Back to back victories

Charlton had an unchanged team against Burton Albion on a beautiful spring day at The Valley.   Jason Pearce was struggling with injury and Akin Famewo replaced him on the bench.   The attendance was 11,348 with 320 in the away massive, the lowest attendance in a football for a fiver game.

Charlton didn't get a lot of early possession in a scrappy start.   Burton were trying to get forward as quickly as they could so as to turn Charlton.

Charm merchant Hamer put in a reckless challenge on Dobson, but referee Rebecca Welch showed just a yellow.   The Addicks were still not getting a lot of the ball.

Washington advanced via Route One and put in a chip over the advancing keeper to make it 1-0 on 12 minutes.    Macca flicked on from a long throw and kicked the ball straight up the field to Washington who scored with one touch.   It was his 10th of the season, all in the league.

Burton won a second corner.   Matthews cleared away and Charlton got a throw in.  

Charlton conceded another corner.   A free kick was given for a foul on Stockley.  

The Addickted started a chorus of Valley Floyd Road.    Burton won another corner.  Matthews headed away.  Charlton won a free kick for offside.

Charlton were struggling for possession and build up play.   They needed to be more clever with their movement to stretch the Brewers defence.   Niasse was booked for a high boot on Clare.

Lavelle had to head away a goal bound ball.   An effort by Oshilaja came off the bar.  He had time and space to pick his shot.

Garrett had to dive to make a save from his own player.    Charlton continued to look uncomfortable in possession.

Blackett-Taylor was coming into the game really for the first time, created some space and made it 2-0.  After some patient build up play, his ball dribbled in at the near post with Garrett's view obstructed by Stockley.  When he was signed, one leading moaner said we were scraping the barrel.

Despite the score line it had not been the most comfortable first half, but Charlton took their chances.  Hasselbaink was not happy and loitered to speak to the official.  He still wasn't happy after the break.  Steve Brown said there had been a lot of aerial bombardment.  We needed to defend the long throws well, getting the second phase right.  Scott Minto thought at times we weren't close enough.   Steve Brown said we need to keep the ball a lot better than we had.   Burton had shut us down quicker.

HT: 2-0

Oshilaja got a yellow card for a foul on Stockley.  Fraser's free kick wasn't the best.   An effort from Washington was blocked.

A Blackett-Taylor effort was over the bar.  He came off as a precaution as he had played more than expected in midweek when returning from injury.  DJ replaced him.

Charlton were looking more comfortable on the ball in the second half. 

Gilligan was booked for an off the ball foul on Washington.  Burton made a double substitution.

Fraser put in an excellent cross for Stockley but his header was saved by Garratt.

Burton won a corner at the Jimmy Seed stand.  The ball was blocked away by DJ at the expense of another corner which was unproductive.

Dobson dealt with a moment of danger with a superb challenge on Chapman.   There was a vigorous chorus of Valley Floyd Road.  A shot by Niasse was well blocked by Matthews.   Chapman was booked for a foul on Dobson.

On 81 minutes Fraser was replaced by Lee to provide fresh legs.   Burton claimed that Clare had handled the ball, but a free kick was awarded for a push.

Clare intercepted a shot from Chapman. 

Five minutes were added on.   There were two opportunities for Charlton, but they were not taken.  An attempt from Washington was blocked.

It wasn't a classic game, but it was another three points.   It was the first double of the season.

Charlton are now 15th, Shrewsbury had a surprise win at Rotherham.

Johnnie Jackson said it was a good professional performance, not at our best, would like to have seen more goals.   The conditions were difficult.  There was a swirling wind and a dry pitch.   We defended our lead well, they have that threat with the long throw.   We dealt with double figures in terms of long throws coming into our box.  We're scoring goals again and now we're looking more solid.  I think we can manage it better at times, there was lots of space in behind them at times.   The players have stepped up.   They've all done that to a man.

