Nice to see us trying to play more passing football on the ground in the first half, and we all know Yan can do that too. Everyone looked nervy as it wore on, leading to giving it away and bringing more pressure, but once again the back 5 were superb, including Hamer who I thought dealt well with just about every ball in - perhaps the jitters are more our collective perception of him after previous errors.
N'Guessan's strength was a real bonus, and his directness was welcome, rewarded with another goal. From the NW quadrant it looked for al the world like an og - did he steer it goalwards before the defender helped it in, or was it a complete optical illusion?
In the centre Pritchard worked so hard, but sadly gave it away a litle too often, while Stephens could probably see off some of his detractors with a bit more drive. That said, not all players are the same.
Up front it just wasn't BWP's day and after a few that didn't quite fall for him, he ended up snatching at what was a vg chance that he could've taken on at least another pace. Yann showed some real quality on the deck again; I'd still like to see him have a go a bit more often though - he's got a fine shot.
So, three more vital points and another clean sheet against another team fighting for their lives. Walsall gave it a good go; Ladesma looked capable but a complete tart with all the Latin-style histrioncs and Nicholls gave us a torrid time on their right in the first half. As for Butler's head "injury" in their box in the first half - just pure cheating to see off our pressure. Nauseating.
Enjoyed the visit to the Valley as always. Far too good a set up for league 1, but fun for us "little uns" .
Must admit that I think we probably merited a draw on the balance of play, but fair play to your defence , there was no way through. It was just as tight as the game at our place before Xmas, but we have added some decent footballing ability to the side since then. I was interested to see that a few posters picked out Nicholls (right winger with bright boots) and Smith ( centre back) who are two local lads who have come through the system. Smith is a class act , Nicholls benefitted from a wide pitch with plenty of space on the counter attack , because frankly overall he's pretty damn average.
Powell comes across extremely well when interviewed , and Charlton is by far the friendliest London away day , with a team who endeavours to play football the right way ( that was a clear red card though !! ) , so well done on your promotion ( can't go wrong now) and good luck in the Championship . My nephew is looking like he will be an Addick ( despite my best efforts to get him to support a little club 200 miles away in the midlands that people think is in Poland )
Yeah , cheers McL . Butler is the other one. Massively popular captain, very committed.
We had Ledesma at the end of last season too, but this year he has come back looking very hungry . If he really adapts to the English game on a consistent basis he will be a hell of a player.
Welcome KS, Glad you enjoyed your visit. Think you're probably right about deserving a draw; as you suggest, it was our defence that saw us through (not for the frist time recently!). Intersting about Nicholls - guess many wingers flatter to decieve; believe me, we've had our share. Smith looked good throughout and despite my comments above about Ledesma, he had enough talent to unsettle us.
Good luck in your battle, and if your nephew really won't sign up to be a Saddler, at least he'll be welcomed at one of the less glamorous London clubs.
Ha , Paddy you are right , Ledesma definitely has the histrionic and temperamental gene ... In fact he missed our game versus you at the end of last season due to a red card and he is prone to a bit of theatrics . It doesn't go down well at our place though , he must be mistaking us for Man U . We only get penalties every ten years, we like them to be authentic so we can properly enjoy them.
Cant recall the Butler incident , but on ten other hand I genuinely doubt if it wasn't genuine ...he's a 100% no nonsense tough fella who plays the game hard but fair.
enjoyed the game despite the tension in the last 15 but thats what its all about - beats mid table boredom every day of the week. Have come to the conclusion that Stephens and BWP will be no more than squad players next year - they are our weak links at the moment. Morrison has been a bit shakey lately but still good enough for next year, as is the rest of the defence. pritchard did really well yesterday but midfield general and top striker needed to play off Kermo - like the sound of Puncheon. Like Ngas - helps kermo out on the physical side as well. We need to control games more in midfield at home though next year as the attackers will be better and the end to end stuff we play will get punished more. The future is bright though and we already have two thirds of a successful championship side in my opinion. Well done CP.
Have to say KS, one of the pleasures of playing in a "lower" league has been the rarity of prima-donnas. Genuine fans who attend at this level just don't tend to endulge them in the same way those who claim to follow the big boys often do. Again, we've had our share.
