Wagstaff's Charlton memories

Scott Wagstaff talks about his rise through the ranks at Charlton and praises Chris Powell and Johnnie Jackson: League One glory and a disappointing departure

No return for Wagstaff

Having been let go by Bristol City, Scott Wagstaff will not be returning to The Valley: Wagstaff

A very decent guy, but I think this is the right call. I hope he finds a berth somewhere in the Football League.

Scott Wagstaff feels sorry for fans

Scott Wagstaff received warm applause from Charlton fans when his name was announced on the Bristol City bench on Saturday when he came on.

He says that he keeps in touch with Charlton fans, it's a shame to see the state the club is in and he understands why fans are protesting: Wagstaff

Contrasting fortunes in final for former Addicks

Two former Charlton players faced contrasting fortunes in the final of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy at Wembley yesterday. Jordan Cook tweeted that he was 'devastated' after Walsall lost 2-0 in front of 30,000 of their supporters.

However, he came close to scoring as anyone for his side. Walsall almost reduced the two-goal deficit when Cook looped a cross in from the left, which forced the keepeer to tip the ball onto the post.

At least, however, he was able to take pride in playing in front of his family at Wembley. Scott Wagstaff, a popular player at The Valley, was on the winning side, but was an unused substitute for Bristol City.

Bristol City have won the trophy three times, whilst this was Walsall's first outing to Wembley in their long history.

One of my companions on the journey down from the Midlands was an Addick who lived in Walsall. He now lives in Oman, which is warmer and sunnier than Walsall. However, he misses the Addicks and listens in to afternoon games at 7 p.m. local time.

Wagstaff Bristol bound

Scott Wagstaff is to have a medical at Bristol City prior to a move to the Robins: Waggy

Wagstaff has now signed a three year deal. 'The manager and the coaching staff really sold it to me,' Wagstaff told BBC Radio Bristol. 'I'm excited for a new challenge now. It's a massive club and I'm looking forward to something different.' It's remarkable how many clubs count as 'massive' these days.

No one could ever doubt his commitment at The Valley and I hope that things work out for him with the Robins.

Elsewhere, Yado Mambo is training with Colchester United with the hope of a contract.

Players dropped

Scott Wagstaff, Ricardo Fuller, Matt Taylor and Salim Kerkar will not be offered new deals by Charlton, the club has announced. No surprise about Wagstaff, although a disappointment, and Taylor has unfortunately not really succeeded at this level. Kerkar has not lived up to his promise. Fuller is arguably too expensive given the number of games in which he has played.

Clearly we now need a new striker as I would not expect or want Bradley Wright-Phillips to be given a new contract. However, we will be constrained by what we can afford, not least in terms of wages.

Charlton win at home on a Saturday

Charlton achieved what has evaded them all season at The Valley this afternoon: they won at home on a Saturday. By beating Blackpool 2-1 they moved to 14th in the table. They are now ahead of Crystal Palace in the form table.

In the first quarter of an hour the Addicks were lacklustre and Blackpool could have gone ahead in the first couple of minutes if they had taken a scoring chance. The optimists in the row behind concluded, 'We're beaten already.'

However, a far from powerful goal by Jackson put the Addicks ahead and a nicely worked move allowed Wagstaff to score a second in time added on. In the first quarter of hour of the second half Blackpool once again stepped up the pressure, but Charlton were able to withstand it. However, a third goal eluded them and former Addick Nathan Eccleston was able to score a consolation for the visitors in time added on. He has tweeted his thanks to Charlton supporters for their love.

I'm not too comfortable with a 4-5-1 formation at home, even if injuries left no alternative, and the first quarter of an hour was frustrating. On two minutes Delfouenso got a cross in and Kevin Phillips might have done better with his header, but Matt Taylor was able to clear off the line.

Wagstaff and Evina got caught out in midfield, but Charlton were able to recover. Charlton won a corner taken by Stephens which led to a second but it was caught by Gilks in the Blackpool goal.

An interception from Crainey ran into the path of Jackson who made it 1-0 with a ball into the corner of the net. It was not a powerful shot, indeed it has been said that it actually arrived in the net after the end of the match. But they all count.

On 38 minutes a Charlton corner was caught by the keeper. Before the game I heard two Blackpool fans discussing whether Appleton's legacy had been to sort out the defence and they concluded that he had not. They were inclined to panic under pressure. In time added on Chris Solly played in Lawrie Wilson on the right. From his cross Gilks was able to stop Kermorgant's header, but Wagstaff was able to slam the rebound in the back of the net.

HT: Addicks 2, Tangerines 0

Blackpool won a free kick which led to a corner but this move ended in a free kick for Charlton. Dale Stephens picked up an avoidable yellow card, the only one of the match. Blackpool took off Osbourne and brought on Taylor-Fletcher. Bradley Pritchard put in an effort from distance which went wide.

