Sand kicked in our face

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HT: Shrimpers 1, Addicks 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fitness by rotation is the Adkins diet

Besieged boss Nigel Adkins insists he has nothing against DJ who has not featured in recent games.  However, the priority appears to be getting players who are less than match fit up to a level by rotating them: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-diallang-jaiyesimis-absence-from-charlton-squad-is-nothing-personal/

I am reminded of Curbs's mantra that a consistent team brings consistent results.

Three points at last

Charlton secured their first three points of the season with a 2-0 win over Crewe at The Valley this afternoon.   The victory came with first half goals from DJ and Stockley.  Curbs said they were two great goals.  Crewe threatened at times, but Charlton were able to stand firm in the second half with two clearances off the line.

The Addicks did create opportunities in the second half but were unable to take them while MacGillivray had to make some good saves.

DJ said that everyone was banging on to him about getting on the back post when the crosses come in.  He thought it was his best game in a Charlton shirt.   'We've been playing well, but not coming away with the victories.  The plan was to keep it going.'   More from DJ here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/diallang-jaiyesimi-delighted-with-charlton-win-and-his-first-goal-of-the-2021-22-league-one-season/

Charlton made a positive start.  In the first fifteen minutes they were on the front foot, dominated possession and created opportunities.

Crewe then got into the game more and there were signs of the midfield being stretched.   The pressure was disappointing.  Negativists on social media started to target DJ.

On 35 minutes Chris Gunter (Scott Minto said he was 'superb') put in a teasing left-footed cross and DJ scored with a brilliant bullet header.

Ainley put in a shot drawing a good save from MacGillivray at the expense of a corner.

On 42 minutes DJ put in a good ball across the pitch, Washington saw Stockley coming down the centre of the pitch and passed to him, Stockley went round the keeper and slotted the ball in.'

HT: 2-0

A Stockley header was over.   Following two Charlton corners, a Gunter shot brushed the side netting.

Inniss had to gone off and was replaced by Deji Elerewe who was praised after the game by Nigel Adkins, but Curbs wondered what Pearce was there for.

Crewe made a double substitution which made them a bit more threatening.   MacGillivray made a good claim from Crewe.   Washington drew a save from the keeper.  It was now end to end and MacGillivray had to deal with a post shot at the expense of a corner.

Kirk was replaced by Elliot Lee.   Following a Crewe corner, a Porter header was cleared off the line by Morgan.  Clare came on.

After a good build up a Charlton shot was cleared off the line. As the 80 minute mark was passed, Matthews put in good defensive work.   Crewe piled on the pressure and MacGillivray had to make a save.  Following a Crewe corner, Morgan had to clear.

In six minutes added on, a tired Washington shot went wide, but Charlton won a corner and saw the game out comfortably enough,

18 attempts on goal to 11, 6 to 4 on target, just edged possession (51-49 per cent).   Charlton are 19th.

Nigel Adkins said that a lot of things on the training ground had been implemented, 'we should have scored more.   We're making sure that everything is positive.   I am really pleased we kept a clean sheet. It was nice to get Elliot Lee on the pitch.   Jayden Stockley's goal was really good, we caught them on the counter attack.   It was a great atmosphere in The Valley.  You can see there is a definite spirit and we have some quality.   Ryan is going to be all right, he was a bit uncomfortable so he came off.  Sometimes we've left Jayden too isolated.  It's getting players to play together to sustain pressure.  We want to try and keep the momentum going.  There's a willingness to keep working and learning.'

Curbs was concerned that Inniss had had to come off twice.  Were we going to do more business?

Louis Mendez offers four takeaway points from the game: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-2-0-victory-over-crewe-addicks-finally-up-and-running/

Supply line needed for Kirk - and DJ

Nigel Adkins has emphasised the need to create the right kind of supply line for Charlie Kirk.  Jaitesimi disappointed at Oxford because he wasn't given the ball: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-on-transfer-window-plans-and-making-sure-new-boy-charlie-kirk-is-in-thick-of-the-action/

Adkins would not talk numbers in terms of how many more signings he thinks he needs, but pointed out that he has to work to a budget.

Wise words from Sunderland supremo Lee Johnson responding to criticisms that he was slow in the transfer market: 'In a perfect world you want to get your transfer work done early, but on the flip side of that it's easy to sign average players - for good players you have to wait.'

