Sub for Donny, Theo Robinson coming on for Paynter. Stewart hits another great shot, this time it's off the bar.
Full time 2-0 Crucial 3 points, and it sounds like it was a very good performance in which we created lots of chances. On the one hand we should have scored more, but we did enough to win. Look forward to hearing from those who were there.
Just got back.Decent performance overall. Especially pleased with Stewart wide right. Showed a lot of composure, took defenders on and deserves a run in this position. Stephens goal, probably goal of the season, what a shot, goalie never smelt it. Attendance I'd guess about 8,500; in my row of 20 seats there was only me and one other.Stephens and Cousins are very solid in midfield now, the only disappointment was Kermit who still doesn't look fit to me.
I made it, just. Never arrived at the Valley by bus before. To be honest the defence weren't massively tested but when there were periods of pressure they coped well. Alnwick looked competent when called upon. If you're looking for solid I always like the Dervite, Morro combination and DD offers a more creative outlet sometimes. Wiggins got forward well and while he was slow to start I though Wilson had a good second half, especially going forward. I think he enjoyed playing behind Stewart. The midfield were magnificent Cousins looks like a man a least ten years older than his years, assured, has time on the ball, looks like he's been brought up by a thoroughbred like Hughesy. Dale Stephens has been released by Cousins along side him and tonight was one of a number of candidates for MOTM, took his goal brilliantly. Cameron Stewart was outstanding, and my MOTM, unlocking their defence all night, unlucky not to get on the scoresheet himself after a mazy dribble the ball unfortunately cannoned off the crossbar. Jackson had a genuine captain's performance, battled hard and created some good chances for others, including for the second goal. Although it looked like 4-4-2 on paper it was more like 4-5-1 with Kermit in the hole, he is on his way back to his best and he showed his craft and guile in this deeper role. Churchy should have got 3 but deserved the one he got for his superhuman running, it was well taken. He reminds me so much of Garry Nelson who I admired for similar reasons. A good day at the office and I'm glad I didn't give up at East Croydon as I so nearly did.
Good display from the lads, could and should have been more, hit the crossbar and post also a couple of sitters were missed. I felt very lonely tonight, as my friends and I were the only ones for about ten rows. Good display from our midfield. Stewart looked a good player, and he was unlucky not to get a goal.Stephens scored a fantastic goal and Cousins just gets better. Church put in a good shift and deserved a goal. He really ought to have had more. Alnwick looked solid in goal and produced a good save. It looks like the Takeover could be complete by the end of the week. Powell to bring in two loan signings before the Thursday deadline.
It's official, Jonathan has delivered the potatoes. http://www.not606.com/showthread.php/238909-excellent-news-people___charlton-takeover-now-done
It felt like a friendly at times; Doncaster were very poor but to be fair we still had to play reasonably well to get the result. As others have said a couple more goals would have been nice - especially the two church sitters ('Christians' as they should be colloquially known on the terraces) for goal difference purposes! Dale Stephens is like a Glen Hoddle who can tackle.
I didn't get into the ground until 8.15. London Bridge station closed due to a fire. Dozens of Charlton fans milling around at the station not knowing what to do. I ended up getting a black cab from Tower Bridge to the Valley. The game should have been put back IMO to allow fans struggling to get to the ground to make it in time. Decent performance, although Donny were by far the worst side we have played this season. Good to see Pritchard dropped. Midfield flowed much better without Cement Boots in it. Checked the attendance when I eventually got home and had to laugh. 14,100 whoever made that number up must have last worked as Chief Adviser to Gordon Brown. The real attendance was around 8,000-9,000.
It's a pity so many fans missed Stephens' goal, surely goal of the season. I had a perfect sight of it from the NW, he caught it perfectly, the accuracy and power of it were amazing, goalie absolutely nowhere. I got there nice and early on my push-bike, got home early too!
I dont think that Dale Stephens thought Wellens was playing in a friendly when he suffered from the misplaced Wellens boot in the first half. However if that spurred him on, maybe Wellens will learn. It was without doubt the best I have seen us play all season and I have been trying to work out what the difference was. The 4 4 2 with Stewart cetainly worked and his work rate was higher than I have seen before. He certainly convinced me he was worth the position and both Jackson and Cousins always found him in space. Church showed his pace on several occasions. The absence of Pritchard meant that the team seemed to play to a different tempo and it is difficult to see him regaining a berth with the balance that Stewart gave to the right side of midfield. Scores out of 10 Alnwick 7 Did not have a lot to do but when he was called upon was sound. Morrison 8 Solid Dervite 7.5 Justified his position ahead of Wood and surprised the Man U loanee on several occasions Wiggins 7.5 excellent interplay with Jacko. Wilson 6.5 not his best or his worst performance. Jackson 8 Great performance by the skipper who left nothing out of a whole hearted performance Stephens 9 The goal topped off a first class performance Cousins 9 Absolutely showed his ability Stewart 8.5 Best performance I have seen from him Kermorgant 8 Not yet back to 100% but the team plays so much better with the confidence of having him in the side. Church 8.5 Took his goal well but should have had at least 2 more Subs Sordell 4.5 showed no reason why he should be included in starting line up Green and Hughes not enough time on pitch to mark.
sordell coming on was like going down to 10 men. he only had 15 mins but you'd expect him, with fresh legs to be up and at them. instead he just wafted around like a fart in a living room. send him back, useless - would rather have bwp, haynes, fuller than him
