POST-MATCH THREAD: Charlton Athletic v Middlesborough: Tuesday 09th December 2025: KO 19:45
Emotions ran high for Middlesbrough’s midweek visit under the lights, with the Addicks paying a number of tributes, including a video and a minute’s applause, for fallen supporter Norman Barker. Touching and impeccably observed by everyone in the ground, it was a fitting sendoff for a remarkable, dedicated, beloved supporter, with members of his family pitchside.
Often, on such nights, action can fall a bit flat given the understandable emotional impact of events of the past few days, and on the night itself. But this one got off to an exciting start with both sides having a couple of opportunities each in the first six minutes. Middlesbrough are a tidy side and Nathan Jones made a couple of changes to try and sure things up in the midst of a poor run of form and a side unbalanced by injuries. Harvey Knibbs made a start in the middle, alongside Luke Berry, with Kayne Ramsay slotting in on the right to kick things off. Miles Leaburn came back in alongside Tyreece Campbell to lead the attack.
The new, makeshift setup kept Charlton competitive, though at times, Middlesbrough found themselves in acres of space.
Middlesbrough’s opening came on about 35 minutes when Sonny Carey lost the ball and the visitors carved us open. Middlesbrough deserved the lead based on the quality of their opportunities. Only moments later, after the reset, Miles Leaburn’s header found Luke Berry in the box. Berry was brought down with a clever hip check that , on another day, could have easily resulted in a penalty to the home side. Unfortunately, the referee didn’t bite.
Middlesbrough struck again before half time on about 48 minutes, breaking down the right. This time it was a brilliant individual effort. The Addicks got back in numbers to defend, but Morgan Whittaker wasn’t bothered. He collected the ball a handful of yards in the Charlton half and attacked the Covered End goal, unleashing a shot in the box that eluded his defender and beat Thomas Kaminsky all ends up.
Going in two down changed Nathan Jones’ halftime teamtalk. Something of a miracle would be needed to turn this one around, the gulf in quality being obvious. Jones made a triple change, looking to Ibby Fullah, Greg Docherty, and Karoy Anderson to provide a spark and, perhaps, a bit more steel. Making way were Conor Coventry, Sonny Carey, and Harvey Knibbs. I’m not sure by the nature of the changes whether Jones was attempting to turn things around, limit further damage, or concede defeat with an eye on the next fixture. But the Addicks started brightly. Karoy Anderson slid into a 50/50 challenge that he won, inspiring a one-two between Fullah and Campbell that resulted in a decent attack. Greg Docherty put himself about, providing the industry to plug up any gaps. The press was a little wild but effective. At times it wasn’t pretty, but the change was posing Middlesbrough some problems.
Even so, it was the visitors that fashioned the first clear cut chance of the second half, forcing a decent save from Kaminsky from a low driven shot that the Belgian blocked with his feet and was ultimatley cleared away by Macauley Gillesphey. The best chance for the home side came through a James Bree free kick on the edge of the box. The floated ball connected with Lloyd Jones’ head and forced a good save from Middlesbrough’s Brynn, but the Charlton man had strayed offside anyhow.
Middlesborough made a change on about 64 minutes, looking to adjust. At that point I think the only real hope was to continue to lull the visitors into a false sense of security until the Addicks could fashion an opportunity to pull one back and mount a suprise, unlikely comeback. Tanto Olaofe then came on for Luke Berry on about 66 minutes to provide fresh legs and something different for the Middlesborough backline to think about.
On 69 minutes, the Charlton faithful had a moment of excitement when James Bree put Ibby Fullah through into the box, unleashing a shot that forced the MIddlesborough keeper to make a save at his near post. Moments later, Middlesborough made a couple more changes to adjust to Charlton’s positive momentum. Some five or six minutes later, Jones brought on Rob Apter and, on 80 minutes, his impact was immediately felt. With the ball at his feet he targeted his defender, dragging him inside before placing a driven cross that split the final defender and the keeper, knocking in off the defender to pull a goal back and set the stage for a more meaningful final ten minutes. Could a bit of divine inspiration be at play, setting the stage in SE7-heaven? Truth be told, it didn’t look likely but stranger things have happened!
