Charlton travelled to Reading in hopes of extending their unbeaten start to the 2024 season, a start that has seen three wins without conceding a goal. But the Addicks started slowly, allowing Reading to probe and press their way into the ascendancy. While Charlton couldn’t get their rhythm in possession, they were organised and resolute in defence, limiting Reading chances in front of goal. The best chance fell to Luke Berry in the final few minutes of the first half. Berry caught a cross on the half volley and only the keeper’s diving save stopped Charlton from going into the break a goal ahead.
The second half was better for Charlton going forward as tiring Reading legs left them seemingly a step behind. But it was, ironically, against the run of play that saw Reading open up the scoring on 66 minutes when Charlie Savage found himself through on the counter attack and unleashed a 30 yard screamer that, well, screamed past Mannion. The Addicks probed further, staying on the front foot to cause Reading problems. On 76 minutes, Charlton lost concentration over a disputed throw in, allowing Reading to quickly launch a counterattack in numbers to score and see Reading double their advantage.
Subs were made, with Aneke and Godden coming on to try and rescue a result. It wasn’t to be, leaving Charlton looking distinctly average on the day’s showing. Two goals past Mannion in perhaps his first real testing, combined with a mixup in the box that could have caused a calamitous goal, raises questions, as does the constant lack of creative threat that’s been a thread through pre-season.
Reading 2 Charlton 0
Over to you.
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Comments
But we were turning the game in our favour until Savage Jr pings one in from 30 yards. From there we lost our heads a bit and Reading got the second wind they needed to put the game out of sight.
No need to panic yet. Win our home games and get more than a point per game from the away games and we will be there or there abouts come the end of the season.
Our passing today was non league standard. Our set plays are terrible.
If we keep winning I won't care overall but I see us as an upper mid table team from what I have watched so far and that would make for a dreadful seasons "entertainment".
Reading with a transfer embargo and no new players looked excellent. I really rate their coach and am amazed he has remained there.
Drop Terry Small
Start Godden instead of HesnoMay
We lack goals and something has to be done.
Second goal was a bit of a farce, but hopefully the lesson is learnt.
My biggest concern lies with the front 2. We won that ball in some really good areas again today and just didn't convert. I don't see what Ahadme brings to this system, Campbell has moments of quality but really lacks that cutting edge.
Berry had a stinker and I think that'll be a common theme - No Berry, No attack.
Special mention to their keeper - looked a level above League One.
Not worried yet, but certainly some questions that need to be asked of that front pairing.
“I’d like to say congratulations to our best player today @Foxycafc - his assist for our first goal was quality play”
Back down to Earth with a bang,onwards & upwards for Rotherham…
Looked like a typical 'grind a 1-0 game' until we went behind.
They’ve lost 1 in 4. Now the same number as we have.
Truth is... Early on in the season, a defeat is going to tell us just as much as a win. Thankfully we've had plenty of the former so we've got a safety net, so whilst this'll be a bit of a setback, am sure that Jones will get them on the training pitch sorting these issues out.
What does appear to be a slight concern is our mindset towards Away games, maybe its because Wigan / Reading are two teams that despite their issues, are better than what they appear on paper - As it is, we've gone to both grounds and we've been a little bit too defensive, at least to begin with, whereas we've shown much more intent going forward at the Valley this season... that is one thing to certainly work on.
Mannion definitely had a crazy few minutes, and will just need to work with his defence to ensure we don't start having breakdowns of communication at the back, as that'll no doubt create even further issues down the line... No one really covered themselves in glory today though, so cant really dig out one single individual, just like you cant really praise anyone.
The only person / moment you can praise is Ramsay once again for being alert, and having the pace to get back and stop a certain goal.
Onwards to the next one.
A kick up the proverbial might be what is needed to refocus the squad to realise we are only good enough to win in this league by out-grafting the opposition. We are nowhere near the finishing article but are still heading on an upward trajectory if we keep our focus. A defeat but not a dramatic derailment COYR
Back to earth with a bump, fairly comprehensively beaten after failing to maintain the intensity and performance levels of our first three games.
We were largely outplayed in the first half by an energetic and mobile Reading side that outmanouvered our midfield but couldn’t break down our resolute defence. We were reduced to playing counter attack but created arguably the best two chances of the half, which Campbell and Berry failed to take.
We started the second half somewhat better but a great goal from Savage took the wind out of our sails, quickly followed by a second when we switched off at at disputed throw in. It could have been worse, as Ramsay saved Mannion from a certain goal after the keeper had messed up what should have been an easy clearance. After that is was all huff and puff with very little quality.
We can’t argue with the result. Too many players having an off day but I thought Gillesphey had a very good game. Just hope the Rotherham game goes ahead next week and we demonstrate our capability to bounce back from this reverse.