The challenge on Grant Basey at their place a fair few seasons back was much worse than the one today, that one didn't lead to a red but broke Basey's leg.
Notwithstanding the relatively mediocre opposition, this may turn out to be one of our most important wins of the season, given the very difficult circumstances in which we found ourselves after 6 minutes and the psychological importance of a good start.
I thought that we managed the game exceptionally well and played much the better football in the first half, with Kashi, Fosu, Holmes and Da Silvia very much to the fore. Kashi controlled the tempo of the game - truly the conductor of the orchestra- and some of Fosu's runs were excellent. He must have drawn 4 or 5 free kicks alone in the first half when he ran at the opposition with no real support.
It was predictably more difficult in the second half as Bristol Rovers pushed us back but they only actually had one shot on target, which Amos kept out with his legs. The back four defended exceptionally well and I thought that Bauer, in particular, had an absolute horse of a game.
The only negatives were a dodgy performance from Ben Amos and a diabolical cameo from Tony Watt. I couldn't work out whether he was sulking or just generally couldn't give a toss. Suffice it to say, however, that - to me at least - his apparent lack of effort was an affront to his teammates, all of who were busting a gut to get three points (not to mention his obligations to the paying customers).
Overall, though, I think there is much to be happy about over and above the three points. It is very early days but we passed the ball very well, Karl Robinson is clearly getting his message across to the players and we are showing signs of developing a discernible and attractive style of play. I thought we also showed a tremendous amount of fight and determination in adversity and that was reflected in the excellent support from the home supporters. I thought the Covered End was excellent and, even in the East Stand where we sit, the level of rhythmic clapping was ramped up at key moments.
All very promising, especially with players like Konsa, Reeves, Marshall and Aribo to come in. Where we are obviously light, however, is up front but I'm sure Robinson and his team are working on that.
The challenge on Grant Basey at their place a fair few seasons back was much worse than the one today, that one didn't lead to a red but broke Basey's leg.
And all but finished his top level career
Hate to be pedantic but in theory it did finish his career... Never recovered with us thats for sure
Don't get to see many games but this was the best for some years. Team fully committed, passing the ball well and some lovely skills from Fosu. Kashi energetic, organising those around him and my man of the match. Also liked Dasilva who looked very comfortable. Fantastic to see the crowd rocking and behind the team to the end. It makes it a more enjoyable experience for us all and appreciated by the players/manager at the end On Watt, he has had enough chances in my opinion. Novak went in with studs showing, player did the usual theatrics. Probably a yellow card most times after 6 mins but to the letter of the law it was a red.
First off, I have to admit that my gast was well & truly flabbered by this afternoon's performance by the lads.
We missed the PSF versus Ipswich so today's crisp, passing game was my first glimpse of the potential for the season ahead.
I've always been honest on here by saying I don't recognise formations, tactics even but I DO know what I like.....
Today, I DID like what I saw out there, for the first time in many months.
And whilst keeping my powder dry until now regarding KR's suitability, he does appear to have assembled a squad of genuine ball players with a deal of skill & plenty of heart. It takes a lot to impress Fanny but this was a decent start.
I sincerely hope that the rekindled flame in my heart isn't cruelly extinguished all too soon & that , despite the shennanigans & ongoing antics behind the scenes, some pride in our club will be regained by May 2018.
I shall never forgive the Belgians for the damage they have wrought on CAFC - that's a given - and will campaign as required for a sale to someone who has the best interests of our club at heart.
I know that one swallow doesn't make a summer, but it would be great to attain a higher level of enjoyment for the money we spend supporting our team week in, week out. I believe that's the least we deserve.
And who knows.....we may be waltzing, Matilda sooner rather than later.
Haven' t read about such a performance for a while. Hats off. Especially pleased to hear the reports of Kashi, think he is absolutely key to a serious season.
A win is a win, and a win with 10 men for so long says a lot about team spirit, so whatever doubts many of us still harbour, we gotta be pleased with this.
First off, I have to admit that my gast was well & truly flabbered by this afternoon's performance by the lads.
We missed the PSF versus Ipswich so today's crisp, passing game was my first glimpse of the potential for the season ahead.
