No complaints from me. I criticised the performance against Cambridge even though we won and I was told to cheer up and enjoy the win. I enjoyed today more. Today was a proper performance. 9 times out of ten we win that game. We couldn't have done much more. A very dubious goal ruled out, one cleared off the line, their keeper made three decent stops, created numerous chances, it just wouldn't go in, it happens, but no complaints.
Well one complaint. The East Stand lino didn't raise his flag first half yet couldn't wait to do so second half, except when Edwards was badly fouled. He made some appalling decisions second half, none more so than our goal.
Thierry Small would be one hell of a player if his decision making were better and he didn't let occasions/opportunities go to his head. He needs to show much more composure when he gets sight of goal but there must be a rush of blood to his head and everything goes to pot. A shame as he's exciting and good to watch.
Need 41 from the remaining 23 to get to the 75 mark that’s usually needed for top six.
Brum, Wycombe, Wrexham & Stockport all away from home will be a tough ask
On the other end though, that means there’s plenty of poor teams still to come to the Valley where picking off three points consistently will be critical.
We can do it. 12 points from the last six with only two goals conceded and four clean sheets so recent form is tracking the right way.
Should have won the game, cannot believe some of those chances we missed. Our attacking play is absolutely night and day from a few weeks ago and I’m confident that we have at least in some way turned a corner. TC and Small were electrifying and infuriating in equal measure, Leaburn’s hold up play is really improving, Docherty is gradually finding his way and looks a much better player. Berry was disappointing I thought and Gillesphey is a priority to replace, absolute donkey.
Now that we’re doing better at getting the ball out wide and creating chances, the next urgent area to improve is how sloppy we can be on the ball. Reading never looked dangerous other than when we made mistakes and unfortunately there were several, so could easily have been punished against the run of play.
Overall my opinions haven’t really changed on us making the playoffs this season, but there are clear building blocks in place which are making that much easier to accept.
Really entertaining game for a 0-0, but we lacked that clinical edge. So many chances today begging to be converted and unfortunately that could be what costs us come the end of the season.
I thought Small was excellent, especially considering he is playing on his weaker side. I would have liked to have seen Aneke come on earlier as well.
No complaints from me. I criticised the performance against Cambridge even though we won and I was told to cheer up and enjoy the win. I enjoyed today more. Today was a proper performance. 9 times out of ten we win that game. We couldn't have done much more. A very dubious goal ruled out, one cleared off the line, their keeper made three decent stops, created numerous chances, it just wouldn't go in, it happens, but no complaints.
Well one complaint. The East Stand lino didn't raise his flag first half yet couldn't wait to do so second half, except when Edwards was badly fouled. He made some appalling decisions second half, none more so than our goal.
Thierry Small would be one hell of a player if his decision making were better and he didn't let occasions/opportunities go to his head. He needs to show much more composure when he gets sight of goal but there must be a rush of blood to his head and everything goes to pot. A shame as he's exciting and good to watch.
Said to my brother 30 mins before the end it wasn't going to be our day. Just glad they didn't get an undeserved winner. Much the better side but poor finishing and decision making cost us. Ref was crap as per.
Definite reasons to be positive given our recent performances and the playing of a bit more ball on the deck. Just need to make sensible decisions on this transfer window (in and out) to define this season.
Need 41 from the remaining 23 to get to the 75 mark that’s usually needed for top six.
Brum, Wycombe, Wrexham & Stockport all away from home will be a tough ask
On the other end though, that means there’s plenty of poor teams still to come to the Valley where picking off three points consistently will be critical.
We can do it. 12 points from the last six with only two goals conceded and four clean sheets so recent form is tracking the right way.
It's the poor teams visiting The Valley that will be our downfall i fear. The words "guaranteed result" should never be applied to any Charlton incarnation.
Need 41 from the remaining 23 to get to the 75 mark that’s usually needed for top six.
Brum, Wycombe, Wrexham & Stockport all away from home will be a tough ask
On the other end though, that means there’s plenty of poor teams still to come to the Valley where picking off three points consistently will be critical.
We can do it. 12 points from the last six with only two goals conceded and four clean sheets so recent form is tracking the right way.
We cannot afford to drop any further away from 5th and 6th places. It will be a tough ask.