DJ is fine insists Jacko

DJ picked up a knock when he scored a goal against Dartford yesterday but Johnnie Jackson insisted that the player, who has been having a sparkling pre-season, is fine: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-assistant-johnnie-jackson-provides-update-on-nigel-adkins-after-addicks-boss-misses-dartford-friendly-with-coronavirus/

Jacko also said that Nigel Adkins, who is self-isolating, is well.

Wembley hero Sasa Ilic is 49 today.

Charlton win at the Costa del Dartford

Charlton beat Dartford 2-1 at a hot Princes Park this afternoon with goals from DJ and Josh Davison.  The second half was more entertaining than the first.

Nigel Adkins was absent having been pinged and Johnnie Jackson took over from him.

Dartford looked fluent and were not a team of strangers like Welling.   On eight minutes following good work on their right Roberts drew a great save from Havers who cleared on to the inside of the post.

On 12 minutes an Albie Morgan effort was tipped over the bar by keeper King.  On 19 minutes Washington advanced down the left and put in a shot.  Stockley hoped for a tap in, but Dartford were able to defend for a Charlton corner.

On 44 minutes DJ was just wide from a cross from Matthews.

Morgan and Washington played well together.   The quality of crosses was often lacking and there were too many over hit balls.

Player of the half: Albie Morgan who put in some great runs.   Elerewe attracted some favourable comments online.

HT: 0--0

Pearce came on for Famewo and Barker for Matthews.

On 49 minutes DJ made use of a long ball, got past his man and provided a calm, composed finish to make it 0-1.  He was hobbling a bit afterwards.

Charlton never find it easy to hold on to a lead and within two minutes Graham had made it 1-1 with a powerful shot.   On 55 minutes Barker put in a shot that led to a Charlton corner.

On 60 minutes Charlton made wholesale changes replacing everyone except the half time substitutes.

A Clayden shot on 63 minutes produced a Charlton corner (needless to say, all unproductive).  Then on 65 minutes Davison powered a great shot into the bottom corner to make it 1-2.

Graham threatened again and Barker did well.  Charlton fan James Beadle made a great save.  Pearce put in a great challenge on former Addick Aziz.

There was a call for a penalty after a Barker challenge but Dartford just got a corner.  On 87 minutes the home side got a free kick just outside the penalty area but it came off the wall.   Aziz got the ball in the net, but it was ruled offside.

Player of the half: Jason Pearce, in the right place at the right time even if he was rebuked by the referee for taking things too seriously.

Charlton comfortable at Welling

Charlton scored three quality goals to beat Welling United at Park View Road this evening and retain the Crown Berger Cup in front of a crowd  of 1,152. 

Charlton played a 4-3-3 formation.  The lively Clayden hit the bar,  Then on 12 minutes DJ provided a great finish with his left foot to make it 1-0.  A good header from Dempsey was saved by the keeper.

There was nearly a second when DJ fed Morgan who displayed great movement but Stockley was unable to tap the ball home.   More great work by DJ set up Stockley but the 'headmaster' put the ball just wide.

On 29 minutes former Orient under 23 Clayden cut inside and used his left foot to put the ball between the keeper's legs to make it 2-0.

On 32 minutes Morgan was just over from distance with the keeper off his line.

Player of the half: DJ, Albie Morgan and Clayden were all candidates, but Clayden just edged it.  He will be knocking on the first team door.   On Clayden Nigel Adkins said: 'It's still early days for everybody. There's a pathway for young players to come through the academy. That's why we have the academy. We're having a good look at everybody.'

Half time: Wings 0, Addicks 2

The Welling team in the second half were more physical, particularly in midfield, and had more of the ball.

MacGillivray had to tip the ball over the bar from a Wings corner.

Having just seen a free kick sail over, Henry struck the ball long and hard beating the keeper to make it 3-0 on 57 minutes.

MacGillivray was replaced as keeper by Harvey.  He didn't have a lot to do, but showed himself to be capable when required.

Davison approached well and was close.   Trialist No.11 for Welling got a yellow card.   Conor Washington saw a shot well saved by the keeper diving to the left/

Player of the half: Washington was energetic and passionate, but there was skilled defending by Famewo.  Vennings look decent in midfield.

