Washington scores and Nego appers

Conor Washington scored an opening goal for Northern Ireland in their 2-1 defeat by Bulgaria that ended their World Cup qualification hopes.

Washington's goal for Northern Ireland came from a superb curling cross from the right by Paddy McNair that was met by Josh Magennis, whose header was too close to goalkeeper Ivan Karadzhov, who saved well.

The ball dropped to Washington who fired home the rebound but the goal was ruled out for offside before being awarded after a VAR review showed the striker to be onside.

In the England v. Hungary game former Addick Loic Nego won a penalty for his national side.  How many people saw Nego in his one appearance in an away defeat at Wigan?

'Give Adkins time to find momentum'

The London Football Scene blog assesses the situation at Charlton: https://londonfootballscene.co.uk/2021/10/11/charlton-athletic-are-a-quality-side-nigel-adkins-just-hasnt-discovered-it-yet/

The article argues: 'There is undoubtedly quality within the squad and Adkins’ tactical flexibility in his quest to find it should be applauded as opposed to having a manager at the helm who stubbornly sticks to a failing approach on the off-chance it works.

 Bringing in a new manager would see another restart without any guarantee of solving Charlton’s current problems or achieving long-term success. What would most likely happen is an adoption of defensive pragmatism and long-ball tactics in order to arrest the slide without any sort of promise of a Valley spectacle anytime soon. 

Furthermore, the tenacity with which Charlton defended their second-half lead at Fleetwood before the international break showed defensive improvement.  Now they have something to build on, Adkins should at least be given until the next international window to find some much-needed momentum. 

Surreal move for Davison from Enfield to Charlton

An extensive interview with Josh Davison in which he talks about he nearly played for a team in Latvia and had a trial with the Spanners: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/he-was-quite-rough-with-me-josh-davison-admits-approach-helped-develop-his-hold-up-play-at-charlton-athletic/

Coming from playing at 300 or 400 to being on the bench at Bristol City was quite surreal.   Lee Bowyer was tough with him and helped him to develop his hold up play, while Darren Pratley helped him settle in.

Chris Powell talks about the European championships

Chris Powell talks at length about his memories of the European Championships this summer.  He found defeat in the final very difficult and did not go out for several days afterwards, to the detriment of the dog: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/i-didnt-go-out-for-days-england-coach-chris-powell-on-the-highs-and-lows-of-this-summers-european-championships/

Leko finds his 'happy place'

The SLP's Louis Mendez gives Blues fans a progress report on Jonathan Leko, arguing that he has found his 'happy place' at Charlton: https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/birmingham-city-transfers-leko-charlton-21766022

Kirk has taken time to adjust says Adkins

Nigel Adkins says that Charlie Kirk has taken time to adjust to life at Charlton, he also discusses why Jayden Stockley has not started: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/nigel-adkins-charlie-kirk-has-had-to-acclimatise-to-life-at-charlton-athletic/

Charlton back to winning ways

 Charlton won what was effectively a six pointer 2-1 at Fleetwood this afternoon, rewarding the 300 fans who had made the long journey north.   The Addicks remain in the relegation position fourth from bottom, but it gives hope.

Jayden Stockley got Charlton's winner as they ended a run of six games without a victory by beating Fleetwood 2-1.   Jonathan Leko opened the scoring for Charlton with a low drive shortly before the break but Danny Andrew hit a stunning free kick early in the second half.

But Stockley, who had only replaced Josh Davison seven minutes earlier, hit an emphatic winning goal with 20 minutes remaining.

Charlton had deservedly led at the break, having had the better of the chances in the first half, with Charlie Kirk guilty of wasting their best opening by skewing well wide from 12 yards.

Elliot Lee, who had created Kirk's chance, had the favour returned moments later but he lost his footing just as he was shaping to shoot.

Fleetwood's best opening of the half saw Harrison Biggins play Callum Camps in behind the defence, but keeper Craig MacGillivary was out quickly to narrow the angle and save.

In the 51st minute, Biggins was fouled 25 yards out and Andrew found the top corner.

The Addicks should have restored their lead when Lee again found Kirk a few yards from goal but he couldn't make the required connection.

Davison also hit the post from a tight angle as it seemed Charlton's dominance wouldn't transfer into three points.

But Stockley pounced on Leko's pass to slam the winning goal into the roof of the net.

Four takeaways from Louis Mendez in which he says 'don't underestimate the importance of that win': https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/four-takeaways-from-charltons-much-needed-win-at-fleetwood-town/