On the whole pleased with that, bit disappointed that we didn’t get the three points we deserved but if we play like that for the rest of the season we will be thereabouts.
A good game, nothing really between the 2 sides until we turned up the energy mid second half, and really should of scored a couple. Looks like we are starting to play better footy, consistently too.
Continue with that level of performances, and we will climb the ladder 2nd half of this season. Playoffs still a great possibility. Looking at the teams around us in the table, and surely there's a few that will drop off later in the season. Hopefully our mid season slump is now banished.
Good to see chuks back, but as soon as he comes on, I'm counting the minutes till he's injured, Glad he's available again.
Wasn’t able to watch today so have no opinion of my own but just wondering how Gillesphey is managing to score anything between 4 and 8 on the players marks (and not from any of our notorious WUMS!). I sometimes wonder if we all watch the same game.
An entertaining match and I thought we would go on to win this match. Like others have said we are now playing like a team and producing some good football at times. I also echo the comments about Small. If only his final product matched his skill he would no doubt be a very good player but it’s marred by his lack of composure. Please coaches take him aside and teach him how to cross the ball and to shoot on target. Browny said that Small rushes at the last moment.
Wasn’t able to watch today so have no opinion of my own but just wondering how Gillesphey is managing to score anything between 4 and 8 on the players marks (and not from any of our notorious WUMS!). I sometimes wonder if we all watch the same game.
He started really poorly but last hour he was probably faultless.
Decent performance in spells, but Reading had a couple of spells of their own and 3 huge chances.
If Thierry Small had an end product there is no doubt he'd be playing at a much higher level.
I am bored of saying it, but how bad does Gillesphey have to be before he is dropped? He was absolutely woeful today and added being out muscled to his ever growing list of deficiencies.
Going to moan about the bench as well. It's still ridiculously unbalanced. I don't see the need for 3 strikers and if Anderson is there, why do we need Campbell as well?
Every time I have seen Whing play for Reading I have been impressed - would love to get him in. Knibbs was less effective than he has been against us in the past. I like Sam Smith as well, clever footballer and given his size he leads the line really well.
No doubt things have improved and there is a level of resilience there, but the concern for me is what happens if we loose Jones again? He leads the defensive line so we'll and we don't have a replacement for that.
Wasn’t able to watch today so have no opinion of my own but just wondering how Gillesphey is managing to score anything between 4 and 8 on the players marks (and not from any of our notorious WUMS!). I sometimes wonder if we all watch the same game.
I think some people mark players based on their opinion of the player rather than their performance in the game. I'm no fan of Gillesphey but today he had a shaky spell early in the first half then was solid and passed the ball well at times, a minimum 6 out of 10 performance and I'll give him a 7 when I get to doing my marks.
Wasn’t able to watch today so have no opinion of my own but just wondering how Gillesphey is managing to score anything between 4 and 8 on the players marks (and not from any of our notorious WUMS!). I sometimes wonder if we all watch the same game.
He slipped up multiple times, was ok for the last 25 mins but still a poor performance. Respectfully anyone giving that an 8 needs to go for a lie down.
Decent performance in spells, but Reading had a couple of spells of their own and 3 huge chances.
If Thierry Small had an end product there is no doubt he'd be playing at a much higher level.
I am bored of saying it, but how bad does Gillesphey have to be before he is dropped? He was absolutely woeful today and added being out muscled to his ever growing list of deficiencies.
Going to moan about the bench as well. It's still ridiculously unbalanced. I don't see the need for 3 strikers and if Anderson is there, why do we need Campbell as well?
Every time I have seen Whing play for Reading I have been impressed - would love to get him in. Knibbs was less effective than he has been against us in the past. I like Sam Smith as well, clever footballer and given his size he leads the line really well.
No doubt things have improved and there is a level of resilience there, but the concern for me is what happens if we loose Jones again? He leads the defensive line so we'll and we don't have a replacement for that.
Wasn’t able to watch today so have no opinion of my own but just wondering how Gillesphey is managing to score anything between 4 and 8 on the players marks (and not from any of our notorious WUMS!). I sometimes wonder if we all watch the same game.
He slipped up multiple times, was ok for the last 25 mins but still a poor performance. Respectfully anyone giving that an 8 needs to go for a lie down.