Phew! Enjoyed the game, even though I have no fingernails left. We got through it and 3 points is all we need now, forget good passing football, the 9 that finished on Friday were all knackered. One piece of critism, Stephens is not good enough, he has not really been the same player since he came back from injury, however I cant see Powell dropping him, so the irony is that we should replace Pritchard who was our best midfielder (especially in the second half), with Hughes for Carlisle. Yann was fantastic, it reminded me of The Holy grail, when the 2 Knights fight, nothing was gonna drag him of, pwoper Charlton and he will go on to be a ledge at our club. Solly was superb , lets hope the 'bigger' clubs dont start sniffin around. Big word goes out to Jacko who played one of his best games this season. Final line to Walsall, it was refreshing to see them come out and play football. Well done for doing that and not parking the bus.
enjoyed the game despite the tension in the last 15 but thats what its all about - beats mid table boredom every day of the week. Have come to the conclusion that Stephens and BWP will be no more than squad players next year - they are our weak links at the moment. Morrison has been a bit shakey lately but still good enough for next year, as is the rest of the defence. pritchard did really well yesterday but midfield general and top striker needed to play off Kermo - like the sound of Puncheon. Like Ngas - helps kermo out on the physical side as well. We need to control games more in midfield at home though next year as the attackers will be better and the end to end stuff we play will get punished more. The future is bright though and we already have two thirds of a successful championship side in my opinion. Well done CP.
For me you could see some players who had done the 90 at Oldham were dying on there feet after 50 minutes, while the fresher legs looked good.
Agreed. Stephens has come in for some stick but anyone who was at Oldham could see how much ground he covered that day and would have been really feeling it yesterday which prob lead to a few mistakes.
Sorry if I'm being blind but does anyone know why BWP clapped the Walsall fans today? Thanks in advance!
He definitely did. I assumed he was being sarcastic as they had been singing a song about him being a "robber" - plus it meant he could waste more time going off!
Another step towards the Championship. Being top in April is all about grinding out 1 - 0 wins. Also after playing with nine men for around 25 mins on Saturday the effort shown was terrific. Promotion against Wycombe and champions at Preston.
Cant recall the Butler incident , but on ten other hand I genuinely doubt if it wasn't genuine ...he's a 100% no nonsense tough fella who plays the game hard but fair.
From what I saw of it, Butler and Yann went for a header and both missed, the ball was cleared, Butler looked round and saw that the ball was about to come back in so he clutched his head. When the trainer came on all he did was chat to him and then he tried to get the ref to let him stay on the pitch as he hadn't had any 'treatment' - fortunately the ref wasn't having any of that having just been conned once.....
Cant recall the Butler incident , but on ten other hand I genuinely doubt if it wasn't genuine ...he's a 100% no nonsense tough fella who plays the game hard but fair.
From what I saw of it, Butler and Yann went for a header and both missed, the ball was cleared, Butler looked round and saw that the ball was about to come back in so he clutched his head. When the trainer came on all he did was chat to him and then he tried to get the ref to let him stay on the pitch as he hadn't had any 'treatment' - fortunately the ref wasn't having any of that having just been conned once.....
Surprising , the last player you would expect to do that. Bloody footballers .
kermogant was immense yesterday ,the bit in the programme about him showed me more about his fighting qualities ,Solly gets my player of the season now ,agree with lots of comments re stephens ,ironically he may be better at a higher level ,,he gets exposed when there isnt someone to do the water carrying ,i have mentioned this before but if we have the budget we need a 20 goals a season man next year and it wont be bwp ..hes been fortunate to be in a good team
The good train Charlton keeps steaming on. Views below please.
Thought Walsall played some good football at times. Their first defeat in 6 and they've only lost 14 all season with a goal difference of only minus 4 - so, no mugs - and they showed that. A satisfying victory for Charlton with Kermogant my M-O-M for a blisteringly battling performance. Was also pleased with Leon Cort and well done Danny Haynes for making an important difference when he came on. I'd have brought him on a bit earlier, personally, but easy to judge from the stand and in hindsight. Well done, Charlton.
I would like to pay tribute to those addicts fans who have supported our team at away games, they have been great , and must have helped the team feel that this club is worth playing for.Iam unable to get to these games but can assure you that listening to the commentaries online is the most nerve racking 90mins especially as I can't swear at the Terrible refs we have had this season.Where do they get them from, and I thought they were supposed to be neutral. I hope we will have money to spend next season it won't be easy to establish us in the CHAMPIONSHIP.
Unfortunately Leggie we will ALL football League Referees referee in all three divisions they are not confined to just one division.
Loan signing Danny N'Guessan helped secure another vital three points for Charlton as the league leaders moved one step closer to promotion.
