Well that was a strange feeling, wasn't it; returning home from the Valley on a Saturday afternoon after a Charlton league win? Not since the final home game of last season back in May have the Addicks managed a home victory on the traditional day of football and our failure to do so was becoming somewhat of a worrying hoodoo. Rather interestingly, despite the step-up in divisions, Charlton fielded only 3 changes yesterday from that last Saturday victory against Hartlepool, with Lawrie Wilson the only new face in the starting line-up.
Perhaps feeling the effects of a bitterly cold day in SE7 and yet more changes to the side, Charlton started slowly as Blackpool enjoyed much of the possession in the first quarter of the game. Powell had opted for a 4-5-1 formation and although it meant we were less likely to be overrun in midfield, we created little going forward. It was somewhat of a surprise when, after our first meaningful attack of the game, skipper Johnnie Jackson's right foot daisy-cutter trickled over the line to give us the lead on 23mins (pic above). It might not have bulged the net, but any goal is a good goal in my book! The returning Wagstaff, fully of willing running as always, scored our second at the very best possible time, just before the break. So often a point of criticism this season, Charlton had taken their two best chances well. Noses in front...and on a Saturday!
We had opportunities to extend the lead in the second half, but it was Blackpool who finally found the net via a decent strike late on from Nathan Eccleston. The former Addick loanee took to Twitter post match to thank Addicks for the warm welcome he received. He played for Charlton at a very difficult time and the Addickted tend to remember those who's effort was unquestionable.
There was a nice moment late on when substitute and Charlton youth product, Callum Harriot, lifted the Valley crowd with some mesmerising step-overs in front of the Covered End that drew widespread cheers around the Valley. I seem to recall Big Ron Atkinson used to call those 'Lollipops' back in the day!
In reality, other than the freezing weather and me feeling the effects of a virus, it was quite a comfortable afternoon. Charlton were disciplined, worked hard and looked steady and reassuring. The win lifted Charlton up to 14th, and to within dreaming distance of the Play-Off's!
Perhaps feeling the effects of a bitterly cold day in SE7 and yet more changes to the side, Charlton started slowly as Blackpool enjoyed much of the possession in the first quarter of the game. Powell had opted for a 4-5-1 formation and although it meant we were less likely to be overrun in midfield, we created little going forward. It was somewhat of a surprise when, after our first meaningful attack of the game, skipper Johnnie Jackson's right foot daisy-cutter trickled over the line to give us the lead on 23mins (pic above). It might not have bulged the net, but any goal is a good goal in my book! The returning Wagstaff, fully of willing running as always, scored our second at the very best possible time, just before the break. So often a point of criticism this season, Charlton had taken their two best chances well. Noses in front...and on a Saturday!
We had opportunities to extend the lead in the second half, but it was Blackpool who finally found the net via a decent strike late on from Nathan Eccleston. The former Addick loanee took to Twitter post match to thank Addicks for the warm welcome he received. He played for Charlton at a very difficult time and the Addickted tend to remember those who's effort was unquestionable.
There was a nice moment late on when substitute and Charlton youth product, Callum Harriot, lifted the Valley crowd with some mesmerising step-overs in front of the Covered End that drew widespread cheers around the Valley. I seem to recall Big Ron Atkinson used to call those 'Lollipops' back in the day!
In reality, other than the freezing weather and me feeling the effects of a virus, it was quite a comfortable afternoon. Charlton were disciplined, worked hard and looked steady and reassuring. The win lifted Charlton up to 14th, and to within dreaming distance of the Play-Off's!
Before the game Ketts suggested it was a 4-3-2-1 Christmas tree formation and we would ironically be punished accordingly. Happily it was Blackpool who were in generous mood, and didn't look like they would score at all.
ReplyDeleteDon't be fooled by this, reinforcements are needed and our prime target could be going elsewhere. Les see.
Annon - Thanks for the comment. You are quite correct, reinforcements are most certainly needed, although I wonder whether on balance it is equally important not to lose any of our more trusted performers (Hamer, Solly)?
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