He got better as the game went on - definitely not worthy of either a 4 or an 8.
He’s definitely the weak link of the back three and probably needs replacing in the summer. My concern is also losing Lloyd Jones at the same time and then we are rebuilding almost the entire defence (two new CBs, a new keeper?) that has played so well together recently.
Can't decide if their keeper was very good or very lucky.
One of those days when our forwards needed to mis-kick it to score.
Entertaining game which we finished on the front foot and looking to win.
Small had a good game, despite some poor touches, which got even better when he decided to go outside for a change. Oh for a natural right footed striker/winger and a No.10
Frustrating not to win against a top six side which is a measure of how we have progress in the last two months.
Landmark day as I award Docherty more than Coventry in player marks. Happy now @Chunes - our hero had a slight off day but was still pretty good Lloyd Jones is just imperious. Docherty finally looks like the guy. TC splendid. We gubbed em second half. Lots of teams are going to struggle against us now
somewhat nice to come away from a game gutted at not taking all 3pts, after the first half of the season we've had!
So frustrating that almost every shot on target goes straight to the keeper - didnt even really make him work. We play so much better having width to out performance, but its clear that Small and TC think theyre better than they are - so wasteful and nonchalant when attacking, and rather than beating their man they both prefer to check back or try a few fancy step overs- just get it in the box if youre not going to drive!!!
Defence looks solid, albeit gilesphey scares me everytime hes on the ball - our only real weak link there. Midfield solid too but with no magic or class to it.
Should really have won, but it keeps reading in touching distance... really need to start picking up points, especially the 6 pointers
That’s very inaccurate about Small. His fault is composure in front of goal.
Comments
Well one complaint. The East Stand lino didn't raise his flag first half yet couldn't wait to do so second half, except when Edwards was badly fouled. He made some appalling decisions second half, none more so than our goal.
Thierry Small would be one hell of a player if his decision making were better and he didn't let occasions/opportunities go to his head. He needs to show much more composure when he gets sight of goal but there must be a rush of blood to his head and everything goes to pot. A shame as he's exciting and good to watch.
Jones (Lloyd) brilliant. TC worked tirelessly. Leaburn caused them problems. Small needs a little more composure
Left sided centre half
Attacking midfielder
Goalkeeper (Reading's preferably)
PLEASE
We can do it. 12 points from the last six with only two goals conceded and four clean sheets so recent form is tracking the right way.
Overall my opinions haven’t really changed on us making the playoffs this season, but there are clear building blocks in place which are making that much easier to accept.
I thought Small was excellent, especially considering he is playing on his weaker side. I would have liked to have seen Aneke come on earlier as well.
Definite reasons to be positive given our recent performances and the playing of a bit more ball on the deck. Just need to make sensible decisions on this transfer window (in and out) to define this season.
Continue with that level of performances, and we will climb the ladder 2nd half of this season. Playoffs still a great possibility. Looking at the teams around us in the table, and surely there's a few that will drop off later in the season. Hopefully our mid season slump is now banished.
Good to see chuks back, but as soon as he comes on, I'm counting the minutes till he's injured, Glad he's available again.
If Thierry Small had an end product there is no doubt he'd be playing at a much higher level.
I am bored of saying it, but how bad does Gillesphey have to be before he is dropped? He was absolutely woeful today and added being out muscled to his ever growing list of deficiencies.
Going to moan about the bench as well. It's still ridiculously unbalanced. I don't see the need for 3 strikers and if Anderson is there, why do we need Campbell as well?
Every time I have seen Whing play for Reading I have been impressed - would love to get him in. Knibbs was less effective than he has been against us in the past. I like Sam Smith as well, clever footballer and given his size he leads the line really well.
No doubt things have improved and there is a level of resilience there, but the concern for me is what happens if we loose Jones again? He leads the defensive line so we'll and we don't have a replacement for that.
One of those days when our forwards needed to mis-kick it to score.
Entertaining game which we finished on the front foot and looking to win.
Small had a good game, despite some poor touches, which got even better when he decided to go outside for a change. Oh for a natural right footed striker/winger and a No.10
Frustrating not to win against a top six side which is a measure of how we have progress in the last two months.