I've always been honest on here by saying I don't recognise formations, tactics even but I DO know what I like.....
Today, I DID like what I saw out there, for the first time in many months.
And whilst keeping my powder dry until now regarding KR's suitability, he does appear to have assembled a squad of genuine ball players with a deal of skill & plenty of heart. It takes a lot to impress Fanny but this was a decent start.
I sincerely hope that the the rekindled flame in my heart isn't cruelly extinguished all too soon & that , despite the shennanigans & ongoing antics behind the scenes, some pride in our club will be regained by May 2018.
I shall never forgive the Belgians for the damage they have wrought on CAFC - that's a given - and will campaign as required for a sale to someone who has the best interests of our club at heart.
I know that one swallow doesn't make a summer, but it would be great to attain a higher level of enjoyment for the money we spend supporting our team week in, week out. I believe that's the least we deserve.
And who knows.....we may be waltzing, Matilda sooner rather than later.
THAT'S dancing for you, Roland.
You say stuff really eloquently aunty fanny!
My wife doesn't come to football with me as a rule, however her objective insight is a joy to behold and also to make me feel like I've not totally lost the plot.
I treated her to Rotherham at home season before last and she immediately singled out Steve Evans as a figure of her hatred. I won't bore you with the details but suffice to say I was happy for her to make her own mind up without my encouragement on someone that I dislike. Today was similar, I explained how her favourite (Jacko) wouldn't be playing but he was still here are a player coach, I explained how Lee Bowyer was possibly one of the best players I have ever had the pleasure of watching in a Charlton shirt, said how having Kashi/'number 3' was like a new signing generally pointed out we have some pretty good technical footballers on our books however don't sweat on that as we don't have any guts. She then dropped the bomb of "how long has Andy played for you"
"Dafuq" said I
Yeah that's Andy Crofts, how long has he played for you. She asked during the cone training exercise
Fucken ell, I'm bracing myself for a story of how they were once lovers and how he nearly stole her heart forever blah blah blah
No, he banged one of her mates when he was at Gillingham years ago! She didn't know he was a footballer, just thought he was a gym bunny. Fucking doughnut
I said he was good a few years ago but he has lost whatever burst of pace he had and whilst being committed he was not pulling up any trees and I didn't expect him to play a part unless Forster-Caskey got injured.
She then identified Tony Watt and asked my he didn't pull his socks up. "To look the fucking part" I said
"He looks a Twat he's lost him shin pads 3 times"
Now I get what Tony Watt is up to, he's a match winner on his day, a bit mercurial, I understand thw scruffy genius bit.
"It's ok for him, he's only been on 10 minutes and he's spent more time dressing himself"
For fucks sake woman
She does have a point I suppose
"The midfielders are running their bollock's off how come he isn't"
"Because he's a genius, listen babe, he scored the winner against Barcelona"
"How come he's playing for you then"
Fucking hell
Don't get me wrong, I'm not digging Tony Watt out, I don't think he was bad or deserving of thw criticism he's getting. He came on, he made their defence drop another ten yards and that alone created a ton of space, intentionally or not. It worked.
Well done players and coaching staff. Owners fuck off
good win, not a big robbo fan up to now but I think he set up the team well today and made all the right calls including telling watt not to chase lost causes in the opposition half. Centre backs and centre mid looked solid and fosu looks like he may take the pressure off Holmes. Sending off harsh, goal generous
Crikey just got home and people posting their views of the game within micro seconds of the result.... Any chance you can tell south west trains and South west buses how its done.
Most of what I want to say has already been well and truly said - great fighting performance from the team that makes me think this could be a decent season.
But I must just mention 2 things.
For the first I'm just going to nick Blucher's comments above about Tony Watt - "a diabolical cameo from Tony Watt. I couldn't work out whether he was sulking or just generally couldn't give a toss. Suffice it to say, however, that - to me at least - his apparent lack of effort was an affront to his teammates, all of who were busting a gut to get three points (not to mention his obligations to the paying customers)".
Sums Watt's performance up absolutely perfectly. I hope I never see him in a Charlton shirt again after that. Just eff off Watt out of this club.
