It would be very Charlton to do the unpredictable at Boro and then fail to claim any points at Oxford United on Saturday, although I am hopeful of at least a point which means two points off Oxford.
This is not, of course, the Oxford of dreaming spires but more that of Blackbird Leys. I must say that I find a three sided ground a bit of a joke with people perched on the tops of vehicles to see the action. However, they now have plans for a new stadium to the north of the city.
The dreaming spires are represented by non-league and former amateur team Oxford City. They were once headed up by Norman Chester, the warden of Nuffield College who wrote a prescient but now forgotten official report on the state of football. Actually finding their ground is a real challenge.
Of course, I remember when Oxford played at Headington, recalling their origins as Headington United. It might be said to be a ground with 'character' with a series of individual stands. We bought some of the seats and the turnstiles at Leamington.
Enough history. Oxford have made a bit of a recovery recently, beating Blackburn 1-0 at home during the week. At home they have won just five matches, drawn six and lost seven.
Oxford are unbeaten in seven home fixtures with Charlton (won four, draw three). The Addicks last won there in 1998. This was also the last time we did the double over them.
I'm not sure whether this matters, but Oxford have only won one of the last twelve home games that have kicked off at 12.30.
I was interested to see that Charlton are now above QPR in the table. Each season there is usually a team that gets dragged into it late on and I wonder if it could be the Super Hoops this year. It would be just repayment for QPR super fan Lord Young of Acton using his Spectator column to attack Charlton fanzine editor Rick Everitt.
In their preview, CAS Trust emphasise the extent to which Oxford rely on set piece goals. Our defending at corners still concerns me.
They also note that the two clubs are close together in the form table which suggests a tight contest.
Dykes was taken ill during the warm up and replaced by Miles Leaburn. Zach Mitchell joined the bench,
In the opening 25 minutes, the Addicks had 60 per cent possession but neither side had any shots. After Harry Clarke put in some excellent defensive work, there were chants of 'Sign him up' from the Addickted.
A late tackle by charm merchant Helik caught Leaburn on the shin. The Charlton man was in some pain and the home player received a yellow card.
The home side applied more pressure after 30 minutes and Luke Chambers was booked for a needless foul, but the free kick from a dangerous position went over.
0-0 at half time. As Louis Mendez commented, 'Not a great spectacle' Charlton had more possession, but failed to create chances.