Charlton were keen to get on the front foot, and started brightly. Indeed, it was N'Guessan who could of put them ahead after barely a minute, but his powerful shot was well saved by David Grof. In a lively first half, Johnnie Jackson saw his header go agonisingly wide, whilst Ben Hamer had to be alert to foil the dangerous Alex Nicholls.
The opener came just past the half hour mark, when the returning skipper whipped in an inviting free kick to allow N'Guessan to head home. The goal meant that he has scored in all three of his appearances at The Valley since completing a loan switch from Millwall.
Charlton went in ahead, but in the second half they could not build on their lead. The visitors were almost level when Hamer failed to collect the ball from Emmanuel Ledesma's free kick, and veteran striker Jon Macken failed to put away the chance as the hosts began to look a little edgy.
After intricate feet and a wonderful through ball from Jackson the ever present Bradley Wright-Phillips could of extended the hosts lead, but his effort lacked any real power as he saw it sail wide. In a half short on chances, N'Guessan almost added to his goal, but visiting keeper Grof was able to deny him.
Although it wasn't a vintage display from the South Londoners, it was a performance that secured another three points over a vital Easter period. Together with Saturday's triumph over Oldham, the result means that Charlton are now within touching distance of returning to the Championship.
A long journey north awaits Chris Powell and his troops next weekend, and depending on results, it could be a journey well worth making for The Valley faithful.
Their goals conceded is reasonable considering they are at the wrong end of the table. I wonder if CP may have checked out Manny Smith who is young and reasonably quick. Karleigh Osbourne is back from injury for Brentford, but I always feel (and Bees mate agrees) that he always has a mistake a game in his locker.
Didnt think we created much in 2nd half but at this stage of the season will take 3 points anyday.Really think powell is gonna have to look at another keeper next season hamer makes to many mistakes
Didnt think we created much in 2nd half but at this stage of the season will take 3 points anyday.Really think powell is gonna have to look at another keeper next season hamer makes to many mistakes
You know I can understand people saying this player played poor or has been playing poor , but to suggest that players need replacing before the season is over when we are top of the league in a real clear position really does baffle me ,
there are changes I would like to see to improve the squad next season but surely every player including those that have left this season (during the season) deserve the chance to take some credit and acknowledgment for what they are on the brink of achieving
Even if only for a few weeks
We have the whole pre season window to look at who we would like and where we would change in totality
I find it strange that anyone can want rid right now
I would like to see players dropped or subbed , rested whatever you wish to call it
But let's show a little respect and gratitude to the guys ,
To answer barts question how can you enjoy this season and I mean really enjoy when you can find real negatives in what has been an outstanding effort so far
Comments
N'Guessan's strength was a real bonus, and his directness was welcome, rewarded with another goal. From the NW quadrant it looked for al the world like an og - did he steer it goalwards before the defender helped it in, or was it a complete optical illusion?
In the centre Pritchard worked so hard, but sadly gave it away a litle too often, while Stephens could probably see off some of his detractors with a bit more drive. That said, not all players are the same.
Up front it just wasn't BWP's day and after a few that didn't quite fall for him, he ended up snatching at what was a vg chance that he could've taken on at least another pace. Yann showed some real quality on the deck again; I'd still like to see him have a go a bit more often though - he's got a fine shot.
So, three more vital points and another clean sheet against another team fighting for their lives. Walsall gave it a good go; Ladesma looked capable but a complete tart with all the Latin-style histrioncs and Nicholls gave us a torrid time on their right in the first half. As for Butler's head "injury" in their box in the first half - just pure cheating to see off our pressure. Nauseating.
Enjoyed the visit to the Valley as always. Far too good a set up for league 1, but fun for us "little uns" .
Must admit that I think we probably merited a draw on the balance of play, but fair play to your defence , there was no way through. It was just as tight as the game at our place before Xmas, but we have added some decent footballing ability to the side since then. I was interested to see that a few posters picked out Nicholls (right winger with bright boots) and Smith ( centre back) who are two local lads who have come through the system. Smith is a class act , Nicholls benefitted from a wide pitch with plenty of space on the counter attack , because frankly overall he's pretty damn average.