The Addicks had some opportunities to conjure their equaliser. On about 89 minutes, Gillesphey’s cross field ball found Tanto Olaofe bursting into the box, but, under pressure, he shinned it out of play when in on goal. Four minutes of added time gave the home side limited time to do it. Charlton probed a bit but it wasn’t to be. Another defeat taken on the chin.
All of the damage was done in the first half. The second half unit proved better, more solid, competitive, and even more effective going forward. They posed Middlesborough problems that the first eleven didn’t. The wholesale changes at halftime worked. But I’m not sure what that means for the Birmingham fixture.
Charlton are competitive on their day, provided everyone’s fit and playing their part in Nathan Jones’ grinding game plan. With a number of injuries and players in roles they’re neither familiar with nor equipped to perform, the challenge is mostly beyond us against the cream of the Championship crop. Returning players, perhaps some reinforcements, and a run of games against weaker opposition should see us competitive again, but that can’t come soon enough. Personally, I’m not worried just yet.
Middlesborough can be happy with their win but Charlton are left to pick up the pieces during a difficult time. We’ve lost an irreplaceable stalwart fan and the team are on an extended run of bad form that’s taken its own toll. It’s a long old season and I’m sure Nathan Jones and the Board will rise to the challenge ahead of them. In the meantime, we remember Headphones Norm, who took these things in his stride for over forty years, with a smile and a shrug. Even when it hurts.
Charlton 1 Middlesborough 2
Over to you.
Comments
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Such a brutal run of games to coincide with an injury crisis. As frustrating as it is, perspective is important at the moment.
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So much has changed in only a few weeks. Need to find a way to stop the rot. Get through to Jan and then rebuild.9
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Players that need a decent run in the team and a proper chance now over Jones’ usual favourites:
Tanto
Fullah
Apter
Anderson
…and please find a better solution to Macca. Maybe that’s TC at LWB.13 -
Fullah, Anderson and Apter all have to be involved more - it was refreshing to have players with a spark and some effort on the pitch.30
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Perspective is fine, points are better. We desperately need to stop the rot.charlton_hero said:Such a brutal run of games to coincide with an injury crisis. As frustrating as it is, perspective is important at the moment.
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Did someone genuinely claim that Middlesbrough are an ex-Premier League team?
Yeah maybe 9 years ago.
Another poor performance with a bit of a fightback thanks to an own goal in the last 10 mins.
On current form can't see the Birmingham game going much better.1 -
Kaminski
Apter Ramsay Jones Gillesphey Rousillon
Anderson Docherty Fullah
Carey
Olaofe
On Saturday please (won't happen as the two youth clowns MUST START)8 -
To many favourites with jones , and no doubt will be the same old faces on Saturday, Campbell un droppable for some reason, he must be shit hot in training.6
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Plenty of time to turn it around, even after five straight defeats we're still six points above Portsmouth, even if the teams between us and them are dwindling - We need players back fast though - Continue to see similar signs from a year ago, which don't leave me panicking just yet. But we ideally need to find a way to stop shipping goals at the very least, and making hard work for ourselves, hence why clean sheets have always been so damned important.
With key players still absent, am not sure which way to go for Saturday either... Maybe we need a gung ho approach and start TC at Left Wing-Back (albeit as a result I'd keep Bree on the right, so we don't have a repeat of Southampton where we play with two unnatural Wing-Backs), Fullah behind the Strikers, who despite my concerns on his thread, needs to be trusted at some point, and Olaofe / Leaburn up top together.
Am confident we'll win again soon, the second half signs today showed there is still fight in this team
Long way to go yet before the season is done and dusted.
