Opportunities not taken

 incoln did the double over Charlton at The Valley this afternoon.   Not a great surprise given their away record.  I had this down as a Lincoln win at the beginning of the season.  We lacked sharpness in front of goal until Stockley scored a consolation.   Charlton are now 15th.

It was an unchanged team for Charlton against Lincoln City, but Jake Forster-Caskey was on the bench after his long absence.   His play when he came on was one of the few positives.  It was a sunny afternoon in SE7 as the game started.

Curbs pointed out before the game that a good run in would help to attract players to the club over the summer.

Matthews put in a pass to the edge of the box, Washington chested it down for Stockley who took the early shot and it went wide.

A flowing move from Lavelle brought the ball out of defence, it was worked wide to Gilbey who see his cross headed behind for a corner.  A second corner ended in a free kick as the Imps called for a yellow card.

Clare defended superbly from a threatening cross, Lincoln showing what they can do for the first time.  Their plan was evidently to get the ball up to Cullen with runners on either side.

Steve Brown thought we were struggling to break down their defensive pattern.   We weren't penetrating enough.  Scully was breaking well down the left hand side for them.

The woodwork saved the visitors on 23 minutes.  Gilbey got to the byline and drilled across a great cross and Stockley got a thigh on it from close range and the ball crashed back off the bar.

Charlton got their 100th league booking of the season as Gilbey received a yellow card.  At least we are top of the league for something.

The Addicks were back in the game more after the Imps had enjoyed a good spell.  However, Steve Brown felt the front two had to hold the ball up better.

Blackett-Taylor advanced well, having not been in the game that much, but Lincoln had enough bodies to stop Washington's shot.

Lincoln score, Gilbey sent off

Purrington had to head over a shot after some good build up play by the Imps.   Blackett-Taylor cleared the corner at the expense of a Lincoln throw.   Charlton couldn't get the ball off Whittaker and he scored for the visitors on 32 minutes.    It was a poor ball to give away.   Steve Brown said that Lincoln were soaking up the pressure and were looking good around the penalty area.  Washington had had a couple of opportunities when he could have done better.

Gilbey got a second yellow card and was sent off on 36 minutes.  He should have been more cautious when he was on a yellow.  Pulling back a player's shirt let his team mates down.  No Charlton player complained about the decision.   Steve Brown said he thought we were looking a little bit tired and sluggish.

Birthday boy Brian Cole reminded the crowd that it is a no smoking stadium.  

Steve Brown said we were getting totally overrun in midfield, Dobson and Fraser couldn't cover the ground.   Stockley was finding it difficult to hold up play.   Lincoln were in control and starting to play through the lines.  We didn't look clinical or sharp enough in the penalty box.   We had to set the press off some how. Lavelle had to receive treatment.

Curbs said we started off ever so well, but Lincoln always looked dangerous on the break.  The goal was a really good finish in the end, we were chasing the ball and no one was getting there.   It was a very open first half, but we couldn't find the killer ball.  We looked dangerous when Blackett-Taylor got the ball.

Curbs said that when you were battling away and there was a lack of confidence it led to a lack of bookings.

Curbs suggested that Stockley might need to come off as he was returning after a long period injured.

HT: Addicks 0, Imps 1

Charlton won a corner taken by Fraser.  Lincoln had almost everyone back and broke.  Matthews won a generous free kick for Charlton.   Steve Brown said it would be very difficult for us to get back in the game.   There weren't going to be many chances to outplay them unless they gambledd.

Dobson conceded a free kick in a central position but some 30 yards out.   The ball went harmlessly over the bar.

Washington had a good run but his cross was cut out.   Purrington put in a cross for Stockley but it was saved on the line on 54 minutes.   The whole ball was not over.

It's ten against ten

Whittaker got a red card for a late studs up challenge on the Cat.   The crowd was lifted.

Washington put in a cross for Stockley but the keeper saved from his free header, he should have put it into the ground.   The corner was unproductive.

Fraser made way for Forster-Caskey, his first appearance since the end of last season.   He soon took his first corner.

A Forster-Caskey header went wide.  Leko came on for Matthews on 73 minutes in an attacking change.

Lincoln came down the left again, Robson had time and space to pick out Scully who made it 0-2 on 76 minutes with a ball into the top corner of the net.

Steve Brown said it was difficult to find quality strikers who could finish one chance out of three or four in League One, even Championship clubs couldn't get them.

Dobson went off and Elliot Lee came on with four minutes of normal time remaining.  

