Tough Decisions...

It seemed the big talking point amongst the Addickted post-match yesterday was not so much whether it was a penalty conceded by Charlton, but whether Morrison should have been on the pitch to make the costly challenge in the first place. In doing so, Morrison received his second yellow of the game and an early bath. After a first half yellow and numerous fouls later, Morrison was on very thin ice and the common consensus was that he should have been substituted in favour of Dervite; some feeling as early as half time. In fairness, Powell couldn't win on this point. Should he have removed the talismanic defender early and we had gone on to concede a couple of silly goals he would have been hammered for that as well. None the less, more question marks surface about Powell's tactical nouse or the ability to make tough decisions at the right time.   

 

Either way, the penalty effectively cost Charlton a much needed victory and although the run of defeats have been halted, the Addicks are still without a win since the end of November, 7 games ago. In all fairness, Derby controlled long spells of the game with some very neat passing, but after Danny Haynes wonderful solo effort and Hamer's man-of-the-match performance between the sticks, Charlton never really deserved to loose. A point was probably about right. 

 

Those present at the Valley would have witnessed an improved performance from the defeat to Ipswich a few days earlier. Out went the under performers and loan players and in came the trusty Champions of League One! Whether that group of players will be enough to consolidate in the Championship only time will tell, but one thing's for sure, they have desire and spirit in abundance, and none more so than the effervescent Bradley Pritchard, who was immense all over the park. That lad is fast becoming my favourite Addick.

 

And before there's a chance to digest the league table, another game comes around: Watford on New Years Day. I'll be there for what is sadly an all-too-rare away day and I'm very much looking forward to it. Bizarrely, despite living in Hertfordshire I've never been to Vicarage Road. Watford are on a good run of form so it won't be easy, but then what game is?

 

All that's left is to thank anyone who has taken the time to read anything I've written this year. And what a year it's been? Charlton Athletic crowned Champions and holding their own in the Championship. Have a great New Year, fellow Addicks!