Powell comes across extremely well when interviewed , and Charlton is by far the friendliest London away day , with a team who endeavours to play football the right way ( that was a clear red card though !! ) , so well done on your promotion ( can't go wrong now) and good luck in the Championship . My nephew is looking like he will be an Addick ( despite my best efforts to get him to support a little club 200 miles away in the midlands that people think is in Poland )
up the Saddlers
We had Ledesma at the end of last season too, but this year he has come back looking very hungry . If he really adapts to the English game on a consistent basis he will be a hell of a player.
Glad you enjoyed your visit. Think you're probably right about deserving a draw; as you suggest, it was our defence that saw us through (not for the frist time recently!). Intersting about Nicholls - guess many wingers flatter to decieve; believe me, we've had our share. Smith looked good throughout and despite my comments above about Ledesma, he had enough talent to unsettle us.
Good luck in your battle, and if your nephew really won't sign up to be a Saddler, at least he'll be welcomed at one of the less glamorous London clubs.
Cant recall the Butler incident , but on ten other hand I genuinely doubt if it wasn't genuine ...he's a 100% no nonsense tough fella who plays the game hard but fair.
We got through it and 3 points is all we need now, forget good passing football, the 9 that finished on Friday were all knackered.
One piece of critism, Stephens is not good enough, he has not really been the same player since he came back from injury, however I cant see Powell dropping him, so the irony is that we should replace Pritchard who was our best midfielder (especially in the second half), with Hughes for Carlisle. Yann was fantastic, it reminded me of The Holy grail, when the 2 Knights fight, nothing was gonna drag him of, pwoper Charlton and he will go on to be a ledge at our club. Solly was superb , lets hope the 'bigger' clubs dont start sniffin around. Big word goes out to Jacko who played one of his best games this season.
Final line to Walsall, it was refreshing to see them come out and play football. Well done for doing that and not parking the bus.
Yes he was the sponsors MOM
Surprising , the last player you would expect to do that. Bloody footballers .
Mate you keep saying it and he will keep scoring so dont ever stop
But who the Feck is this Shaun he must be really Shite i wish i knew when everyone was singing it , it frustrates me at times as i am sure you know
that div scuffed my kickers on the stairs there will be a price to pay for that
hows the little un
A satisfying victory for Charlton with Kermogant my M-O-M for a blisteringly battling performance.
Was also pleased with Leon Cort and well done Danny Haynes for making an important difference when he came on.
I'd have brought him on a bit earlier, personally, but easy to judge from the stand and in hindsight.
Well done, Charlton.
Unfortunately Leggie we will ALL football League Referees referee in all three divisions they are not confined to just one division.
One Step Closer
Loan signing Danny N'Guessan helped secure another vital three points for Charlton as the league leaders moved one step closer to promotion.
Charlton were keen to get on the front foot, and started brightly. Indeed, it was N'Guessan who could of put them ahead after barely a minute, but his powerful shot was well saved by David Grof. In a lively first half, Johnnie Jackson saw his header go agonisingly wide, whilst Ben Hamer had to be alert to foil the dangerous Alex Nicholls.
The opener came just past the half hour mark, when the returning skipper whipped in an inviting free kick to allow N'Guessan to head home. The goal meant that he has scored in all three of his appearances at The Valley since completing a loan switch from Millwall.
Charlton went in ahead, but in the second half they could not build on their lead. The visitors were almost level when Hamer failed to collect the ball from Emmanuel Ledesma's free kick, and veteran striker Jon Macken failed to put away the chance as the hosts began to look a little edgy.
After intricate feet and a wonderful through ball from Jackson the ever present Bradley Wright-Phillips could of extended the hosts lead, but his effort lacked any real power as he saw it sail wide. In a half short on chances, N'Guessan almost added to his goal, but visiting keeper Grof was able to deny him.
Although it wasn't a vintage display from the South Londoners, it was a performance that secured another three points over a vital Easter period. Together with Saturday's triumph over Oldham, the result means that Charlton are now within touching distance of returning to the Championship.
A long journey north awaits Chris Powell and his troops next weekend, and depending on results, it could be a journey well worth making for The Valley faithful.
there are changes I would like to see to improve the squad next season but surely every player including those that have left this season (during the season) deserve the chance to take some credit and acknowledgment for what they are on the brink of achieving
Even if only for a few weeks
We have the whole pre season window to look at who we would like and where we would change in totality
I find it strange that anyone can want rid right now
I would like to see players dropped or subbed , rested whatever you wish to call it
But let's show a little respect and gratitude to the guys ,
To answer barts question how can you enjoy this season and I mean really enjoy when you can find real negatives in what has been an outstanding effort so far