Reckless challenge costs Charlton

 Charlton drew 1-1 with Wimbledon at the new Plough Lane tonight after indiscipline saw the Addicks reduced to 10 men.

A Stockley overhead kick was dealt with by the defender and the resultant corner was unproductive as the game started at a fast pace.  The Charlton end was sold out.

The ball pinged around in the six yard box but the keeper saved from DJ.  There was then another save from Washington.

Charlton were in the ascendancy, Stockley was winning the aerial battles, but Lavelle went down in a challenge. 

Wimbledon then got into the game more and after some sloppy play in midfield DJ conceded an unnecessary free kick, but it ended in a Charlton free kick for handling.

Wimbledon advanced on their left and won a corner.

Charlton were less crisp and bright than they were in the first 20 minutes.   Sean Clare shot over.

The game was getting a bit scrappy although it was being played at a fast pace.  Charlton were not being very creative.   As Wimbledon grew in confidence, we looked exposed on our right.   Jacko was screaming instructions.

Charlton were caught in possession and conceded a corner.   Steve Brown said we were not showing much fluidity and the passing was not great.

In time added on, a Washington half volley went over.  

Curbs: 'flat and uninspiring'

Curbs said in the first ten minutes we created two or three good chances and didn't take them.  After then it had been flat and uninspiring.  Wimbledon looked the strongest going into the second half.   The ball should not be knocked up to Stockley too early.   The first goal would be vital.   Wimbledon were a poor side and we hadn't taken advantage of it,

HT: Wombles 0, Addicks 0

The home side piled on the pressure and won a free kick, Lavelle having to come off and was replaced by Inniss who had to concede a corner.

Dobson took one for the team receiving a yellow card.    Inniss got a red card for a reckless challenge. Blackett-Taylor was going to come on.   Forster-Caskey came off and Famewo came on.

Charlton were on the back foot and under heavy pressure since the red card.  DJ made way for Blackett-Taylor.

After great work by Matthews on the right, he put in a good cross and Stockley scored with the header.

Wimbledon made a double substitution.   Macca had to tip the ball over the bar after a home corner.

A free kick was awarded against Dobson in a central position.    The shot came off the wall.

Blackett-Taylor needed treatment.  Purrington got a yellow card.   Jacko got a yellow card,  Dobson dealt with the free kick well at the expense of a corner.  A second corner followed and Wimbledon equalised on 87 minutes.

In eight minutes added on Famewo was brought down and the Wimbledon charm merchant got a yellow card.  A Wimbledon corner was wasted.

Steve Brown said we were hanging on towards the end.

Curbs said he couldn't understand Inniss making that sort of challenge on the halfway line.

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/

Why Inniss was withdrawn

The game time of Ryan Inniss is being managed says Nigel Adkins: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-explains-reasons-for-withdrawals-of-conor-washington-and-ryan-inniss-during-milton-keynes-defeat/

Meanwhile, Ronnie Schwartz managed 45 minutes in a behind close doors under 23 game with Dulwich Hamlet. 

Gomes signing in the balance

Ryan Inniss will play 60 minutes at Fulham on Saturday as part of his carefully managed return after he put in a good session at training yesterday says Nigel Adkins: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-explains-absence-of-charlton-defender-ryan-inniss-during-pre-season-draw-at-palace/

Ben Watson has been making progress and Ronnie Schwartz has been 'running around a bit'.

The future of trialist Madger Gomes is uncertain after he played at Palace last night, although Adkins made some supportive comments.   Fans' reactions were mixed from 'useful squad player' to 'wouldn't be disappointed if he didn't come: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-has-say-on-trialist-madger-gomes-with-former-doncaster-mans-charlton-future-still-up-in-the-air/

Ben Purrington will miss the first game of the season with a hamstring injury.  Chris Gunter played at left back last night.

Inniss being prepared for Massive game

Jayden Stockley missed today's 1-1 draw at Reading because of a stomach upset: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-assistant-boss-explains-absence-of-jayden-stockley-discusses-first-friendly-game-time-for-ryan-inniss/

Ryan Inniss took part for 30 minutes.   Some Charlton fans were concerned that was all he could manage, but Johnnie Jackson explained it was part of a detailed plan to have him ready for the opening league game against the Massives.

Ben Purrington had to come off with an injury and it is still being assessed.   Some fans don't rate 'The Cat', but I think he is a competent defender capable of getting forward.

Inniss back in action

Ryan Inniss is set to return in Saturday's closed doors friendly at Reading.  Nigel Adkins discusses his fitness, noting that a 'private situation' led to a late return to training: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-provides-fitness-update-on-key-defender-ryan-inniss/  

A vital three points

Charlton kept their play off hopes alive with a 3-1 victory over Lincoln City at The Valley tonight.  All the goals came in the second half after Chuks Aneke came on at the break.