Secondly, this is an incredibly small team. Take the goalkeeper and 2 centre halves out of it and there's scarcely a soul in it much over 5' 9''. I have a horrible feeling on a wet afternoon in Scunthorpe or some other grim Northern outpost, this team is going to get out-muscled easily. Hope I'm wrong but fear I may well not be.
Finally, I have been no great lover of KR. But maybe, just maybe there is more to this man than I have given him credit for so far.
Crikey just got home and people posting their views of the game within micro seconds of the result.... Any chance you can tell south west trains and South west buses how its done.
Chippy - I'm no expert on IT matters but I believe young people have phones and other things that enable them to post on the Internet before getting home to their Desktop.
Most of what I want to say has already been well and truly said - great fighting performance from the team that makes me think this could be a decent season.
But I must just mention 2 things.
For the first I'm just going to nick Blucher's comments above about Tony Watt - "a diabolical cameo from Tony Watt. I couldn't work out whether he was sulking or just generally couldn't give a toss. Suffice it to say, however, that - to me at least - his apparent lack of effort was an affront to his teammates, all of who were busting a gut to get three points (not to mention his obligations to the paying customers)".
Sums Watt's performance up absolutely perfectly. I hope I never see him in a Charlton shirt again after that. Just eff off Watt out of this club.
Secondly, this is an incredibly small team. Take the goalkeeper and 2 centre halves out of it and there's scarcely a soul in it much over 5' 9''. I have a horrible feeling on a wet afternoon in Scunthorpe or some other grim Northern outpost, this team is going to get out-muscled easily. Hope I'm wrong but fear I may well not be.
Finally, I have been no great lover of KR. But maybe, just maybe there is more to this man than I have given him credit for so far.
Mentioned the height of the team at half-time myself... It could be one of our biggest issues this season aa we'll face plenty of teams with big players who'll face us at the Valley (and at their own Ground) and happily put 10 giants in and around the penalty area asking us the question of how do we get through without constantly lofting it into the area only for the opposition to head clear.
Those games will come this season!!
Its one of the main reasons we need to get out of this Division
Most of what I want to say has already been well and truly said - great fighting performance from the team that makes me think this could be a decent season.
But I must just mention 2 things.
For the first I'm just going to nick Blucher's comments above about Tony Watt - "a diabolical cameo from Tony Watt. I couldn't work out whether he was sulking or just generally couldn't give a toss. Suffice it to say, however, that - to me at least - his apparent lack of effort was an affront to his teammates, all of who were busting a gut to get three points (not to mention his obligations to the paying customers)".
Sums Watt's performance up absolutely perfectly. I hope I never see him in a Charlton shirt again after that. Just eff off Watt out of this club.
Secondly, this is an incredibly small team. Take the goalkeeper and 2 centre halves out of it and there's scarcely a soul in it much over 5' 9''. I have a horrible feeling on a wet afternoon in Scunthorpe or some other grim Northern outpost, this team is going to get out-muscled easily. Hope I'm wrong but fear I may well not be.
Finally, I have been no great lover of KR. But maybe, just maybe there is more to this man than I have given him credit for so far.
Mentioned the height of the team at half-time myself... It could be one of our biggest issues this season aa we'll face plenty of teams with big players who'll face us at the Valley (and at their own Ground) and happily put 10 giants in and around the penalty area asking us the question of how do we get through without constantly lofting it into the area only for the opposition to head clear.
Those games will come this season!!
Its one of the main reasons we need to get out of this Division
The BFG looked head & shoulders taller than the rest of our defenders at Rovers' corners today.
Maybe the others should change their brand of shampoo.
Secondly, this is an incredibly small team. Take the goalkeeper and 2 centre halves out of it and there's scarcely a soul in it much over 5' 9''. I have a horrible feeling on a wet afternoon in Scunthorpe or some other grim Northern outpost, this team is going to get out-muscled easily. Hope I'm wrong but fear I may well not be.
I'm not sure about that, I think they can hold their own, some of them have a good bit of strength on them despite being small like Jay Da Silva & Ricky Holmes, Ahmed Kashi's a rock in that midfield too.