Charlton won three corners in succession, but the pressure ultimately failed to pay off. Blackpool took off Delfouneso and brought on Eccleston. Scott Wagstaff was withdrawn in favour of Harriot who immediately tormented a Tangerine defender to win a Charlton corner which led to a second. Phillips went off to a round of applause from the Addickted and was replaced by Gomes.

A Charlton free kick led to a Charlton corner which was caught by the keeper. Our corners still need more work. Stephens was taken off when Kermorgant might have deserved a rest. In time added on Eccleston put his volley in the back of the net.

Match analysis

Ivy the Terrible did not think that there was one stand out player but thought that Chris Solly was always involved and did what was required of him, making some good defensive interventions so he receives the Silver Bone. Indeed, he was named in the Football League Paper Team of the Day. Hamer did not have a lot to do and could not be blamed for the goal, but his distribution was open to question. Evina showed pace and put in some good balls, although there were one or two errors and he was sometimes a little hesitant. I didn't notice Taylor that much but he suffered a bloodied head in the cause and as far as I can see did not do much wrong yet did not make a great impact. Morrison was generally solid, but was involved in one mix up with Hamer. Pritchard was once again energetic and enthusiastic. He must cover more ground than any other player and he made some good interventions. Wagstaff took his goal well, but I still have reservations about his skill level. Jackson scored a rather fortuitous goal and provided corners and free kicks. Stephens puts in a great ball one minute and a poor one the next, but he played a key role in the second goal. Wilson started rather poorly, but improved as the game went on. Kermorgant is not really suited to the lone striker role, but he showed some nice touches. Harriott was a real impact sub: the issue with him has never been his talent, but his attitude. Fuller had a cameo.

Juneau the Soccer Cat thought that the referee was a bit full of himself and made a couple of questionable decisions, but did not deserve a hiss. She has complained, however, about the time I have spent on this report rather than feeding her so I have got the hiss.

Hollands joins Rocking Robins

As expected, Danny Hollands has gone out on loan, but not to join Bournemouth once again. Rather he is joining Paolo di Canio and the Rocking Robins in Swindon.

Hollands is one of the players who has found the transition from League 1 challenging. However, apparently Scott Wagstaff has not been doing too well at Orient. In any event he has now returned to the Addicks: Wagstaff

Disappointing start for Waggy

Scott Wagstaff had a disappointing start to his return to League 1 football as the O's went down 2-0 to Bournemouth, giving the Cherries their first home victory of the season. Cherries keeper David James, no doubt thinking about the workload in the third year of his economics degree, fumbled one cross, but the visitors were unable to take advantage.

Wagstaff was taken off after 80 minutes. The Football League Paper gave him a score of 4, saying that 'he hardly touched the ball'. He is probably far from match fit.

Wagstaff out on loan

Scott Wagstaff has joined Leyton Orient on loan and is expected to start against Bournemouth tomorrow, according to a tweet from Pravda.

Wagstaff has his enthusiasts among the Addickted, especially as an impact sub, but Chris Powell seems less keen, given the extent to which he has used him this season. This will give him a chance to sharpen up and get match fit.

One Charlton fan has tweeted that he thinks that League 1 is Wagstaff's level.

Transfer rumours: Young to return?

None of these has any independent confirmation, so please treat them as speculation as we get into the final phase of the transfer window.

Nigel Reo-Coker on a free. He exercised a 'get out' clause to leave Bolton and has been looking for a Premiership club but has not found one. There is pressure on him to return to the Reebok. Hull City are also interested. A holding midfield player would be useful. Likelihood: 2/10.

Chris Solly to go to West Ham for £2.5m. Would they pay that much? Wilson was brought in should he leave. Likelihood: 3/10.

Luke Young on a season long loan. He is no longer allowed to train with the first team squad as Mark Hughes deploy his man management skills: Young. In those circumstances a return to a club where he did well might seem attractive. Likelihood: 4/10.

Scott Wagstaff to Forest for £400,000. Earlier rumours mentioned £1m which seemed unrealistic. But would Forest really want him? Likelihood 2/10.

Addicks go out on penalties

Charlton had a substantially different look from last Saturday’s closed door friendly against Fulham for the Capital One cup clash with Leyton Orient reports Liz Horton from The Valley. Eight changes were made in total with an unexpected pairing of 20-year old Michael Smith and Scott Wagstaff up front. New signings Cook, Kerkar and Wilson were all given a start. The crowd was 5,914 with not far short of a thousand from the O's.

An early shot by Kerkar from just outside the penalty area went close. The game had a lively start. Cook advanced well, getting past three Orient players, and won a corner. For their part Orient were trying to reach Mooney and Lisbie with the long ball. Lisbie put in a shot but it was well saved by Hamer down to his right.