Curbs said that Aneke coming on gave Gilbey and Millar a lift, it changed the dynamic of the whole team.

Jayden Stockley said that in the first half he had to keep it alive, wait for everyone to get back up.  With Chuks on there was someone else in the box that had to be marked.   I feel that me and Chuks do have an understanding.   We weren't as threatening as we wanted to be [in the first half].

Bradley Pritchard said that Stockley is the type of character you want in the changing room.  He was a priority to be signed.

Curbs said that Chuks was a lucky boy, he could have been sent off.

Nigel Adkins said that Lincoln had the best away record in the league, we knew it would be challenging.  We made sure we were in the game.  We had scored from a corner again thanks to Johnnie Jackson's work. We score from set pieces.  I was disappointed with the goal we conceded, there was a suggestion he was offside.  I had to take Chuks off before he got sent off, he's got to learn.  The object was to win the game and we take it to the last game of the season.   

Chuks is a massive threat.   We've got to keep working with him.   We've got an excellent medical team here.   Chuks has only started two games this season and on one he got sent off.  We need to make sure that Jayden Stockley gets a good supply.   His goals are great.

Match report

It was a windy Valley with intermittent heavy showers.   Amos have to save at the expense of a corner on 10 minutes.  Purrington was booked for a professional foul.

Bramall got a yellow card for a foul on Millar.  From a Forster-Caskey free kick with Inniss turned provider but Maatsen headed over the bar and he was offside anyway.

On 28 minutes referee Kevin Johnson had to go off injured and the fourth official took his place.  Forster-Caskey went down and had to be replaced by Morgan on 37 minutes.

Jones got a yellow card for a foul on Inniss.  In the eight minutes added on Millar blasted over.  Sreve Brown thought that we were not creating enough chance.

HT: 0-0

Aneke replaced Purrington.   Gilbey supplied a great ball, Aneke headed downwards and Stockley scored with a half volley.

Charlton were almost caught out immediately and Amos had to save.  Ben Watson was at fault in letting Lincoln advance.

Aneke drew a save from Palmer.   Scully, one of Lincoln's better players, had to be replaced by Howarth.   The effective left back Bramall, formerly with Arsenal, had to be taken off as he was in danger of getting a second yellow.

Millar put in a ball to Stockley who was inches wide.  A Morgan corner found Inniss unmarked at the far post and he scored with a header to make it 2-0.

On 66 minutes Millar burst down the left and passed to Aneke whose shot took a deflection to make it 3-0.

Famewo made a great block.  A Lincoln free kick conceded by Watson in a dangerous position on the edge of the area came off the wall.

Aneke got a yellow card.  On 88 minutes Charlton were looking for an offside and Anderson scored with a neat shot for Lincoln.   This meant that our goal difference is two worse than that of Portsmouth.

Six minutes were added on and Aneke was taken off to be replaced by Pratley who collected his yellow card.  Charlton were being forced back and Morgan made a great defensive header.   Amos had to save and Stockley put in good defensive work, drawing a foul.   Then the whistle blew and Charlton were left with everything to play for on Sunday.

Consulting his book of excuses, Imps boss Michael Appleton said that his team failed to play with their usual edge: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/lincoln-city-boss-appleton-we-might-get-the-opportunity-to-put-charlton-athletic-result-right/

'Fearless Charlton defender'

Crystal Palace's academy director discusses Ryan Inniss saying that at 16 or 17 he was one of the best three centre halves in the country, but his career was subsequently disrupted by injury: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/crystal-palace-academy-director-gary-issott-gives-fascinating-insight-into-fearless-charlton-defender-ryan-inniss/?fbclid=IwAR3wh2yzmvUpq5SS6momzBWFAw9AR-8pSY_T

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.

Adkins says Inniss injury history has been 'too big'

Nigel Adkins thinks that the previous injury history of Ryan Inniss has been too big, but is determined to tackle it, seeing its origins in multiple causes: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-adkins-determined-to-address-ryan-inniss-injury-history/

Inniss, Conor Washington and Ian Maatsen will all be available for tomorrow's game against Peterborough.

In the interviews, Adkins stresses the importance of dynamic, attacking wing play to his tactics.

Momentum maintained

Charlton maintained their momentum with a 2-1 win at Sunderland this afternoon, their first defeat at home since January 19th.  Ryan Inniss created an own goal in the first half and Alex Gilbey scored in the second.  It was an outstanding performance by birthday boy Ben Amos.  Lennie Lawrence said he was man on the match and Curbs agreed.

Lennie Lawrence said it was an enormous physical and mental effort from Charlton.  It could be the start of an exciting finale.  Curbs said it was such a big result.

Ben Amos said that the team had a way of playing that everyone was happy with and comfortable with now.  Everyone knew their roles and what was expected at different stages of the game.  That made it more straightforward.

