Just back from match, well I didn't rush back Deserved win in my opinion. Things could have been different if Forest scored late in the first half, but Charlton were comfortably on top throughout the second half and for enough of the first to deserve all three points. I've seen Forest both home and away this season and am baffled as to how they are in 7th. I guess they must have been better against other opponents. Amazing the turnaround in style since we visited them when Sean O'Driscoll was manager there. It was interesting to see the Derby-style kit. Any chance of borrowing an Ipswich kit for Saturday? Looked a similar formation to what was wanted at the end of the match on Saturday, but more orthodox (and therefore much better imo). As I saw it, it was 4-2-1-3, with Cousins in the offensive midfield role, Reza wide left, Ajdarevic wide right and all three strikers switching throughout the match. I think the official twitter feed had it as a 4-3-3 with Sordell as a false 9. It's a dynamic formation from an attacking point of view, and allows for lots of changes throughout the match. It does sometimes feel like a 4-6-0 to me as everyone drops back so often. Ajdarevic my MOTM tonight. He seems very stubborn, but was effective today and drove the team forward. Instrumental in the goal following an intercepted pass (I think intercepted by Jackson), putting Obika in a good position. When Obika's shot hit the post, Cousins had enough time to compose himself and slot it away. Very happy for Cousins to get his goal. Thought he had a good match overall, and seemed to be much more confident after the goal. Before the goal, he was more hesitant when he had opportunities (one chance fizzled out when he chose to pass rather than shoot) and had missed the earlier chance. Obika made a big difference when he came on. The ball stuck to him, he was creative and he brought the team further up the field. That skill from him towards the end of the match to go from the ground to getting past 3 or 4 defenders was great. Following the goal, the immediate reaction was to park the bus. I don't think Forest deserved that much respect - they were in total disarray, and allowing them space only served to give them some confidence. I'm glad someone pushed the team forward to keep attacking and force Forest to the back foot. I think likely Riga, but possibly Ajdarevic too. I don't think the defence is as stable as 4 clean sheets in 5 would suggest. The attack is far too hesitant when in good opportunities. They seem at times to want to pass it into the goal, and pass instead of shooting. Fine if you're Barcelona, not so much for Charlton. I think there was one good cross in the match. The Liege players seemed to get frustrated with it and took some poor shots from a long way out. Make no mistake, though. The major difference between tonight and last Saturday's match is that Burnley are a much better side than Forest. And much more efficient. A win is great, and very nice to see some space to the bottom three, but my overriding feeling following the match is that relegation is inevitable unless the attacking side can be addressed. Games in hand are good, but the sheer volume of matches for the rest of the season will make things very difficult. I think Yeovil will finish above us. A 15 point deduction for Leeds or 10 points for Birmingham may help us stay up. Sorry if that ruins anyone's party. My opinion may change with a 2-0 win on Saturday, as I think that could only happen if the formation settles, works and the players have more confidence in attacking positions without compromising the defence. I don't believe it will happen, so I'll say it as I see it.
So a lucky win then ... But I'll take that all day a wins a win ... It will be all change starting 11 at Derby ... Names thrown into the air and see which way up they land .
Good report, IA. Going to Derby? I'm visiting FHB jnr, and we're taking in the Derby game. I don't expect anything from the game, but it won't be the disaster it would have been if we'd lost last night. WE may have been lucky to be playing Forest at the right time, but equally we'll be playing Derby at the wrong time. We also played Bournemouth when they were bang in form and prevailed, so you never know. I noticed that Jose continued CP's tactic of bringing on an extra defender after we score, but so far his record is P 5 W2 D2 L1, so he must be doing something right.
Can't see any suggestion of a lucky win anywhere? Best match report I've read. Tgough I'd say 4 points from the 3 in hand will probably see us safe (obviously on top of points from the remaining games).
Yes, I'll be at Derby. Not expecting anything from there. As you say, three points from Burnley-Forest-Derby would have been considered a good return. I don't think any of these sides are world-beaters (Derby included), but I think they will have too much on the day. Derby have picked up 5 points from their 6 games so far in March, so hardly blistering form. Fox was brought on to the left of midfield as far as I saw Miketyson, only lucky in the sense that we played Forest at the right time in the season, but I didn't think they were much good at the Valley, even with Reid dominating the match. Didn't want to be too positive or negative. There were possibilities of improved form, but overall don't think there will be enough to save us. With 200 or so fans there, including pastry's favourite female fan (seems to always be there), didn't think there would be much of a report. Hamer did well yesterday, should have said that
If you have a sister who lives just 100 yards from the City Ground, it is considered good brotherly practise to combine a visit with a trip to the football. So there I was at 5pm, sitting in the Trent Bridge Inn, eating a roast beef dinner, listening to the Forest fans bemoan the sacking of 'our' Billy. And I knew it would be our night. The team selection was almost spot on - Obika to start in place of Reza, please, Jose - the tactics were brilliantly executed by a side fighting for their lives, and the manager coaxed and cajoled in a way unseen for many a year. I was proud to stand with the other 350(?) Addicks, and I left the ground knowing we have the players to preserve our Championship status. Cousins, Wiggins and AA stood out for me, but it's fair to say the entire team earned its corn last night. And then I popped in to see my sister, but she was on a night shift at the hospital, so I vowed to return on Saturday before the Derby match. And this time I will ring ahead. COYR.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUcFvC1S8wc anyone have any idea what wilson and astrix were having words about?
True we should of sacked him after his first half season in league one he's done nothing for our club useless
I'd still vote Powell in Vol's other thread, but I have to concede that you look at the goal and we have 4 players in the shot... which means 4 players in the penalty area... in open play... not sure that would've happened under Powell based on more recent performances.
We scored a similar goal at Huddersfield in the FA Cup game, but yes, it was a lovely move, and kudos to the players for getting up to support the attackers.