On transfers, Nigel Adkins said: 'We'll be bringing more players in. Ideally, I would have loved to have the team we start the season with for the first day of preseason but everybody is working hard behind the scenes.'

Nigel Adkins gives his reactions here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-gives-his-verdict-on-3-0-win-over-welling-expresses-confidence-on-transfer-front/

Good workout at Dragon Park

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

HT: Charlton 0, Celtic 2

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

DJ back tomorrow

DJ could be in the squad for Charlton tomorrow.  Nigel Adkins says he has been really impressed with him and how coachable he is: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-set-for-winger-boost-as-diallang-jaiyesimi-trains-ahead-of-hull-city-match/

Massive blow

Charlton fans on social media have been taking some satisfaction in the relegation of Sheffield Wednesday, known to their fans as the Massives.   Many of us can remember the attitude of their fans on our first relegation from the Premiership.

DJ injury blow

DJ is unlikely to be fit for Saturday's game at Accrington and Nigel Adkins admits he took a risk by bringing on Ryan Inniss: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-admits-charlton-took-a-gamble-by-playing-ryan-inniss-and-provides-update-on-diallang-jaiyesimi-injury/

Apparently some Charlton players said that Crewe were one of the best teams they had played at home all season: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/crewe-boss-reveals-compliment-from-charlton-players-after-2-2-valley-draw/

We must have played quite a few good teams, given that winning just six games at home is the worst record in the top two-thirds of the table.

Second better than sixth

Peterborough secured a 1-0 victory at The Valley this afternoon with an early goal, bringing Charlton's unbeaten run to an end.  Charlton had a chance to equalise with a Stockley penalty, but it was saved by Bursik.   Charlton are now 8th, two points behind Blackpool in 6th.   There are three teams on 68 points from 5th to 7th.

Charlton could have done better in the final third and in terms of crosses. 

Curbs thought we deserved to get back into the game, but the first fifteen minutes was decisive.  Peterborough got the initiative and we were chasing the game. Both sets of players realised how big a game it was.   Peterborough are a very confident side and took the game to us.

Alex Dyer said Charlton had a good period in the second half, but did not come near a goal.  We didn't have a cutting edge.   They weren't aggressive enough in their play in the first half. Charlton defended quite well, apart from a lapse in the first half.

Curbs said we got in some good positions, but there were no clear cut chances.  We couldn't find that final decent ball. We fizzled out in the final third. Stockley was outgunned.   They nullified our main threat, although they had problems with Millar.

Charlton have conceded the first goal 11 times at home this season.  As Curbs noted, the reason we aren't where Peterborough are is because of our home form.  We've rarely got in front and started asking the other team questions.

Nigel Adkins said that losing DJ to a hamstring injury was a concern.  We were still in the race, but couldn't afford to lose any more games.  He was very disappointed by the goal we conceded, we probably gifted them a goal.

Match report

Peterborough started with a high tempo.   On eight minutes Clarke-Harris scored from the 'D' after a long pass.  It was a good strike and left Amos with no chance,.

Ward was penetrating down the right.  Matthews made a good challenge in front of goal, enabling Amos to make the save.

A shot was pushed wide by Amos after Inniss was caught flat footed.   I don't think he had a great game. He was well taken care of by Beavers when going forward.

Peterborough continued to press with pace and Steve Brown observed that the problem was the quality of the opponents.   On 23 minutes DJ had to be replaced by Albie Morgan.  As the half hour approached, the visitors had had eight attempts on goal to none from us.

On 30 minutes Gilbey was brought down by Kent and referee Keith Stroud awarded the penalty.  Stockley struck the penalty well but it was a good height for the keeper who dived to his right to make the save.

Thompson had been giving Millar a torrid time, but went too far and picked up a yellow card.

Steve Brown said that our crosses were a bit wayward and the final product was lacking.   Curbs said it had been a slow start by Charlton, Peterborough had been a yard sharper at the start.   The quality of the service to Stockley was questionable.

HT: 0-1

Charlton played better in the second half, in part because Millar was less constrained by Thompson who eventually had to be substituted.

Gilbey got a yellow card for a challenge on Dembele.   Gilbey made a great run, but his effort was saved.

Millar went for the goal when he should have passed the ball.  Charlton were in the ascendancy in terms of possession.

Szomdics put the ball over the bar.   Stockley couldn't connect with a good ball from Morgan.