After a defensive mix up between Hamer and Taylor from a Charlton free kick, Mooney had a chance for a shot but he put it over. Hollands failed to make use of a potentially good position. A volley from Danny Green was off target.

Charlton won their second corner of the game. The ball was punched away by the keeper. Green tried a shot but it was gathered comfortably.

After the first fifteen minutes the game became quieter in the warm conditions. Orient put some pressure on after one of their trademark throw ins, but Hamer gathered. Baldry went in cynically on Cook and received a yellow card. The free kick was unproductive.

Charlton made a good counter attack with Cook and Wagstaff, the ball took a deflection, but Wagstaff claimed it as the Addicks went 1-0 ahead.

Charlton won another corner taken by Kerkar, but the ball went just over Smith. Good work by Cook closing the full back down set up Green but he was just wide.

Orient got a free kick 25-30 yards from goal. Former Seagull Cox got round the wall but Hamer had the situation under control. Green was penalised for a foul throw. A cross from Wilson led to a corner which Orient could have avoided. The Addicks won a second corner which was punched away and Cook’s effort was way over the top.

Mooney shot from long range to jeers from the Addickted. Cort dealt well with an attempt by the O’s to launch an attack. Orient earned their first corner of the game in stoppage time, it was whipped in and went into the back of the net at very close range.

Half time: Addicks 1, O’s 1

An Orient free kick was unproductive. Mooney went down inside the box after a challenge from Wilson and the penalty was awarded in front of the O’s supporters in the Jimmy Seed. Mooney’s effort hit the crossbar and bounced away, demonstrating his calibre once again. An O’s corner was headed away by Taylor, but the Addicks were not able to launch an effective counter attack.

A Danny Green free kick led to Charlton’s sixth corner of the game as Taylor threatened. The O’s managed to scramble the ball clear. Cook put in a good cross but Cort was unable to connect.

Orient won a corner. The header from the unmarked Smith was wide. A cross from Hollands led to a Charlton corner. Green’s effort hit the post off an Orient defender. Jordan Cook went down after a clash with James. An effort by Cort was deflected and gave Charlton another corner. The keeper lost it but Cort could not direct the ball into the back of the unguarded net.

Mooney was taken off to a few derisive boos. Orient won a free kick rather dubiously in a potentially dangerous position, a Charlton player having been fouled moments before. The referee sent Chris Powell to the stands after he declared his unhappiness with the decision and with the fourth official. The free kick went behind.

Wilson did well to feed Smith, there was a shout for handball. The referee was starting to lose it as Sawyer went into the book. A Danny Green free kick went over Smith’s head. After another Charlton free kick, the ball from Danny Green hit the woodwork. A drive from Matt Taylor went wide.

The Addicks won their ninth corner which was taken short, Kerkar’s effort was fierce but a few yards wide. Smith won the tenth corner. The keeper was able to grab the ball after Taylor hesitated. Hamer had to make a good save down to his right from a fiercely struck ball. Hamer dealt with the corner well.

Evina’s excellent cross was sliced away and Charlton won a free kick 20 yards from goal. Green’s effort sailed over the top. Taylor had to head behind to give Orient a corner but it ended in a wild shot. Orient made another change bringing on their loan player from Stoke while Lisbie came off and got some applause. Brunt went on his own and shot straight at Hamer.

Orient won a corner with 90 seconds to go. The ball went out for a throw in. Five minutes of stoppage time were added on. Cook released the ball to Green who drove just wide.

Full time: 1-1

Orient won a corner off Taylor who then cleared. A long-range shot was straight at Hamer. The O's won a second corner. The ball was cleared by Green. Orient made another substitution. An Orient player was booked for a foul, the referee Mr Ward should have played advantage rather than giving a free kick 25 yards from goal. The keeper had to palm Kerkar's effort round the post. Cort headed the ball into the side netting.

After 99 minutes Pritchard came on to replace Kerkar who went off to warm applause. The game seemed to be slowing down with the prospect of penalties looming. Two minutes were added on to the first period of extra time.

At the break Johnnie Jackson came on to replace Jordan Cook and Bradley Wright-Phillips replaced Michael Smith. Chris Powell had decided he did not want penalties. A testing cross from Brunt was gathered by Hamer. A shot by Wright-Phillips was deflected for a Charlton corner, their twelth of the match. The ball was cleared off the line as Cort threatened.

A shot from Wright-Phillips was blocked. Orient won a corner off Evina. The ball was cleared off the line and then went wide. Following an O's free kick, Charlton counter attacked but Green's effort went just over the top.

Orient won another corner. Hamer punched out well. Wilson was fouled leading to a yellow card. An effort by Pritchard went over.