Ideally Apter can build on this showing, I remain convinced that he's struggling for minutes, because he's not doing the basics that Jones requires of him - Coming on today, he surely did all that could be asked of him, so lets see more of that Rob10 -
We've gone from being around the top of the form table to dead last. However the performance second half showed promise. I bet Jones says we won the second half. Because we did.se9addick said:
Perspective is fine, points are better. We desperately need to stop the rot.charlton_hero said:Such a brutal run of games to coincide with an injury crisis. As frustrating as it is, perspective is important at the moment.
However we need to learn to win ugly.5 -
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Lost that in the first half due to terrible team selection and formation - starting with Knibbs Carey and Berry was crazy - Gillesphey a liability too but we have no alternative until the transfer window opens unless Bell come back.11
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First half very poor, and no semblance of togetherness nor teamwork - more often than not, we reverted to lumping it forward or taking too much time on the ball rather than doing the basics and passing in the triangles - going in 1-0 down would have been better, but the second goal killed us totally
Second half showed we can try and mix things up and improve - albeit we didnt get going until c65 minute. Anderson and doc doing well in midfield, with Fullah and apter showing that they are more than capable of making a difference.
Our real issues CONTINUE to be TC and Leaburn, who just dont look comfortable at this level nor able to make the step up. Leaburn wins flick ons, but normally erratic placement of them which TC doesnt read anyway.
Desperatly miss Kelman and Godden, whilst Bell and Edwards show they are almost irreplaceable!
Absolutely no idea what Bree brings to the side, and would be happy to see him leave come Jan- what was early on showing great potential and fantastic set pieces has reverted back to poor performances and not being able to beat the first man with corners nor FKs. Fakuda hopefully his replacement.
Survival is of course the only aim, but we are dropping like a stone at the moment - and performances are highlighting that. Investment needed in Jan, and griding out draws needs to happen soon too. Need desperately to stop the rot8 -
I have no issue with TC starting - just not in a central role.gmantaxi said:To many favourites with jones , and no doubt will be the same old faces on Saturday, Campbell un droppable for some reason, he must be shit hot in training.7 -
I think the frustrating thing is we keep seeing in the second half what this side really can be, with bite and some real guts displayed. We just need to start seeing that throughout.
We need a replacement for Bell as fast as possible, Macca isn't the answer at this level.5 -
At least the goals conceded figure is going down…😉4
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Only managed to watch about 40% of the game thanks to Sky+.
But did manage to see all 3 goals. Great cross from Apter & shows we do have a winger who can put in a dangerous cross. Shows that even if we have crap strikers a cross like that can easily be turned into the net by the opposition.
Maybe not away at Birmingham but certainly against Oxford I'd start Fullah, Apter & Tanto for TC, Bree & Leaburn. Also need more solidity in midfield.... someone with a bit of bite. Maybe Anderson ?
Only good thing tonight is that Pompey lost and Oxford & Norwich only drew.
Got to play those 3 before the end of the year. Have to not lose any of them. And really need at least 7 points out of 9.6 -
Nailed on 1-1 at Birmingham.eastterrace6168 said:At least the goals conceded figure is going down…😉
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NJ is desperately trying to find a lineup that works with the fir players , and failing. The starting lineup was wrong, Knibbs and Carey in midfield were both playing out of position and ineffective, as was Berry. Boro took full advantage of the lack of wingbacks to get down both our wings and it was Kaminsky kept us in it. NJ switched to wingbacks but before it mattered Carey gave the ball away and we were one down. A breakaway led to the second.
The second half changes brought more energy, but if anybody can tell me a starting lineup that has Fullah and Apter in it, with the lack of fit defenders, I would be happy to know it.
