At full time the forlorn figure of Yann Kermorgant stood motionless, hands on head, starring around in utter disbelief. The body language of our colossal Breton warrior perfectly summed up the feeling amongst the Addickted after an almighty stoppage time kick in the teeth. Hamer tried to console him, but the damage had been done. Inconsolable.
Football is such a cruel game. Charlton's performance may not have been vintage, but it was certainly acceptable considering the mud bath pitch and the effort alone deserved nothing less than 3 points yesterday. To draw was an injustice and the nature of the result felt like a defeat. Birmingham's late, late equaliser was as deserved as the Valley pitch would be in winning awards for it's quality playing surface!
For the 3rd game running, Chris Powell's men went in front, but failed to take their chances and get that all-important second goal (mainly down to the class and quality of young Jack Butland in the visitor's goal, it must be said). Once again, we failed to hold on to a lead and got punished. We've now only managed a single point from a possible nine. Never has the fine lines between success and failure been more evident.
I can't help but wonder how important the fortunes of the last three games will be come the end of the season...
And yet we are still 7th in the Npower Championship form guide and to offer a sense of perspective, Charlton are only a point further away from the 4th play-off place as we are to the bottom 3. Hardly panic station yet, but we need our luck to change soon.
Actually...never mind luck, we just need to learn to close out a game of football and I'm certain we'll be fine.
On the plus side, it was great to see Rick Everitt's 'Voice of The Valley' back on sale after an absence of over a decade. I did wonder whether there is a place for a hard copy fanzine in today's internet-driven world, but I'm pleased to say it would appear there is. Having read the copy front to back it's of the usual highest quality, informative and well worth the cover price of £2.
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