Penalties

Word came through that Millwall had lost 4-1 on penalties to Crawley at the Toolbox. Jackson's well struck effort was saved by Allsopp low to his left. Hamer was sent the wrong way by Symes and Orient went 1-0 ahead. Wilson hit the crossbar. Hamer went the wrong way again and it was 2-0. Green scored for Charlton to make it 2-1. Hamer went the right way and saved so it stayed at 2-1. Wright-Phillips scored with a good penalty to make it 2-2. James scored to make it 3-2 to Orient. Pritchard score to make it 3-3. Brunt scored and Orient went through.

Charlton top table with away win

Charlton started with an unchanged side against Notts County today reports Erith Addick Paul May from Meadow Lane. Scott Wagstaff deservedly retained his place with Danny Green joined by Jason Euell on the bench.

Charlton started brightly. Hollands was the object of an early foul with the Magpies determined to get their retaliation in early. County were able to clear from the free kick. Good play by Hayes won a corner for the Addicks. Jackson’s corner was cleared by Hughes and the move ended in a goal kick for the home side.

A free kick was awarded against Morrison on the edge of the box on seven minutes. It was a good free kick but the Addicks handled it well and it was cleared. A Jackson free kick was unproductive. Wagstaff was caught in the face by a ball at point blank range. He came back on with cotton wool in his nose.

The green shirted Elliot came quickly off his line and acted as a sweeper, anticipating the situation well. The Addickted were vocal while the home fans seemed quite subdued. Elliot punched out a long throw from Edwards.

With twenty minutes gone neither side had had a real chance but then Jackson headed the ball off the line to deal with a volley. Wagstaff was pushed but the referee, who had not followed the advice of the hoardings round the ground to visit Vision Express, saw nothing.

Good play by Stephens and Wagstaff gave Jackson an opportunity and he put the ball in the net but was ruled to be offside. Bishop put in a speculative effort that went wide. A shot from Hayes was saved well by the keeper.

Hollands won the ball well in midfield with a good tackle and turned provider for Wagstaff who rounded the keeper and scored from a tight angle to put the Addicks ahead on 35 minutes. The game then went a bit quiet.

Wright-Phillips advanced down the right and turned provider with a slide rule pass for Hayes who made no mistake tapping the ball in on the far post to make it 2-0 to the Addicks just before half time.

Half time: Magpies 0, Addicks 2

County made two substitutions at half time, taking off Bencherif who had been quite effective in defence. Whether they were going to abandon their 4-1-3-2 formation was initially unclear. Lee Hughes came on, possibly posing more of a challenge to Morrison.

Hayes threatened early on and then Stephens put in an excellent ball and Jackson was there but the offside flag went up. Bishop clattered into the back of Wagstaff and the free kick was awarded. Bishop then fouled Stephens and another free kick was awarded, but Jackson’s effort went well over. Bishop conceded another free kick.

Sheehan headed back to his keeper and Nelson had to scramble across to prevent an own goal. Solly provided some great defending at the expense of a corner, without Solly’s intervention Hawley would have been in for a tap in. Sheehan put a great ball in and the substitute Montano made no mistake in finding the back of net to make it 1-2. The defending was a bit slack as Charlton conceded their first goal of the season.

Hayes turned provider for Wright-Phillips but his effort went over the bar. It all kicked off in midfield after Charlton were given a free kick. Elliot told Wagstaff to calm down. Westcarr put in a shot as County revived.

Hayes put in a clever ball for Wright-Phillips, but the keeper was able to gather. A shot by the Magpies from distance was only just wide. Hayes put in a shot from 35 yards that wasn’t far wide. A bad challenge was made on Jackson by Ravenhill who received the first yellow card of the game. Wright-Phillips was manhandled but the free kick was given against him.

A free kick by Stephens from 30 yards out was too close to the keeper. Demontagnac (whose first name was on his shirt) came on and the full back Kelly came off suggesting that County were going to intensify their attack.

Taylor dealt well with a long throw from Edwards. Wright-Phillips played in Hayes but the offside flag was raised. Taylor and Montano had a clash of heads. A free kick was awarded against the combative Hollands who had had a good game. The offside flag was raised against County to the distress of the home fans.

Wiggins got a yellow card for kicking the ball away after a disputed throw in. Lee Hughes put the ball down for the goal kick and Elliot put it elsewhere. Jason Euell came on to replace Paul Hayes who had played well but was possibly tiring. Euell was warmly greeted by the 818 Addickted at the game.

Morrison stopped Westcarr putting in a shot with a fierce but fair tackle. Stephens dealt with a long throw by Edwards. Elliot came off his line well to deal with the ball. Montano started a move with a push which was ignored and won a corner. A poor shot went in from distance. Doherty came on.

Charm merchant Lee Hughes went down in the box in an exhibition of cheating. Edwards had another long throw opportunity but Doherty defended it bravely and the goal kick was awarded as manager Allen went beserk again.