From a Forster-Caskey corner, Stockley scored with an excellent header in terms of power and direction.   Washington was just wide of the post after some good football by Charlton.

Four minutes were added on.   A corner gave Charlton a last throw of the dice.   Clare's header sailed over the bar.

The pundits

Curbs said we would be kicking ourselves that we hadn't taken anything from the game.  Why had Gilbey pulled the shirt back twice in the centre circle?   This was so naive.  

Charlotte asked if there was a lack of concentration from a defensive point of view.   It was agreed that Clare needed to get tighter for the first goal.   Curbs said they scored two goals which should have been stopped.

Peter Shirtliff said that Stockley could have had a hat trick with his chances.   Curbs thought the ball was over the line.   

Curbs said it had taken Stockley 45 minutes to get going, that happened when you had been out for a while.   They could have three or four games and then hit a wall.   Peter Shirtliff said one of the bright things was the passing of Forster-Caskey when he came on, he was picking people out.  Curbs said he put dangerous balls into feet.

Jacko said he did not know how we had lost the game with the chances we had.  He was disappointed with the goals we conceded.   It was impossible to say whether the ball was over the line.  He couldn't have any complaints about Gilbey being sent off.  'I think the centre forwards will be disappointed they didn't take their opportunities.   There was a lot of positives, even in defeat it was a positive performance.  On another day we would have won.'    Jayden was not back to moving as freely as he was, but he was getting there.   It was fantastic to see Forster-Caskey back.  'I thought  he added something really, really good.  That's another option for me now.'

Decision time for out of contract players

Adam Matthews and Jake Forster-Caskey will become free agents tomorrow, but talks with them about new contracts are continuing.   Richard Cawley of the SLP notes that it is evident that Nigel Adkins wants Matthews to stay: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-still-in-negotiations-with-adam-matthews-and-jake-forster-caskey/

Opinions about Matthews among fans vary, but on balance I think he is worth keeping.

Forster-Caskey will in any case miss the start of the season as he recovers from his knee injury. 

Six players in contract talks

Charlton are in talks with six players about extending their contracts - Ben Amos, Chuks Aneke, Jake Forster-Caskey, Jason Pearce, Adam Matthews and Ben Watson: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-in-contract-talks-with-six-of-squad-and-confirm-exit-of-trio/

Oshilaja has been let go and Otzumer will not be returning.   Thomas Sandgaard has confirmed that Charlton are interested in two loan players, presumably Famewo and Stockley.

Of those engaged in talks, Ben Watson has attracted some criticism from fans.

Midfielders James Vennings and Ben Dempsey have been offered contracts and various forms of contract have been offered to a number of Academy players: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/james-vennings-and-ben-dempsey-offered-deals-as-addicks-take-up-options-on-ghandour-and-ness/

Caskey focused on his return

Jake Forster-Caskey is determined to come back stronger than ever from his second ACL injury and says that the tribute paid to him by Charlton players on Sunday made him feel emotional: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/jake-forster-caskey-on-winning-charltons-poty-expected-timeline-before-he-is-back-playing-again/

Forster-Caskey injury worry

Charlton are waiting to assess the seriousness of the injury which Jake Forster-Caskey picked up against Lincoln, Nigel Adkins says it could be a soft tissue injury: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-left-waiting-on-injury-verdict-on-star-midfielder-jake-forster-caskey/

Only card collecting Darren Pratley and Ben Amos have started more games this season.

Six to go sixth

Charlton won 6-0 at Plymouth tonight for their 10th unbeaten game in a row.   Subject to confirmation of results elsewhere, Charlton are now 6th. 

Peterborough lost 0-1 at home to Gillingham.  AFC Wimbledon beat Oxford 2-1.  Ipswich lost 3-0 at Northampton.  Rochdale beat Blackpool 1-0.  Hull and Sunderland drew.

Alex Gilbey said afterwards that it was a real top performance tonight.  The gaffer had given him a licence to go forward.

Nigel Adkins said it was a cracking win for us, the clean sheet is important, Amos made some really important saves.   We thought we could get crosses into the box and expose their centre halves.  The next goal after half time was very important, that's why Ben Amos's save was such a big one.  Clean sheets give you a basis and a platform. 

The manager added, 'Alex Gilbey's attitude is great, you can see how hard he works.   His work effort for the team is great.'

'We're in the race.  We're going to stay over tonight, great for the club..  We can get up normal time, get the Ciracdian rhythm right, do some work in the gym, have a journey back.'

More comments from the manager here: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-praises-ruthless-addicks-after-record-equalling-6-0-mauling-of-plymouth-argyle/

Curbs said, 'Great planning, not many League One clubs can do that.  Now we face a different pressure.'