Great performance by Pearce and Bauer at the back, they won so much in the air, and with our team (without Josh) being pretty short, that's crucial. I doubt Konsa would have coped so well with the aerial threat today
That was never a goal no one even appealed for it , real strange one and The tears if it had been given against us would flood the Sahara . Red card could have gone either way , I thought the ref leant towards us after that . Our time wasting was right up there as well and we got away with it , Pirates Life must be on meltdown with their dislike of us after today .
Some of our football was a joy to behold and long may it continue . Kashi unreal and Fosu looks a talent a bit different and pleased with everyone who started and played over 7 mins except the keeper , he got away with flapping one straight to their attacker first half who somehow missed (don't think the ref could believe it cos he signalled a corner, then changed his mind after seeing linos flag ) and he was on walkabouts a couple of times at corners , at first glance he looks like he'll give us heart attacks , one good stop with his feet in fairness . Great turnout from Rovers picture to follow and one of the huddle if I can download em .
Comments
Notwithstanding the relatively mediocre opposition, this may turn out to be one of our most important wins of the season, given the very difficult circumstances in which we found ourselves after 6 minutes and the psychological importance of a good start.
I thought that we managed the game exceptionally well and played much the better football in the first half, with Kashi, Fosu, Holmes and Da Silvia very much to the fore. Kashi controlled the tempo of the game - truly the conductor of the orchestra- and some of Fosu's runs were excellent. He must have drawn 4 or 5 free kicks alone in the first half when he ran at the opposition with no real support.
It was predictably more difficult in the second half as Bristol Rovers pushed us back but they only actually had one shot on target, which Amos kept out with his legs. The back four defended exceptionally well and I thought that Bauer, in particular, had an absolute horse of a game.
The only negatives were a dodgy performance from Ben Amos and a diabolical cameo from Tony Watt. I couldn't work out whether he was sulking or just generally couldn't give a toss. Suffice it to say, however, that - to me at least - his apparent lack of effort was an affront to his teammates, all of who were busting a gut to get three points (not to mention his obligations to the paying customers).
Overall, though, I think there is much to be happy about over and above the three points. It is very early days but we passed the ball very well, Karl Robinson is clearly getting his message across to the players and we are showing signs of developing a discernible and attractive style of play. I thought we also showed a tremendous amount of fight and determination in adversity and that was reflected in the excellent support from the home supporters. I thought the Covered End was excellent and, even in the East Stand where we sit, the level of rhythmic clapping was ramped up at key moments.
All very promising, especially with players like Konsa, Reeves, Marshall and Aribo to come in. Where we are obviously light, however, is up front but I'm sure Robinson and his team are working on that.
Fantastic to see the crowd rocking and behind the team to the end. It makes it a more enjoyable experience for us all and appreciated by the players/manager at the end
On Watt, he has had enough chances in my opinion. Novak went in with studs showing, player did the usual theatrics. Probably a yellow card most times after 6 mins but to the letter of the law it was a red.
We missed the PSF versus Ipswich so today's crisp, passing game was my first glimpse of the potential for the season ahead.
I've always been honest on here by saying I don't recognise formations, tactics even but I DO know what I like.....
Today, I DID like what I saw out there, for the first time in many months.
And whilst keeping my powder dry until now regarding KR's suitability, he does appear to have assembled a squad of genuine ball players with a deal of skill & plenty of heart. It takes a lot to impress Fanny but this was a decent start.
I sincerely hope that the rekindled flame in my heart isn't cruelly extinguished all too soon & that , despite the shennanigans & ongoing antics behind the scenes, some pride in our club will be regained by May 2018.
I shall never forgive the Belgians for the damage they have wrought on CAFC - that's a given - and will campaign as required for a sale to someone who has the best interests of our club at heart.
I know that one swallow doesn't make a summer, but it would be great to attain a higher level of enjoyment for the money we spend supporting our team week in, week out. I believe that's the least we deserve.
And who knows.....we may be waltzing, Matilda sooner rather than later.
THAT'S dancing for you, Roland.
Haven' t read about such a performance for a while. Hats off. Especially pleased to hear the reports of Kashi, think he is absolutely key to a serious season.
A win is a win, and a win with 10 men for so long says a lot about team spirit, so whatever doubts many of us still harbour, we gotta be pleased with this.