Four minutes were added on. Doherty won the ball in the air. Westcarr put in a shot which was gathered by Elliot. Former County player Andy Hughes came on for his Charlton debut to replace Wagstaff. Euell tried to hold the ball up in the corner but the free kick went against him which was taken by the keeper in a much more advanced position. Sheehan went up to the referee, tapped him on the shoulder and said something and received a yellow card for his views.

Charlton won a corner and then the full time whistle blew. It all kicked off with handbags at six places and Euell and Hollands were involved and Elliot joined in. The coaching staff went on to calm things down. Hollands got a yellow card.

It was 2-1 win as Wyn Grant forecast yesterday and Charlton kept their place at the top of the table. As Chris Powell said last season, ‘Judge me when I get my own team’

Cherry juice

Every so often someone sends me an E-mail advocating the merits of cherry juice as a remedy for gout (which I have never had). Bournemouth's players looked like cherry juice at 5 p.m. this afternoon as they slumped on the pitch after an emphatic season opening 3-0 defeat by Charlton.

The Times had us tipped as champions and although it's very early days no one can deny that it's a good start and puts the Addicks top of the league in the tentative table.

It wasn't perfect but there was some fluent passing play at least some of the time and a judicious use of the long ball. We still go too deep under pressure and we looked a bit vulnerable defensively to counter attacks. But the corners were an improvement on last season.

The two goals scored from open play by Dale Stephens and Waggy were screamers and Johnnie Jackson scored his penalty with calm and authoritative aplomb as one expect from the skipper.

Bournemouth started the game with some agricultural clearances which suggested that this was not the best team we would face this season, but not the worst either. Solly conceded a rather unnecessary corner but fortunately it was unproductive.

A nasty foul on Hollands did not earn the yellow card it deserved from the raher self-important referee. Good work by Hayes led to a Charlton corner, but Morrison, always busy in the box on these occasions, headed the ball over.

A corner taken by Jackson was played back in by the alert Stephens but Wright-Phillips put the ball just wide. Hesitancy by Wagstaff nearly caused problems, but then a good long ball released Wright-Phillips. However, he was not able to get round the keeper. At this stage of the game one saw some good ideas but they were not quite coming off.

Another corner was conceded unnecessarily, something which needs to be worked on. There was then panic stations in the defence because Elliot failed to come for the ball when he should have done.

Solly made a good run and passed to Wright-Phillips who flicked the ball well to Stephens enabling him to put in a rocket shot that left the keeper with no chance. Quite wisely, Charlton then slowed the game down and kept possession to avoid the kind of early equaliser which happened too often last season. However, possibly they kept this up for too long, leading to a rather quiet end to the half.

Bournemouth's Byrne, on loan from Spurs, was looking lively and a bit of a menace and was given far too much space throughout the match. Elliot risked danger by hesitating again. Charm merchant Arter was finally given the yellow card he deserved. Some fans thought we should not have let him go, but I was not convinced by his petulance, even if he is Scott Parker's cousin.

Jackson put in an opportunistic shot from distance which tested the keeper and led to a Charlton corner. Stephens provided a good corner with some real pace on it but it was unproductive.

Charlton prospect Danny Ings received a yellow card for a foul. I was not that impressed by his contribution. Wagstaff won Charlton a corner. Elliot had to make a good save in the minute added on.

Half time: Addicks 1, Cherries 0

Bournemouth took off Baudry and brought on Taylor. The Cherries threatened with a couple of early corners, but then Solly won one for Charlton taken by Jackson. Stephens laid the ball off to Wagstaff who put in a screamer of a shot to make it 2-0.

A Bournemouth free kick flashed across the front of the Charlton goal and then the Addicks gave the ball away in midfield. They mounted a good counter attack, but Stephens should have tried a shot rather than playing the ball across the field. Another Bournemouth attack ended in an offside decision.

Elliot caught a Bournemouth corner. Good play by Hayes saw him put in a shot at a difficult angle and he was frustrated when it went wide. A Charlton corner was unproductive, but at least we were winning them. Elliot saved from play following a Cherries corner.

Charlton were awarded a free kick for holding at last, but Jackson's effort went over. Wright-Phillips was then brought down for the penalty which Jackson converted to make it 3-0.

Elliot made a good save. Taylor received a yellow card. Good work by Wagstaff was unproductive when Jackson overhit the ball. Wright-Phillips was just wide with a good effort from distance.

Hayes was replaced by Benson and shortly afterwards Bradley Pritchard made his competitive debut in place of Wagstaff. Wright-Phillips advanced well, but Jackson was unable to steer the ball. Pritchard displayed good control of the ball and then good defensive work. The three minutes added on were dominated by Charlton.

A clean sheet and no bookings, I feel good about this result. But next Saturday we face a top of the table clash away at Notts County.