Deano said that Charlton had a great shape on and off the ball and kept it all game.

Plymouth started brightly and won a series of corners.   Charlton had difficulty getting possession, but the game started to turn after quarter of an hour.   The keeper made a save from DJ.

On 25 minutes Millar put in great wing play.   Watts punched the ball on the line and got a yellow card but he couldn't stop Forster-Caskey scoring with a header.

Amos had to made a save by palming the ball away.  Stockley had a chance but put the ball wide.

Plymouth had to take Armson off and bring on Moore.  They switched from a 3-5-2 to four at the back and they never looked so good afterwards.

As half time approached, Matthews put in a good cross enabling Stockley to score to make it 0-2.

HT: 0-2

Pearce put in a block enabling Amos to save.  Millar surged forward and a Watts own goal made it 0-3.  Stockley and Millar combined well to allow Gilbey to make it 0-4.

Pearce made a good defensive header.  A Stockley effort went left of the post.

Millar made it 0-5 after Matthews on the right released DJ.

Gunter replaced Matthews.   Subsequently, Shinnie and Morgan replaced Gilbey and DJ.  Ten minutes later Aneke replaced Stockley and Forster-Caskey was replaced by Pratley.

On 88 minutes Pratley made a great run and fed Aneke who made it 6-0.   Aneke could have broken the away record, but put the ball wide.

Deano said that Peterborough would be a tough nut to crack but Charlton are in really good form.

Charlton fight back to win

Charlton fought back from being 0-2 down to beat Bristol Rovers 3-2 at The Valley tonight.  It was 2-2 at the break after goals from Shinnie and Forster-Caskey.  Washington scored the winner on 83 minutes after a battling second half.

This was the first time Charlton have conceded the first goal and gone on to win the game since the play off final in 2019.

Conor Washington said: 'We gave ourselves a mountain to climb, but we showed great character.   We showed fight, determination and grit.  The last fifteen minutes we were right on top.  Jacko is really pleased with the come back.'

Jacko said: 'Unbelievable.   The effort and the spirit that they have shown has made me ever so proud.  I was disappointed with the two goals, not necessarily a fair reflection of the game so far.  They stepped up, they dug themselves back into that game.   We just needed to be a little bit calmer in our play, we showed that towards the end of the first half.'

Jacko said he did not know what would happen beyond tonight.

The game started at a high tempo.  Maatsen made an unnecessary shoulder charge in the area and the referee awarded a penalty.  Amos went the wrong way in response to Leahy's shot and it was 0-1.

A cheeky Rovers chip after a break saw Amos stranded, but the ball went just wide of the post.  Amos made a good save off Nicholson.   Charlton were struggling and were caught in possession.  Amos could not save a fierce shot from distance by Upson and it was 0-2.

Then Shinnie scored a crucial goal with a great finish to make it 1-2.  Stockley was fouled on the edge of the area and Forster-Caskey scored the equaliser from the free kick.

HT: 2-2

Upson got a yellow card.  Maatsen fed Millar but Washington shot straight at the keeper.  On 60 minutes a somewhat annoyed Millar was replaced by DJ.

Shinnie got a yellow card.   On 73 minutes Aneke replaced Stockley.  Hargreaves got a yellow card.

Rovers were running out of gas and Washington was causing them problems.   An Aneke header set up Washington and he scored from the rebound.   Morgan got a yellow card.

Five minutes were added on.  Keeper Day bought down Aneke and was sent off.   Pratley came on for Shinnie.   A last minute Rovers free kick spelt danger with their keeper up but they failed to threaten.

Charlton are in 6th place and look likely to stay there with Fleetwood 2-0 up against Ipswich.

Charlton are 'staying buoyant'

The SLP's Richard Cawley takes a relatively optimistic view of Charlton's prospects which will annoy the many pessimists and negativists among fans: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/march-was-sink-or-swim-for-charlton-athletic-and-so-far-they-are-staying-buoyant/

They might point to the tough opposition that the Addicks face in the last phase of the season, but often Charlton play better against skilled opposition rather than teams that resort to random hoofballs in an imitation of the worst of non-league football.

Admittedly we did get a lucky break on Tuesday from the young, London-based referee.  The head of the Referee's Association has now apologised to Norhampton Town for the award of a penalty to Charlton.

However, we have suffered quite a lot from referees determined to prove they are not 'homers' at The Valley, so perhaps we deserved a lucky break.