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Fullah really thrived in the CAM position. Please don't stick him out wide.17
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I wouldn’t rely on the January transfer window.cantersaddick said:So much has changed in only a few weeks. Need to find a way to stop the rot. Get through to Jan and then rebuild.Need to reorganise what we already have first and foremost.2 -
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He really needs either Fullah or Apter to start to take the "pressure" off him.The Red Robin said:
I have no issue with TC starting - just not in a central role.gmantaxi said:To many favourites with jones , and no doubt will be the same old faces on Saturday, Campbell un droppable for some reason, he must be shit hot in training.
Early in the second half (albeit with Fullah on) TC had the ball and was facing a 'Boro defender, only that Defender suddenly had support and as a result easily won the ball, whilst TC's team mates just stood around and waited for a cross that was always going to be difficult when double marked.
When Fullah started being a problem, TC was able to become more of a problem and started putting crosses in. I've felt the issue for a long time, is that teams can see that TC is our pacey threat, we don't have anyone else, havent really had anyone of a similar ilk since Small got injured at the end of last season, so don't have to concern themselves with us switching the play... I mean who else is there... Bree? - You stop his cross, and you stop his threat.
With Fullah and Apter on though, it gave 'Boro further food for thought, and as a result were opened up easier. The secondary issue we're currently having, is the fact that its suicide to start TC and Apter, because we're back to the Southampton game, and playing two forward thinking individuals as Wing-Backs, we'll be torn open, so its an option we cant afford... Swap them with Apter starting and the opposition cover the other one, whilst Apter doesnt have the similar sort of pace to back up his play.9 -
**waits for Jones to play him at wing-back**Dazzler21 said:Fullah really thrived in the CAM position. Please don't stick him out wide.7 -
Exactly this. Some are almost writing Coventry off despite having no one else near him thanks to the midfield selection.East Kent Addick said:Lost that in the first half due to terrible team selection and formation - starting with Knibbs Carey and Berry was crazy - Gillesphey a liability too but we have no alternative until the transfer window opens unless Bell come back.12 -
Fullah with the first bit of flair anyone has shown in weeks, Apter showing what a competent wide player looks like, Ramsay looking like Ramsay again in the second half.
Sadly there are too many other players not at championship level right now who are costing us. If TC and Leaburn are starting after the January window something is seriously wrong, and Gillesphey looks like he’s on another planet.
Just hoping this is the point where Jones looks at the improvements in the second half and stops being so stubborn, as was the case when we hit our lowest point last season.6 -
Better second half and the changes helped but I never really felt we would get an equalizer. Tough times and Birmingham away is not one to relish. Oxford at home is massive now. A few weeks ago I just did not envisage this happening. At least there were a few positives in the second half.4
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We’ve played another very, very good side and an added horrible thing from Saturday is that it took away our chance to stop the rot against a beatable team before this match came up. The reality is that 2-1 against Boro in 2nd place is an expected result, they’ve just all come too close together. We need to be better than two other teams this season assuming Wendies are too far gone and 4 teams are below us with another 2 on the same number of points. We’re going to suffer at times this season and we desperately need at least Bell back but we’ve got games coming up against Pompey, Norwich and Oxford and if that second half said anything it’s that we haven’t given up and we can still hurt teams. Get players back fit, bring in some more in January to ease the pressure and we’ll be ok.It’s a long season in a difficult league and some things have gone against us recently. Keep the faith and hope for a couple of decent signings as late Christmas presents.14
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So passive in the first half. Boro ran rings around us. Changes improved us a bit but that wasn't hard. Desperately need our left sided defenders back or apt reinforcements.3
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That second half midfield would literally run rings around the first half one7
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Jones’ selection fault in the first half.Needs to give anderson and fullah a chance now and be more positive.
still time to turn it around!1 -
I think everyone who has said some combination of TC, Fullah and/or Apter is the answer. With Carey out of it lately, Bree doesn't pose enough of a threat to stop them doubling up on TC.
Whilst if it were an ideal world he wouldn't start after bottling it for the second goal, with Kelman injured we may as well try and make it work.
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