Match analysis

Ivy the Terrible has awarded Dale Stephens his first ever Silver Bone for a committed and authoritative performance throughout. Elliot deserves credit for a clean sheet and some good saves, although the pressure he was under was rather intermittent. However, he is sometimes overcome by hesitancy and fails to command his area which suggests that he should not be first choice keeper even if he stays (Hamer having injured his thumb in training). The two new centre backs Taylor and Morrison displayed competent efficiency in their tasks, Taylor possibly showing more subtlety in his play. Wiggins was continually jeered by the away support, but apart from the odd mistake carried out his tasks well. Solly had some excellent moments, particularly in terms of contributing to attacks, but looked less secure in defence. Hollands was not that prominent, but did what he had to do with a commendable quiet efficiency. Jackson showed some nice touches and had a number of speculative efforts on goal which were worth the effort. Wagstaff did lose the ball a few times, possibly through hesitancy or trying to be too clever, but this should not detract from an impressive overall performance in attack. Hayes attracted some pre-season criticism, but seemed fully involved to me and showed some real guile. Wright-Phillips was relatively quiet and does expect the ball to be played to him but he did set up the penalty claim well. Benson had ten minutes to show what he could do which was pretty much what we saw last season, i.e., not that much but not without some skill. One time TNT Dynamos player Bradley Pritchard had a cameo in which he showed that he is a player with real promise. Incidentally, he must be the most educated player ever to feature for Charlton with five years at university, culminating in a Masters level qualification in sport science which surely trumps Iain Dowie's degree in rocket science. Doherty came on to help us defend our 3-0 lead and did what he was asked to do competently enough.

The Hiss of the Match was awarded by rescue cat Fleur who joined Juneau the Soccer Cat's squad in the close season and the former Southam United fan gave the award to the East Stand lino for some bizarre second half decisions.

Great result but not a great performance

Charlton beat Plymouth Argyle 2-0 at The Valley today to provide a winning start to Chris Powell's managerial career. It was a great result, but by all accounts not a great performance. With the teams just ahead of us winning, Charlton stay just outside the play off places.

Plymouth just edged the possession, but Charlton had more shots on target, nine to five. A volley by Kari Arnason for the visitors went just over the bar and it was 0-0 at half time.

Wagstaff opened the scoring for the Addicks on 55 minutes when he pounced on a poor back pass by so-called secret weapon Marcel Seip and put the ball past Button in the Plymouth goal. Eccleston made it 2-0 on 90 minutes when he cut inside the defence and scored with a left-footed effort.

Questions have been raised about the official attendance which was surprisingly low at 16,607. My wife and I would have been counted, but we were not there. We went down the M40 to High Wycombe to pick up a train, only to find that none were running. I should have checked, of course. Even if we had reached The Valley before kick off, parking would have been a problem.

Mick Collins has written an interesting essay around today for When Saturday Comes: Charlton

Charlton fight hard for away point

A spirited performance by Charlton saw them secure an away point against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough with a 2-2 draw at a ground where they have not won in the league since 1953.

I couldn't pick up any commentary at first from Charlton and then it seemed to be from a match involving Rochdale so I switched to the home commentary. It was rather amusing listening to two glum Yorkshiremen trying to console each other.

I missed Waggy's opening goal on 5 minutes, but heard Johnnie Jackson put the ball past Nicky Weaver on 7 minutes to extend the lead to 2-0.

Charlton were passing well, although they tended to sit back a bit. The Owls then had a chance to get back into the game with a penalty of their own, but it was saved. The local commentators described this as a 'miss', although they were perplexed that this was the first time their penalty taker had missed. They then had to admit that Elliot had made a 'decent' (i.e., excellent) save by diving to his left.

Half times: Owls 0, Addicks 2

The local commentators had remarked that Wednesday were a one half team and they can storming out of the traps after the break. The swirling wind in the penalty area meant that the ball was hanging high in the air, giving opportunities to the big lads of the home team.

Heffernan scored their opener on 48 minutes. Anyinsah had a chance to reply immediately at the other end, but put the ball over the bar. Charlton were under the cosh and after a succession of corners Johnson made it 2-2 on 52 minutes.

Charlton were not defending well, emphasising the need for a younger and more mobile central defender. Sodje was brought on to give greater physical presence with Anyinsah being withdrawn. Then Racon was withdrawn to give Eccleston his Charlton debut. The youngster seemed to lift Charlton to some extent.

Elliot made good some saves, while Francis defended well and made his presence felt at the other end. He provided a great cross to Sodje, but Purse was able to take the pace off the ball and Weaver managed to collect.

It looked as if the Owls were going to score in injury time, first through a good effort from 25 yards out by O'Connor. The Owls had a succession of corners with the ball coming off the inside of the bar and being put away by Francis.

It was a pulsating game and there was no lack of commitment from the Charlton players. The squad does need strengthening, however.

I predict that this will be Keith Peacock's last game as Charlton manager.