My wife doesn't come to football with me as a rule, however her objective insight is a joy to behold and also to make me feel like I've not totally lost the plot.
I treated her to Rotherham at home season before last and she immediately singled out Steve Evans as a figure of her hatred. I won't bore you with the details but suffice to say I was happy for her to make her own mind up without my encouragement on someone that I dislike. Today was similar, I explained how her favourite (Jacko) wouldn't be playing but he was still here are a player coach, I explained how Lee Bowyer was possibly one of the best players I have ever had the pleasure of watching in a Charlton shirt, said how having Kashi/'number 3' was like a new signing generally pointed out we have some pretty good technical footballers on our books however don't sweat on that as we don't have any guts. She then dropped the bomb of "how long has Andy played for you"
"Dafuq" said I
Yeah that's Andy Crofts, how long has he played for you. She asked during the cone training exercise
Fucken ell, I'm bracing myself for a story of how they were once lovers and how he nearly stole her heart forever blah blah blah
No, he banged one of her mates when he was at Gillingham years ago! She didn't know he was a footballer, just thought he was a gym bunny. Fucking doughnut
I said he was good a few years ago but he has lost whatever burst of pace he had and whilst being committed he was not pulling up any trees and I didn't expect him to play a part unless Forster-Caskey got injured.
She then identified Tony Watt and asked my he didn't pull his socks up. "To look the fucking part" I said
"He looks a Twat he's lost him shin pads 3 times"
Now I get what Tony Watt is up to, he's a match winner on his day, a bit mercurial, I understand thw scruffy genius bit.
"It's ok for him, he's only been on 10 minutes and he's spent more time dressing himself"
For fucks sake woman
She does have a point I suppose
"The midfielders are running their bollock's off how come he isn't"
"Because he's a genius, listen babe, he scored the winner against Barcelona"
"How come he's playing for you then"
Fucking hell
Don't get me wrong, I'm not digging Tony Watt out, I don't think he was bad or deserving of thw criticism he's getting. He came on, he made their defence drop another ten yards and that alone created a ton of space, intentionally or not. It worked.
Well done players and coaching staff. Owners fuck off
Sending off harsh, goal generous
But I must just mention 2 things.
For the first I'm just going to nick Blucher's comments above about Tony Watt - "a diabolical cameo from Tony Watt. I couldn't work out whether he was sulking or just generally couldn't give a toss. Suffice it to say, however, that - to me at least - his apparent lack of effort was an affront to his teammates, all of who were busting a gut to get three points (not to mention his obligations to the paying customers)".
Sums Watt's performance up absolutely perfectly. I hope I never see him in a Charlton shirt again after that. Just eff off Watt out of this club.
Secondly, this is an incredibly small team. Take the goalkeeper and 2 centre halves out of it and there's scarcely a soul in it much over 5' 9''. I have a horrible feeling on a wet afternoon in Scunthorpe or some other grim Northern outpost, this team is going to get out-muscled easily. Hope I'm wrong but fear I may well not be.
Finally, I have been no great lover of KR. But maybe, just maybe there is more to this man than I have given him credit for so far.
Not that any of them have Desktops anymore:-)
Those games will come this season!!
Its one of the main reasons we need to get out of this Division
Maybe the others should change their brand of shampoo.
Red card could have gone either way , I thought the ref leant towards us after that .
Our time wasting was right up there as well and we got away with it , Pirates Life must be on meltdown with their dislike of us after today .
Some of our football was a joy to behold and long may it continue .
Kashi unreal and Fosu looks a talent a bit different and pleased with everyone who started and played over 7 mins except the keeper , he got away with flapping one straight to their attacker first half who somehow missed (don't think the ref could believe it cos he signalled a corner, then changed his mind after seeing linos flag ) and he was on walkabouts a couple of times at corners , at first glance he looks like he'll give us heart attacks , one good stop with his feet in fairness .
Great turnout from Rovers picture to follow and one of the huddle if I can download em .
Anyway cobbles here are the official percentages
7% Automatic promotion ........ 38% Play offs ........... 53% 7th-12th .........2% 13th-20th* ...... 0% Relegation
100% Roland Out