Charm merchant manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink insists that Charlton were not better than his side and their defeat was down to individual errors.   In a sense he may be right, but they only had one shot on target while we took at least some of our chances: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/you-cant-tell-me-charlton-were-better-burton-boss-hasselbaink-blames-defeat-on-individual-errors/

I am not pretending that it was a great performance but we are 13 points above the relegation zone and Crewe will find it very hard to overtake us now.

Moaners confounded

Moaners searched for a new narrative as Charlton beat Gillingham 1-0 at The Valley tonight, the goal coming on 39 minutes from Alex Gilbey pouncing in the box.    Pontus Dahlberg spilled Corey Blackett-Taylor's initial attempt and although the keeper reacted quickly to block Jayden Stockley's follow up, Gilbey slammed home.

Gillingham stayed in the game, their midfield pressing up the pitch more in the second half, but the Addicks held firm.  Masterton blasted over one of the best chances for the visitors on 89 minutes.  Charlton were able to manage the six minutes added on.   There was a tunnel jump for the first time in ages.

The returning Corey Blackett-Taylor was impressive in the first half but faded somewhat and was eventually replaced by Jason Pearce as the game to an end.   Curbs said the returning player was really dangerous, put such a shift in.   

The return of Conor Washington was a big plus.

Attendance was 9,278 with 1,559 away fans.

Charlton are now 16th, ten points above the relegation zone.  Teams below us lost.

Alex Gilbey said he knew his output this season had not been good enough.  He had a few chances before the goal.  'We knew we had to start on the front foot, get our fans on side  We were a little bit sloppy towards the end, but showed a lot of heart.'

Smiling supremo Johnnie Jackson had plenty of praise for Gilbey and the way in which he had responded to advice: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-athletic-matchwinner-alex-gilbey-played-like-he-had-a-point-to-prove/

Gillingham's new venture in charm merchant managers, Neil Harris, thinks they deserved something out of the game: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/gillingham-boss-neil-harris-only-an-individual-error-cost-us-at-charlton-we-deserved-something/

'Kent Derby' brings more gloom to The Valley

 In his latest post the Chicago Addick captures well the pall of gloom and the nervousness that hangs over The Valley ahead of this evening's so-called 'Kent Derby' against Gillingham.

Confidence is an important ingredient in football and Charlton can't find a win or even score a goal from open play.   Under their new manager Gillingham have won a couple of matches and have moved towards the middle of the form table while Charlton remained rooted to the bottom.

All this has provided a field day for the many Charlton fans who seem to derive their greatest football pleasure from being negative and pessimistic about the team they support.   If I felt as negative as they did, I think I would think stay away.  As it is, the negativity and high expectation of the fans lead me to think that might be the right thing to do.

Now, of course, they have a point.  Many of them put it down to persistence with a 3-5-2 formation, but are the players there for a 4-4-2?   Do the players care very much anyway?  Good performances in training crumble once they get on the pitch for a game, although that could be confidence again.

One can imagine the Gillingham manager's team talk: 'Push them hard from the kick off.  They will concede a silly free kick in a promising position.   MacGillivray will stay rooted to his line while the defence lack height and will be at sixes and sevens (although watch out for Stockley).  You will get a free header and they will be chasing the game with their heads down.'

Calling for the head of JJ now is a waste of time as we would have difficulty in getting a good replacement, quite apart from the cost.  His position should be reviewed at the end of the season before making any signings.  

If we are relegated, we will need a different kind of manager.   League 2 football is closer to non-league with a reliance on hoofball and a penchant for head tennis in midfield.

One bright spot tonight could be the return of Conor Washington to the starting line up.  He has an ability to get in behind defences and could even score himself.

I think we will get a useful home point.  Bear in mind that six of the teams below us have far worse goal differences, itself worth a place in the table.

