Charlton Athletic vs Shrewsbury TownSaturday 20th April 2024 - 3pm Kick-OffReferee: Daniel MiddletonIntroductionSo its time to bring the curtain down on another season at the Valley, I suspect there will many a tear shed from the stands at the Full-Time whistle this coming Saturday (God knows what time it'll finish, given up trying to guess) - With many supporters heard to mutter: "Thank god its over" - Once again like the last couple of years, the 2023/24 season wont be remembered fondly, it didnt even really start with a bang, a drab 1-0 victory over Leyton Orient back in August... But after 22-games, 8-wins, 7-draws, 7-defeats... and 66 goals... We can finally shout: "Its almost over"
The OppositionName: Shrewsbury Town (18th) | Manager: Paul HurstGround: The New MeadowPrevious League Result: Bolton 2-2 ShrewsburyUnfortunately though we're not quite there, and even when the Referee eventually blows time on the League season in SE7 there will be one more encounter to come.
Not thinking too far ahead though, and before all that, we have the small matter of hosting Shrewsbury Town in what will be a lacklustre game, with both sides dreaming of their end of season holidays - However for the visiting Salop, their destiny is yet to be confirmed so I hope they're not dreaming of the Summer Holidays too soon - Sitting in 18th spot as things stand, Shrewsbury could yet find themselves playing League Two Football next term, especially with Cheltenham Town just six points behind, and with a game in hand.
Of course should Shrewsbury earn a result tomorrow (which is likely given our love of draws, something only Neil Buchanan can relate to), with Cheltenham failing to replicate the result against Play-Off chasing: Lincoln City, then well this'll be a guaranteed League One encounter next term, and reading that I bet you cannot contain your excitement - Shrewsbury though have put themselves in this position with their lack of goals, and have the worst attack in the Division, having scored just 33-goals (three less than Burton Albion), not surprising really when you consider this reverse fixture somehow ended 0-0 back in September.
In terms of recent form, and Salop have just the five victories and five draws this calendar year... Meaning that their safety in League One really isn't guaranteed, however they did draw at Bolton Wanderers on Tuesday evening (2-2 the final score), so aren't the toothless threat that we should expect by any means; Daniel Udoh their biggest threat with nine goals this season
Charlton Team NewsFor many it is two games left to try and earn a new Contract, or prove they deserve an opportunity amongst this Charlton squad for next season - To be fair though, if you've struggled to show decent levels of performance prior to this point, its doubtful any minds will be changed. One player; Lucas Ness has had his one year extension triggered in the last few days, although it would be surprising if he was given anything better than a place on the bench this weekend.
Otherwise there seems to be a typically clean bill of health amongst the squad going into this game, we may see another chance for Tyreece Campbell from the start, the youngster has played four League One games fewer than Corey Blackett-Taylor this season, with the latter getting two more assists than Tyreece, proving that there is potential still to be exploited, if we can convince him to remain in South East London this summer.
We await with baited breath to see if Son Heung-Min gets his first Charlton game this Saturday
Isted
Edmonds-Green - Hector - Thomas
Ramsay - Dobson - Coventry - Small
Anderson
May - Kanu
Substitutes Bench: Maynard-Brewer - Ness - Gillesphey - Campbell - LuaLua - Wickham - Aneke
Comments
My boy is a mascot tomorrow so is dead excited, I'm hoping it warms up a bit
Bound to miss an eight goal thriller.
5-3
I’m playing a pre season cricket friendly with boffin and the other cnuts are being punished and going to Charlton with the mrs
It's going to be like this:
After huffing and puffing we score around 25 mins.
They equalise either just before or after half time.
They score again shortly afterwards.
I wonder about an early train and a pint or two in Greenwich. While I'm looking at my phone for the next train we make it 2-2.
We're pushing for a winner. They break and score off the back of someone's arse.
Small wins a goalmouth scramble at 94 minutes.
Final score. 3 all.
I get pissed in the Gypsy Moth and wake up in the Travelodge with a hangover.
Thomas Hector Gillesphey
Ramsay Dobson Coventry Small
Anderson
May Wickham
Maynard-Brewer, Edmonds-Green, Bakinson, Campbell, LuaLua, Kanu, Aneke
Charlton Athletic 4-0 Shrewsbury Town
May x2
Wickham
Aneke
Great guys , each & every one.
And still here.
Aneke late equaliser
Having said that, they have something to play for whilst we don't. Although it could be argued a few of our players may be playing for contracts.