History Repeating Itself...

Given the similarities in circumstances, Charlton fans had spent much of the build-up to this game dreaming of a repeat of that memorable night back in November of last year when we grabbed an unlikely victory against table-toppers, Cardiff. But as the saying goes, you need to be careful what you wish for! Back then, Helguson scored after just 4 mins for the visitors, this time around our old skipper, Andy Reid, found the same spot in the same goal for Forest with a cross-cum-shot after just 3 minutes to stun the Valley faithful. History repeating itself?

 

So there we were; Charlton one down before many of the players had even touched the ball, with an injury ravaged team down to bare bones, against one of the best sides in this division. It wasn't looking good, was it? The Covered End raised the noise levels in defiance.  

 

We needn't have worried. We may not have had the flurry of goals like that Cardiff game, and nor did we grab victory from the jaws of defeat once again, but we got a spirited and passionate performance up there with anything Charlton had produced this season and that earned us a point. We'd have taken that before kick-off for sure. It was a point that felt like a win.

 

Richard Wood at the back was awesome, winning every ball and distributing well. I noticed how well he lead the players; constantly encouraging and talking. Cousins, Gower and Stephens looked excellent together in the middle, with young Cousins just edging out Wood as my man of the match. I've commented before that when Stephens plays well, Charlton play well, so hopefully he carries this form into Saturday's game. It was great seeing the ever-popular Andy Hughes come on with 15 mins left to put himself about and break up Forest attacks.  

 

And if you go and do one thing the whole game, let it be a well taken goal. Sordell has not got going for Charlton yet since joining on loan and he was rarely involved in this game, if the truth be known, but full credit to him for his finish. He reminds me so much of BWP's early time with the Addicks, where his body language can sometimes look a little disinterested. I got the impression BWP worked on that over time and he will be fondly remembered by Charlton fans in years to come. There is no question Sordell has the talent, as his goal proved, and I sincerely hope this is the spark he needs to get going for Charlton. And with Church limping off late on, we certainly need him.

 

At the end, the Charlton fans gave the players a standing ovation. A fully committed performance deserved that.

 

So on to Blackpool at the Valley on Saturday, where a repeat performance will give us a decent chance for 3 points. Thinking about how Cousins rasping effort came back off the post tonight, we are due some luck as well.