Meanwhile, Jake Forster-Caskey has told Richard Cawley that he reckons he is playing the best football of his career: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/jake-forster-caskey-back-as-a-key-charlton-athletic-player-and-that-has-led-to-him-resetting-his-personal-playing-goals/

Watson to stay

Ben Watson is to activate a clause in his contract that will enable him to stay at The Valley next season, having played in the required percentage of matches: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/ben-watson-expected-to-extend-charlton-athletic-stay-with-boss-bowyer-revealing-clause-is-game-related/

Watson has his detractors, like most of the squad, but has performed well in front of the back four in recent games.

Unfortunately it looks as if Jake Forster-Caskey will not be available for tomorrow's match against Shrewsbury Town.

No contract talks for key players

Chuks Aneke and Jake Forster-Caskey are two of Charlton's best players and they are free agents in the summer.  However, contract talks cannot start until it is known which division the club will be in: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-chief-explains-why-contract-talks-are-on-hold/

As it  is likely to be League One, the salary offers may not be attractive enough for players likely to be in demand elsewhere.

Why we do better when Forster-Caskey plays

I think Jake Forster-Caskey is a key ingredient in the side and it is interesting to learn that our points per game ratio is better when he plays at least a full half.   He pops up all over the pitch in good positions.  Benjy Nurick gives a fuller and more informed analysis of his contribution: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/jake-forster-caskeys-influence-on-this-charlton-athletic-side-underlined-by-seamless-and-impressive-return-in-win-over-wigan/

The midfield is critical

Alex Gilbey pulled a hamstring in training on Thursday and is not available for the game against Burton Albion tomorrow night.   Jake Forster-Caskey will also be out for a couple of games.   An assessment will be made about whether Akin Famewo is fit (he understandably looked a bit rusty at Fleetwood, although his stats were good): https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-on-chances-of-akin-famewo-starting-against-burton-albion-tomorrow/

Underrated?   Keith Jones

Fans keeping talking about the failure to bring in a central defender, but it seems to me that the midfield often offers insufficient protection to the defence.   People always criticised Keith Jones back in the day, but I think that an intelligent defensive midfielder offers a lot that is not always apparent.

Jake Forster-Caskey in my view is an underrated member of the side, he is an intelligent box-to-box midfielder.   We miss him when he isn't there.

Forster-Caskey 'back to his best'

Jake Forster-Caskey says that recovering from a long-term injury is always hard, but now he is in a good place and able to help the team: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/jake-forster-caskey-on-getting-back-to-his-best-in-a-charlton-shirt-and-why-liam-millar-cant-claim-bristol-rovers-goal/

You can make a case for either him or Oshilaja being man of the match yesterday.  It was certainly a spirited and impressive return by Oshilaja.

I wish The Football League Paper wouldn't score every player 6 or 7 (I think the Blackheath Addick's ratings are more useful).   Steve Brown and Scott Minto were prepared to give Jake a 9 after the match.

I would have given him and Oshilaja 8 and Washington 5.

Shipshape and Bristol fashion

A Bristol Rovers fan e-mailed me today to complain about calling his team the Gas and said they should be called the Pirates.  No doubt he will think that it was an act of piracy when Charlton took all three points at the Memorial Ground this afternoon.

A Forster-Caskey strike from the corner flag put Charlton ahead in the second half (Steve Brown in the studio was convinced that Millar got something on it and the BBC gave it to the Canadian, but Forster-Caskey is convinced that it was his).  Albie Morgan was sent off for a second yellow, but the Addicks held on for the last ten minutes and indeed posed a threat.

A clean sheet reflected more solidity at the back with Oshilaja having a good game and singled out for praise by Lee Bowyer.   Steve Brown drew attention to one of his blocks and said his covering positions were great.

Rovers defended well, but were very dependent on ex-Addick Brandon Hanlon to get a goal.

Man of the match: Jake Forster-Caskey.  Lee Bowyer said, 'He's driving us in the middle of the park.'  Steve Brown told him that he led by example.

Lee Bowyer told Scott Minto: 'It was very good today, very professional, we looked solid, everyone put a good shift in.  If you want to be picky, we should have scored more.'   Bowyer said of Morgan, 'He's 21, he's learning the game, he's trying to compete and fighting, but today he was a little over the top.'

Bowyer said, 'We should enjoy this moment and move on', emphasising the tough test against Peterborough on Tuesday which would be a very different game.

Charlton are in 6th place, but on the same number of points as Peterborough and Doncaster Rovers above them.