On 76 minutes Gilbey was replaced by Aneke.   This could have happened earlier, but Nigel Adkins said he was concerned about his fitness.

A Forster-Caskey shot was deflected just wide, then a Millar attempt was deflected.

Morgan had to be taken off on 83 minute to bring on Washington who made little impression.  Famewo replaced Inniss.  Apparently he had to be replaced: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-reveals-damage-as-diallang-jaiyesimi-and-ryan-inniss-are-forced-off-during-defeat-to-peterborough/

Peterborough were running down the clock with some skill, but Szomdics still managed to hit the post in time added on.

Basic error costs Charlton again

Whoever the manager is he is not on the pitch and he can't prevent players making basic errors and a misunderstanding between Famewo and Amos allowed Wimbledon to equalise when the Addicks were 2-1 ahead.   Curbs said it was one of the worst goals he had ever seen, an absolute disaster.

The first half showing was strong, the second half less so.   Curbs thought we looked tired in the second half.  He also thought there were too many changes in the formation.   We never looked settled, we never looked comfortable.   We looked dangerous in the first half with Millar on the left.

Conor Washington coming off with a hamstring injury after a few minutes was a blow.

Nigel Adkins said roller coaster was the right word.  We scored a couple of two goals, conceded two horrendous ones.  We started the second half quite brightly, the second goal was really disappointing.   It's a great opportunity for me to have a consideration of everybody.   I have to get to know all the players and their strengths.  You can't be conceding two goals a game if you want to win things consistently.  The lads will have Sunday and Monday off.  I will be able to watch the under 23s.  It was good to be in the dugout again.

Wimbledon started the game at a frantic pace and Charlton gave the ball away three times.  Washington had to be replaced by DJ on four minutes.   On nine minutes Amos got the ball out well, Morgan picked it up and fed Millar who turned provider for Stockley who scored with a header.

On 14 minutes after Millar gave the ball away when had options, Amos and Pearce both slipped, Gunter was out of position and Pigott fed Longman who scored with a shot along the ground.

On 20 minutes Millar made a run and passed to DJ who put in a powerful left strike to score his first Charlton goal.

Amos claimed a Wimbledon corner.  The game entered a scrappy period, but the keeper had to save from Millar.  Shinnie was way over.  In time added on Gunter had to concede a corner and Stockley cleared with a header.

HT: 1-2

An early Charlton corner was cleared at the near post again.   On 55 minutes a Charlton corner allowed Wimbledo to break and a dangerous ball was put across the goal.  Shinnie was just wide on 59 minutes.

On 64 minutes Charlton gifted the equaliser.   Amos played the ball to Famewo, he played a short ball back and Longman pounced to score.

On 73 minutes Pigott hit the post.   On 77 minutes Pratley replaced DJ and Schwartz replaced Morgan. Schwartz did very little as far as I could tell.

Aneke got a harsh yellow card on 80 minutes.  Charlton were finding it difficult to mount attacks. On 84 minutes Wimbledon were awarded a free kick in the D.  Amos had to make a great save from Pigott, punching the ball away.

Aneke hit the post in three minutes added on.

Charlton remain in 6th place.

Charlton Retro

This week I recall when Charlton beat Liverpool 6-0: https://retrocharlton.blogspot.com/2021/03/when-charlton-beat-liverpool-6-0.html

Raw talent off the streets

Dulwich Hamlet supremo Gavin Rose talks about new Charlton signing DJ, saying that he came to them as a street footballer: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/he-was-a-street-footballer-dulwich-hamlet-boss-gavin-rose-on-the-hard-work-which-saw-charlton-new-boy-diallang-jaiyesimi-break-into-pro-game/

Signing ends fraught transfer window

After a fraught transfer window which had as many down as ups, Charlton made a 11th hour signing of pacey Swindon winger Diallang Jaiyesimi.   The Rocking Robins were paid a six figure fee for the South Londoner.

Lee Bowyer said that he was 'over the moon' to get him while Thomas Sandgaard said that adding youth and pace to the squad had been an objective throughout the window: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-make-late-deadline-day-raid-to-land-swindons-diallang-jaiyesimi/

Originally with Dulwich Hamlet, and then with Norwich City, he is a versatile player who can perform on the left or right wing: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diallang_Jaiyesimi