Match Day Thread Charlton away

1-1 half time. Decent half of football in terms of action, but a terrible first minute for us to put us on the back foot. Looked like we were struggling towards the end of the half too, but generally we’ve played better although a draw arguably fair right now.

No criticism over a lack of commitment or fight - our lads are clearly up for it - but I feel like we can up to tempo a bit and press a little better.

Feels like we need a bit more from the attacking middle of the pitch. Mehmeti been disappointing for me so far. Azon presses well, but missed a brilliant opportunity to score. I still think we missed a trick not brining in a centre forward with a bit more composure in front of goal.

2-1 Ipswich! Commentators barely disguising their frustration as we get another penalty - this one deserved - and Philogene tucks it under the keeper. Big goal.

Well done Jaden (I thought the keeper had it !)

Philogene - who played key parts in both goals - off for Jack Clarke and Neil comes on for Jack Taylor.

We’ve looked good this second half. Just hope we keep switched on and ideally get another goal. I still get flashbacks to that 4-4 draw back in the League One days.

Just keep the ball Town!

And now Nunez for Mehmeti (who hasn’t had a great game) and Hirst on for Azon.

2-1 win! It got nervy at the end there, with Charlton launching attack after attack. We held firm and took all three crucial points. Lots of solid performances, but I have to say that O’Shea and Greaves centre back partnership looks really good. Dealt with pretty much everything. Can’t recall Walton having to make a save that second half.

Shout out to Furlong and McAteer down that right hand side. Been a problem area for most of the season, but it’s looking a lot more reliable now.

One down,two to go-keep believing!

COYB!!!

Can’t believe what this team puts us through. A win is a win and now need 2 wins from 3 games. Would love a win on Saturday

Phew! Think that's going to be the pattern of games now. Tight and nervy but has to be positive this particular banana skin is successfully navigated.

Really good result tonight. Have to admit I was only able to follow the game on my phone as I was in Colchester watching the Ipswich Women beat Sheffield United 4-1. Limited interest I know, but that was a huge win and should go some way to staying in WSL2.

Aah, you ruined the women's result for me, Alex. I was going to watch that tomorrow night. I still will as it seems like a brilliant victory. As you say, those 3 points are vital to us staying in WSL2

Great result after a terrible start. A poor game for the first thirty minutes but we got on top towards the end of the first half and maintained that in the second half. A third goal would've took away any hope for Charlton to get back into the game but we defended well again when needed.

3 more points towards promotion, get in there!

San Diego said:

Aah, you ruined the women's result for me, Alex. I was going to watch that tomorrow night. I still will as it seems like a brilliant victory. As you say, those 3 points are vital to us staying in WSL2

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Ah bugger, sorry. Definitely watch it back though. Excellent performance all round.

Deserved 3 points but this team don't half make it hard for themselves. It astounds me given the amount of money we've spent on players how in periods of the game their touch and passing ability looks like they've never played the game of football.

I thought aside from the goal where Johnson and O'Shea were at fault that the back line did a pretty good job. O'Shea really seems to be growing in confidence on the ball. Furlong man of the match for me. The high balls in the box at the end were very well defended

Philogene awful for 90% of the time but as he has done all season produces in a couple of moments which lead to goals.

Taylor was busy but nowhere near his performance against Middlesbrough, again he couldn't get into the team when we were promoted 2 seasons ago yet he's probably first choice for that position, this shows a failure in recruitment for me as he's no better than he was 2 years ago. Matusiwa had one of his quieter performances but was okay. I thought Neil came on and showed some calmness on the ball shame at that point the rest of his team couldn't pass as we had a number of really good breakaway opportunities which we just far too easily gave the ball away on.

McAteer again showed some really good moments, starting to look really good down the right now.

I thought Azon played pretty, well connecting play, however he's added to the tonne of ridiculous chances, he just seems to fluff his lines all the time.

Far from free flowing but a proper away performance after the first dodgy 15 minutes or so where we limited them to very few chances and controlled the game. Still too slow for me especially in the final third and that tendancy to check back inside by players allowing the defence to get set does my head in.

I have enjoyed all yr comments from afar on hols, and it sounds as tho we did the business after a dreadful start. Is that the 1st time we have won away from coming behind?

Hopefully it gives us momentum.

COYBs!

Gaffer - the last time we came from behind to win away was the League One promotion season. Rotherham, I think I read somewhere?

On a wider note, I don’t think we can rely on Leicester or Oxford to do us any favours against Millwall. Win two of the next three and it’s redundant what the others do.

We’re benefitting from some lesser renowned players stepping up during this final stretch. I was very critical of Walton (and all our goalkeepers) last season, but he’s been so solid this season. I’ve got doubts about the consistency of his passing, but he’s made some important saves and he looks like he reassures our defence.

I initially thought Furlong was a downgrade on Tuanzebe. But he’s had probably the most quietly impressive season out of everyone. He can slow down the tempo of our play, but he’s solid at the back and - crucially - is the most dependable and available right backs McKenna has had here. If we get promoted, I’ve got doubts about him in the Premier League, but fair play to him for this season.

Jack Taylor has had his struggles over the last few years. But he’s been tenacious, committed, and has brought a lot of energy over the last several weeks. He looks a lot more comfortable in team compared to previous years. Again, a big question mark over whether he’s the long-term answer in midfield - but he has arguably been our most improved player this season.

Finally, a positive note on O’Shea and Greaves. They were much maligned in the Premier League - and fairly so in the second half of the season, where we shipped so many sloppy goals. O’Shea had a more solid season in the top flight than Greaves. Now with the captain’s armband - he has stepped up and proven he’s better than a Championship level defender. Seems to be putting in 8/10 type performances week-in, week-out. Greaves looks a good partner for him at centre back. Like Taylor, Greaves has come in for lot of criticism since he’s been here - but he’s been on a great run of form. It feels like he’s cut out the lapses in concentration and has been fairly effective going forwards too.

It’s going to be a tough scrap to get over the line, but with those guys at the back and in-form, I’ve got more confidence.