Match report

The game had a rather untidy start, but Rovers were showing some urgency and clearly looking for an early goal.  However, the back four looked solid and the midfield moved back quickly to protect them.

On 10 minutes Aneke didn't make the connection with the ball he wanted and scuffed it wide.  Oshilaja provided good cover against Hanlon.   A Rovers free kick was well defended.  A great Forster-Caskey ball won Charlton a corner.

On 21 minutes a great Maatsen ball gave Aneke an opportunity but his effort was just wide.  Following a Charlton corner, Forster-Caskey put the ball wide.  On 27 minutes Hanlon shot wide in what was really the first chance for the hone side.

Amos caught a Rovers corner.   He then spilt the ball, but referee Peter Wright, in charge of Charlton for the first time, ruled that he was fouled.  Good work by Aneke saw Forster-Caskey put the ball over the bar.

Amos stretched out a leg to deny McCormick.

Steve Brown thought that Charlton were open and stretched towards the end of the half.  He also thought that Conor Washington did not do enough with the ball.

Charlton had had plenty of possession, but their final ball let them down.

HT: 0-0

It was end to end start, but the Addicks won three corners.   However, they were taken short and I think that this rarely works.  When Forster-Caskey whacked it in on 63 minutes we got the goal.

Rovers fought back strongly and Charlton struggled to clear their lines.  The Addicks made a triple substitution, in part with the Peterborough game in mind.  Williams, Washington and Aneke went off. Smyth, Bogle and Schwartz came on.

Schultz and Bogle advanced on goal, but the Dane managed to trip up.  Morgan got a second yellow for an unnecessary challenge off the ball.

Bogle was creative in the closing phase of the match.  Gilbey, who had come on a substitute, won an important free kick for Charlton.

Six minutes added on created a nervous atmosphere, but Charlton retained control.

Rovers manager Paul Tisdale was contemptuous of Forster-Caskey's effort and said that it was a soft goal to concede: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/its-a-soft-soft-goal-bristol-rovers-boss-paul-tisdale-unhappy-at-charltons-winner/

Leading Bowyer critic Desmond from Deal said: 'Just when we think Bowyer's days are numbered, he sneaks a lucky win.'

Bowyer has a smile on his face

Often sad supremo Lee Bowyer has a smile on his face. He said at this afternoon's press conference: 'My job is to win games, so I've tried to distance myself from the off-field stuff. Now, I can see the club moving forwards and it puts a smile on my face.' Bowyer has been offered a five year deal that will reassure many fans.

Bowyer revealed, 'Jake Forster-Caskey will be back on the bench on Saturday alongside Jonny Williams and Tomer Hemed .The players coming back will only strengthen us and we will pick points up again once they are back, I have no doubt.'

He added, 'The lads that have been playing have given absolutely everything. The fact we've stayed in games and lost by the odd goal shows just how good our academy is.'

Possibly responding to demands from fans on social media today for 'ambitious' spending the sagacious supremo said: '[Moving the club forwards] won't happen overnight. We've done well to get in the situation we're in now and we're trying to rebuild something that was broken for a long time. We can't jump too quick, too soon.'

Given what could be described as his own response to cynics and professional oppositionists, chairman Matt Southall said: 'Any decision made is for the long-term benefit of the club. There's always possibility to be promoted or relegated, so there has to be provisions. But under Lee, I honestly believe we won't be relegated.'

Steve Gallen said: 'We're trying to bring some players in. We've put bids in for three permanent signings in the last week. Our job now is to try and strengthen what we have. We have players coming back, so we want to add to that and maybe bring in another loan as well.' Gallen admitted that there was need to strengthen certain areas and that would be done.

Richard Cawley

I would like to express my condolences to the SLP's Richard Cawley who is on bereavement leave following the death of his father who had a long battle with prostate cancer. Richard stressed the importance of those in vulnerable groups taking blood tests for the disease. I would only add, avoid having a camera inserted if at all possible because it isn't very pleasant!

Work rate key to Charlton success

Jake Forster-Caskey thinks that work rate was key to Charlton's victory over Derby County on Saturday. Derby were simply not allowed time on the ball but were hounded out of possession: Work rate key

Forster-Caskey admits that the success of Conor Gallagher, named in the EFL team of the week, does not help his chance of a starting role in central midfield, but says that he has been comfortable playing at left wing-back in place of Ben Purrington.

As Addicks have had the chance to reflect on a compelling victory, many have praised the contribution made by Darren Pratley.

Forster-Caskey signs new deal

Jake Forster-Caskey has signed a new one year deal at Charlton, thanking the fans for their support while he was injured: New deal