Charlton are now outside the play off places in 7th place, MK Dons having gone up to 6th.

Addicks win a trip to the Lane

Doherty, Semedo and Fry all featured in the Charlton line up at Kenilworth Road reports Paul May. Luton attacked at the expense of a corner, although Fry claimed that he had been pushed. From the corner the Hatters put the ball about a yard wide of the upright.

Fortune had to concede a corner to prevent Crow getting to the ball. The ball was cleared from the corner. With the quarter hour mark approaching, Charlton had not really tested the Luton keeper.

The Hatters won their third corner. Francis headed away and a subsequent Luton attack failed. Doherty was booked for a foul on Morgan-Smith on the edge of the D. The effort by Drury went into Row Z.

Crow hit the crossbar and Charlton were able to clear. Racon got booked for dissent after Luton were awarded a free kick.

Luton won a free kick off Fortune in a dangerous position, it was taken quickly and Elliot had to put the ball over for a corner. Elliot was able to collect. Wagstaff was fouled and Keane was booked.

Luton won their fifth corner of the game. The ball was bundled in from seven yards out by Kroca on 38 minutes to put the home side ahead with Elliot having no chance. 'Who are you?' chanted the Luton fans.

Barnes-Homer got away from Doherty, but Francis was able to clear. Francis put in a great cross and Wagstaff was there to guide in the header to equalise.

Crow went down and required treatment in time added on.

Half time: Hatters 1, Addicks 1

Elliot had scuffed a clearance in the first half and had picked up an injury. He was limping as he came out and Ross Worner was warming up in case he was needed.

Gknapa broke into the penalty area, but Doherty cleared. Fry required treatment. A Luton effort by Morgan-Smith just drifted wide.

Elliot had to make an acrobatic save from Pilkington. Drury's corner kick drifted out of play.

The game was quieter, but this reflected the fact that Charlton were controlling the game more. Benson seemed to be struggling: he had had some spray on his ankle at one point. Pawel Abbott came on in his place.

Racon should have done better after Abbott turned provider, he was unmarked and had a free header but sent it straight to the keeper.

Luton won a corner, but Abbott headed away. An effort by Abbott from 25 yards out was spilled by the keeper but he managed to collect. Anyinsah approached, but Pilkington intervened at the expense of a Charlton corner. It was headed away, Fry put in a drive and Anyinsah put the Addicks ahead.

Morgan-Smith was replaced by a super sub who was signed from St.Albans. Anyinsah made an attempt. A Luton free kick was cleared. Charlton counter attacked and won a corner. The Addicks kept up the pressure. Crowe was booked and taken off.

Jackson took a free kick 28 yards out, the ball deflected and the 400 or so Addickted celebrated as Charlton went 3-1 ahead. Sodje came on to replace Anyinsah.

Fry won Charlton a late corner. Jackson played it short. Three minutes were added on. McCormack got on for his cameo as he replaced Racon.

One is enough

Madrid: Charlton beat Sheffield Wednesday 1-0 at The Valley today through a 23rd minute goal from Scott Wagstaff. The initial shot from the top scorer was blocked, but he put the rebound into the bottom corner.

At last the Addicks had a clean sheet and the victory put them back in the play off places. Six points out of nine against Brighton, Carlisle and the Owls is good enough. Brighton beat Peterborough 3-0 at their place today, so presumably there will now be demands for the Posh manager to go.

Nicky Weaver was kept busy early on, blocking efforts from Fry and Jackson.

The stats show that Charlton edged the possession. Both sides had just four shots on target, although the Addicks had more off target. They had more corners (eleven to six) but they presumably were not very productive.

Rumours circulating at The Valley today suggest a revived interest from the Dennis Wise consortium in buying Charlton, but I have no confirmation of that. Certainly they weren't talking about it at the bar round the corner.

I notice that Crystal Palace are bottom of the Championship aftera 0-3 home defeat.

Charlton win in the paint pot

Phil Parkinson put out a strong side against MK Dons in the paint drying trophy last night and was rewarded with a 2-1 victory. The major change was the return of Christian Dailly in place of Jon Fortune, but Fortune came on in place of Doherty after the break. Benson was on the bench with Martin starting up front with Abbott.

The franchisees took the lead after just two minutes, Luke Chadwick making use of a cross from Lewis Guy. At half time some moaners stopped listening to the game, declaring it an 'embarrassment'.

Charlton equalised after the break when Luke Howell lost his footing and allowed Kyel Reid to cross for Pawel Abbott who headed home. Those who were there agreed that Abbott had quite a good game but Racon was less impressive although he showed some nice touches.

Reid turned provider again when he found leading scorer Scott Wagstaff unmarked at the post and he knocked it in to give Charlton the victory. This is the fourth game in the row when Reid has created a goal scoring opportunity and emphasises that he should start when fit. He is the most creative midfield player we have now that Bailey and Sam have left, albeit the first of these players was petulant and the second inconsistent (before we get too nostalgic about them).