Lennie Lawrence said that Charlton won because the manager got the strategy right, the tactics right and made the changes at the right time.

Nigel Adkins said it was a big win, the players showed great resilience, we gifted them a goal.  We could have scored some more goals.   It was pleasing that things that had been talked about in training had been achieved.   We had to try and get our shape right.  Great credit to the players.   Sunderland put the ball in the box more than anyone else in the division.

Curbs said that Adkins had come in and giving everyone a lift, it sounds like the training ground is a happy place.

Charlton are still 7th, but only two points off 4th.

Match report

After a bright opening, Charlton looked shaky in the first ten minutes.  O'Brien was just wide after he got between two defenders.   Sunderland were putting pressure on the Charlton right.

Pratley lost out to Wyke, but Amos made a great right-handed save. Charlton hit the post.  Amos made another great save, although it was an attempt to push the ball into the net.   Sunderland had a free kick near the corner flag, but Amos punched the ball out.

DJ won Charlton a corner taken by Forster-Caskey.   Inniss got a free header and for some reason the defender slammed the ball into his own net.   Amos had to make a save down to his left.

The virtual attendance at half time was 14,553.

HT: 0-1

Forster-Caskey got a yellow card for disrupting a throw in.  On 59 minutes Stockley hit the post after DJ turned provider.

On 60 minutes from a Charlton throw in Stockley made a good flick on with a header and Gilbey scored at the second attempt.

Sunderland made four substitutions.  Maatsen went down and had to be replaced by Millar.  A shot from DJ was saved.   Gunter replaced DJ on 72 minutes.

Amos came out of his goal rather recklessly, but made a double save, but the ball fell to Sunderland in front of an open goal scored with a header.

Charlton were getting a bit too deep, but at least we weren't trying to play out from the back.   The players were tiring, but Matthews put in some good defensive work in the closing minutes.

Amos claimed from a Sunderland corner.   Millar advanced, but the defenders made two good blocks.

In five minutes on, extended to six, Amos had to save again.

Inniss on the Adkins effect

Ryan Inniss says that Nigel Adkins has been 'a breath of fresh air' and everything has been positive about the new manager: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/ryan-inniss-new-charlton-boss-nigel-adkins-has-been-a-breath-of-fresh-air/

Inniss is glad to be back in action after a gruelling five months out: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-defender-ryan-inniss-delighted-to-be-back-in-action-after-gruelling-five-months-out/

April return for Inniss

Ryan Inniss should be back after the international break for the match against Doncaster Rovers on April 2nd.  Presumably this will initially be in a bench warming capacity, but his availability will help in the key end of season games: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-centre-back-ryan-inniss-has-exact-return-date-in-sight/

Time on the buses harms hamstring

Ryan Inniss is back in full training and will play an under 23s match next week: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-boss-outlines-comeback-plan-for-ryan-inniss/

Meanwhile hours spent on the team bus might have affected Akin Famewo's hamstring (I must say this is a new explanation for me): https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-hoping-defenders-tight-hamstring-down-to-miles-clocked-up-on-the-road/

Adam Matthews will not be available tomorrow, but Darren Pratley will have served his two match ban.

Elsewhere, Omar Bogle is finding his shooting boots again with another goal for Doncaster on Saturday.   However, Lyle Taylor was caught offside when he thought he had scored for Forest.   Josh Davison managed ton race clear of the Grimsby defence for the Vegans, but his effort hit the post.

Inniss out until April

The latest news on Ryan Inniss suggests that he will be out until April which is a blow given that he was one of our key players, particularly in terms of stopping us leaking goals: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/ryan-inniss-cleared-to-step-up-his-rehab-with-charlton-defender-missing-from-action-for-more-than-three-months/

The club did look for centre backs in the transfer window, but no one of sufficient quality was available within the then constraints of the salary cap.

Liam Miller talks about playing on the left for Charlton despite being right footed: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/liam-millar-on-inverted-winger-role-for-charlton-and-a-pace-race-with-bayern-star-alphonso-davies/

Bowyer says Stockley is 'just what we need'

Implicitly responding to critics who said he should have signed a defender, Lee Bowyer says that Jayden Stockley is just what the club needs.  Quality strikers rarely become available and it was not possible to replace Karlan Grant when he left two years ago: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/lee-bowyer-has-praise-for-charlton-owner-and-former-leeds-chief-for-helping-striker-deal-happen/

If all goes well, I anticipate that Stockley will be a permanent signing in the summer.

I was concerned to learn that there will be no definite news on Ryan Inniss until he has a scan in two weeks' time.  The season might have been different if he had not been injured: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-chief-provides-injury-timeline-for-influential-defender-ryan-inniss/

Bowyer has admitted that defensive lapses have been costing Charlton (he was not asked if the Pope is a Catholic): https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/they-are-gimmes-lee-bowyer-gives-his-verdict-on-charltons-defensive-lapses/