Jacko criticises Macca

Shell shocked supremo Johnnie Jackson has admitted that Craig MacGillivray is not commanding his six yard box: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/charlton-boss-johnnie-jackson-provides-straight-answer-when-asked-about-goalkeeper-craig-macgillivray/

This was evident yesterday when Accrington keeper Savin was willing to come out of his box to snuff out threats.   Admittedly, there should be better communication and more pace from the Charlton defence as Curbs pointed out.

I didn't want Amos to go, but presumably he had a better offer from Wigan.  Many fans are pinning their hopes for next season on the return of Ashley Maynard-Brewer who impressed at Ross County in the Scottish Premier League before his injury.  The SPL isn't the greatest league in the world, but it is surely as good as League One.

Jacko is clearly baffled by the form of the rest of his players, suggesting it is a confidence problem rather than a lack of effort.  Certainly they seem to train well but then fail to deliver on matchday.

Fans continue to insist that the formation is the problem, but does he have the players for 4-4-2?  I know it's all supposed to be about the manager in modern football, but I think more of the fault rests with the squad, although I was surprised that Gilbey was omitted yesterday,.

Attack and defence poor up north

424 Addicks saw another disappointing display in a 2-1 defeat at Accrington this afternoon.   Once again Charlton failed to score from open play and conceded from defensive errors.  The Addicks were not able to take advantage of the home side going down to 10 men.

Charlton won an early corner after coming close to scoring with a half volley from Lee at the Wham Stadium against Accrington, but Savin made an excellent save.  Stockley's header from the corner went wide.

A shot from Accy was dealt with well by Macca.  After a free kick from McConville a Sykes header was just wide.   It wasn't well defended.

Charlton won another corner after good work by Stockley, but it was headed away by Sykes.  The Addicks won a second corner.   The keeper grabbed it at the second attempt.   Purrington fed Stockley, but a heavy touch by him led to an Accy free kick.

Pearce headed clear and a shot was off target.  The Charlton midfield need to get to grips with the second balls.  An Accy header went over the bar.

After a good opening few minutes, Charlton were struggling to get into the game, a not unfamiliar story. Then Lee called for a handball against Coyle when the ball struck his arm.   The referee made the decision after hesitating and Stockley scored from the spot on 18 minutes to make it 0-1 a little against the run of play.   It's good to get some luck for once.

Leko was brought down by blunderer Coyle who received a yellow card.   On the whole, Leko was not in the game that much compared with Stockley.

Lavelle had to clear behind for a corner which animated the home crowd.   Stockley headed away and it was flicked on by Lee as Charlton attempted to counter attack.

Set piece woe and defensive errors

Accy won a rather fortunate free kick.  Charlton couldn't clear their lines and after a goalmouth scramble the home side equalised in scrappy play, a header going beyond the Addicks player on the line.  Longelo scored the goal.  Macca could have done better by asserting himself more.   Once again Charlton conceded in a disappointing way from a set piece.

A counter attack by Accrington saw them take the lead on 33 minutes, a Charlton cross leading to their goal.  Leigh fired into the bottom corner from the edge of the box.   Once again it was an avoidable goal with the opposition given too much space.   Charlton had enough players back but weren't concentrating in the final third.   Steve Brown said the communication was poor.  Coyle limped off.

Charlton were attacking but the referee stopped the game.   Dobson and Pell received yellow cards, the Accy charm merchant having struck Dobson who reacted.

Clare received a yellow card for challenging Pell.   Following the free kick, Charlton struggled to clear their lines, Dobson eventually clearing the danger.

Charlton had another free kick to defend, another unnecessary one given away.   The header was won by Pell but the move ended in a goal kick.

Three minutes were added on after a lively first half.   Charlton were not winning enough first touches, although the wind was a factor.   Purrington had a throw in but had no real options.  

Steve Brown said that Accy seemed to anticipate more than we did.

HT: 2-1

Charlton won an early corner.  Fraser's delivery was decent but it was headed away.

Charlton gave away another silly free kick, this time from Lee.  Clare won the header.  The ball was eventually claimed by Macca.

