away games would be a boost.

Winning run continues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HT: 2-2

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

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

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

Gilbey was booked for obstructing a throw in.

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

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

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

Morgan came off as Scott Fraser made his Valley debut.  

The game became very stretched.   

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Charlton are now 11th.

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