Phil Parkinson's critics have said that the result does not change their view of him which is fair enough as my assessment would not be affected one way or another by what happens in this competition. They would be more impressed by a win at Plymouth which is far more important.

However, the victory has taken a little of the momentum out of the 'Parkinson must go' campaign which is not going to succeed during the season.

All square at Prenton Park.

There are five changes in the Charlton side at a wet Prenton Park this afternoon. Ross Worner starts in place of the injured Rob Elliot with loan signing Luke Daniels on the bench. Criticisms that McCormack and Semedo are too similar are answered by replacing McCormack with Racon. Abbott, who apparently has a groin injury, loses his place up front in favour of Anyinsah. Fry is replaced by Llera and Reid gives way to Wagstaff.

Like other Charlton fans, I had a difficult journey up here on the motorway, reports Paul May. Martin played a decent ball into the far post, but two approaching players were unable to connect. It was a positive start for the Addicks.

Jackson put in a good defensive header. Jackson's excellent free kick was whipped in, leaving the home defence, especially the keeper, at sixes and sevens and Wagstaff smashed the ball home to put Charlton ahead after seven minutes.

Benson approached well, but Anyinsah put the ball wide on the slippery surface. Charlton mounted a good attack, but it ended with a shot from Racon which went over. Racon put in a very poor back pass and led to a Tranmere attack with a shot going over the bar.

There was a shout for handball against Llera but it was ball to hand. Semedo put in a strong challenge and the referee had a word. A shot went in from Tranmere which was not too far wide.

Lee Martin put in a great effort which was only just wide. Tranmere won the first corner of the game. Charlton were able to clear from Cresswell's corner. Blanchard put in a good cross, but Worner dealt with it well under some pressure.

Doherty dealt intelligently with a Tranmere attack. Tranmere were given a free kick about 20 yards from goal. The free kick was well taken, but Doherty defended well. Anyinsah was held when he was goal side of the defender, but it was ignored by the officials.

Tranmere continued their physical tactics. This time a free kick was awarded, but it was unproductive. Martin put in a shot which led to a corner which was unproductive. Francis appeared to receive an elbow from Showunmi, but the referee saw nothing.

Francis gave a bit of afters to Showunmi and was booked. The free kick was cleared. A shot from Racon was blocked by the keeper's feet. Semedo was shown a yellow card for a tackle. A shot came in, but somehow Charlton managed to clear.

Tranmere won a corner after a move that started with a foul on Semedo which was ignored by the referee. The corner ended in a goal kick for the Addicks. A nasty challenge was put in on Wagstaff and then on Racon, but no yellow cards were awarded.

Tranmere made a substitution after a hamstring injury to Morrow, Jennings coming on. Charlton mounted a good final attack. Lee Martin put in a strong challenge as Tranmere counter attacked, but he did get the ball. The free kick was charged down by Martin.

Half time: Tranmere 0, Addicks 1

The second half started with another strong challenge on Semedo, but no foul was awarded. Martin put in some good play but Wagstaff's effort went over. Anyinsah seemed to be in some trouble and Sodje prepared to come on, but Anyinsah signalled he would try and run it off.

Llera defended well, but had to concede a corner. Creswell's corner came in, it was initially saved on the line, but Showunmi stabbed the ball in to make it 1-1. Llera probably should have reacted more quickly.

Wagstaff advanced well and won a corner. The corner by Francis was a decent one and should have led to a second, but a goal kick was baffingly awarded. Jennings advanced and won a corner. Jackson cleared with a good defensive header.

The Tranmere players tried to get Francis sent off after he tried to stand his ground. The referee confined himself to a word. The ball went just wide from the free kick. Welsh went rolling around and Racon was booked. Tranmere appealed for a dubious corner and it was given. Francis headed the ball out.

A shot from Wagstaff led to a corner. Anyinsah was withdrawn and Sodje came on after 63 minutes. Jennings put in a good strike but Worner saved well at the expense of a corner. A bad challenge was made by Mendy on Francis. Semedo got a talking to for his protests.

Tranmere were awarded a free kick for a shirt tug but it was unproductive. Lee Martin was taken off and replaced by Reid while Jackson was replaced by Fry. Benson put in an effort that was just wide.

Llera caught Showunmi with a necessary foul and received a yellow card. Charlton put six men into the wall and Semedo took the shot full in the face and had to go off.

Tranmere won a dubious corner. Blanchard's header was wide of the target. Three minutes were added on. Welsh put in a shot which was not far over as it dipped. A shot from Reid was deflected and led to a Charlton corner which was unproductive. Charlton should have been given another corner, the ball was over the line.

The home side put Charlton under a lot of pressure in the second half and gave us little scope to play. It wasn't helped by some poor refereeing.