A shot by Purrington was straight at Savin after some good build up play.  He could have done better even though it was a tight angle.

A shot from Leko was deflected away by Rodgers.   He was getting into the left channel more.  The corner was cleared away.

Pearce fouled Bishop a yard or so from the penalty area.   Pell's shot hit the six man Charlton wall. Gunter cleared from off the line from Sykes and the Accy player couldn't take a second opportunity from the six yard box.

Pearce came off for Washington.  Leko switched to right wing back.

On 63 minutes Leigh led with an elbow in an aerial challenge on Clare and received a red card.

Charlton made a handball claim as Leko's cross hit a hand, but a corner was given.  DJ came on to replace Purrington on 71 minutes.  

Charlton were not displaying any creativity.   The Addicks had not created one chance since the home side went down to ten men.  Accrington continued to work hard.

Lee put in a good ball, but Savin saved from Stockley.   Burstow replaced Gunter on 86 minutes in a last throw of the dice.

A goal from Washington in time added on was chalked off for handball and he was booked.

The pundits

Curbs said that Charlton were flat again, two poor defensive goals.   Steve Brown said that the referee could not see the claim for the second penalty, nor could the assistant.   Curbs said the referee had already given one that was 50-50.   Accrington never gave us too much of an opportunity to build.

Curbs said they made a really good start and then succumbed to something we expected.  They knew what they were up against.   Steve Brown said that we were under massive amounts of pressure for the first goal.  MacGillivray was stuck on his line, Savin was not.

Curbs said that for the second goal there was no urgency, players were strolling back.   Steve Brown said it's a difficult place to go, their bobbly pitch suits the way they play.  It was a bit like under Nigel.

Curbs hoped there would be a decent atmosphere against the Gills.   Tuesday night would be a big game.  We had got to stop it.   Steve Brown said you have to earn the right, no one gives you a result.  We were not physically matching work rate or chances.   It must be difficult for Johnnie to know who to trust.   When things went wrong in the 90 minutes in the heat of battle it was down to the player.

Time to move on?

The club wrote to me yesterday about my poor attendance at home games this season.  Unfortunately, I have had a minor but persistent condition that has affected my mobility.

My GP is a Manchester City season ticket holder and follows them around Europe. He has made it clear that I am to keep away from the 'crap' teams I support, including my non-league club.

I have listened to all the commentaries and watched games that have been streamed.   It looks like I might get a clean bill of health soon, so I may be able to make the tail end of the season.

Addick's Diary will have been running for 25 years next season and it may be time to call it a day.   Next year it will be 70 years ago when I first went to The Valley.  Blogs are less popular than they were and the Burgundy Addick provides excellent match reports while Drinking During the Game and the Chicago Addick provide incisive analysis.

I want to concentrate on my more general football work, including the television work I do for the Press Association/Globelynx for stations in the Gulf and Far East.

However, I am considering a podcast.

Is Burstow in limbo after Government moves on Chelsea?

What does the Government's decision to constrain Chelsea's operations mean for Mason Burstow and Charlton?  https://footballeconomyv2.blogspot.com/2022/03/government-swoop-on-chelsea.html

The short answer is I don't know and it all depends on how things play out over the coming weeks.

It should be noted that the terms of the licence allow 'Inter-club payments to discharge obligations which existed before 10 March 2022 under player loan arrangement [and] Inter-club payments to discharge obligations which existed before 10 March 2022 under player sale arrangements.'

It is unclear whether the £1.6m has been paid and who is paying Burstow's wages while he is on loan - they could well be shared.

Burstow's recent appearances have been disappointing and some fans think we did good business in selling him off when we did.

For me it's another case of a young player being pushed forward too quickly too soon, in this because we lacked a forward line.  The service he has been getting has not been great.

In Burstow's case it was all about potential.   If he doesn't go to Chelsea, hopefully he can be nurtured more slowly at The Valley.