Hello, writing is more fun than work so here's an article of sorts that I've spent the morning compiling. The timing could be better given our recent turnaround at The Valley, but I thought I'd wait 'til after Middlesbrough before doing anything. Enjoy, I hope!
The 2011/12 season saw a record number of away wins for the Addicks, peaking with a single goal victory and promotion at good old Carlisle. Despite the alcohol related gaps, it is a day that will live long in the memory. However, thanks to the continued resilience and organisation of Chris Powell's side, plus the odd surprise thrown in, 2012/13 has seen a few more.
Although there is always something of a disparity between the two, following Charlton away this season has been very, very different to watching them at home. A dogged victory at Turf Moor was followed by a flaccid display at home to Burnley, whilst a frustrating loss to Watford preceded a thrilling win at Vicarage Road. The reasons behind these contrasts remain a mystery. However, it's without doubt that those stupid enough to continually fill train lines' pockets have not only been rewarded, but spoiled.
August seems a long time ago. Probably because it was. Although denied a deserved three points, the stifling of playoff losers Birmingham set the tone for what was to come; the opponents' chances were limited, our midfield pressing and most set pieces dangerous. Sadly the late leveller wasn't a one-off either. Travelling north more in hope than expectation, the day proved that not only were Charlton worthy of a place in the Championship, but a potential force to be reckoned with.
The best results are always the ones you least expect. Departing a torrid Christmas period, a hungover New Year's Day in Hertfordshire was seemingly a recipe for disaster against the league's in-form team. Step forth Ricardo Fuller. Going a goal down and facing off against Trevor Kettle, the mood soon turned to one of disbelief and jubilation. Seldom a happy hunting ground, the defeat of Watford provided much needed belief and the platform for a vital unbeaten run.
Our visit to the King Power Stadium was similar, and couldn't have gone any better. Armed with a French flag, my main aim was to annoy as many home fans as possible whilst Leicester presumably ran rings around and thrashed a side bereft of form and confidence. How wrong I was. Unlike the cheese eating surrender monkeys, Charlton gave no quarter whilst Monsieur Kermorgant de Brittany lived his fairytale and Haynes sealed it with a genuine screamer. Classy.
With Barnsley still recent, I won't ramble about that. Nor will I mention the fact I missed Yann's goal, so technically I've still only seen us score five. Instead I'll admit that things aren't always fun on the road. Selhurst Park proved the personal low point where already suffering from depression, drunk and then getting my hopes up, I spent the last twenty minutes in tears. Thankfully a rousing rendition of '9 Goals Went Past Perry', complete with ('ooohhhh') YouTube video outside Norwood Junction gave much needed amusement.
I guess what I'm trying to say is, watching at home is only half the story. When we next lose at The Valley to someone considered crap, have a think back to how we recently may have won way up among those dark satanic mills, or at club with Premiership persuing cash. Many of you have mortgage or family commitments but maybe budget for one or two of these a season and who knows, you may just get a story to tell your grandkids. Otherwise have a laugh, visit some bars, sing your heart out and any result's a bonus.
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Comments
Did my usual quota of five or 6 aways this year.
The Den was a great atmosphere and result and as we shot off at the final whistle I missed all the aggro.
Wolves was fun but I'm still haunted by Hulse's last minute miss.
Palace was very good for 70 minutes but it went rapidly down hill afterwards.
Boro last week as a great weekend in Newcastle but a flat game.
So Leicester away, Yann annoying the Foxes and Haynes scoring goal of the season wins it for me.
This season has been the first since i started properly going that i have not been to an away game. Timed it really well given all the rubbish i have seen other the years.
Well done to those who have been putting in the miles this season.
Highlights definitely has to be either the tonking we gave Barnsley and the win over Blackpool
In 30 years of addicks away days I cant remember such a prolonged run of away form. Thanks for great post RP games like Carlisle, Sheff Wed, Bournmouth and Preston stand out last season as good away days whilst Leicester, Watford, Peterboro and Middlesboro and Millwall were fun days this, the results dont always define the day but its certainly made travelling easier this past two years.
I had years when the kids and lack of cash meant loads of away trips foregone.
However, being a wrinkly does have its compensations , especially the reduction in matchday prices and courtesy of my gallant drivers ( Sir Bob & Sir Don) I've managed to miss only Blackpool (hols), Leeds ( no-one driving) and Barnsley ( migraine) this season. Yes, had to be THAT one, didn't it !
I count myself fortunate to have witnessed some great performances away from home but Watford on NYD comes to mind as the best of the lot.
Can't wait until next season, although with the early start & a family holiday in France , looks like I'll be missing 2 Sat games in August....B*M !
Thankyou Chris Powell for putting a heart and passion back into this club , and thankyou Mr Mysterons for not pulling the trigger , you know it makes sense , we'll get there eventually!
4 kids 7 and under mean my time isn't my own anymore
Gotta work harder at the brainwashing or use contraception
11 this year for me. I'm hoping the fixture list is a bit kinder to us next season.
Cheers for the comments.
My away day travels this season began at Crawley and went through to M'boro. Best games were Blackpool (for the belief it gave), Leicester (for the confirmation of that belief) and Barnsley (goals). Highlights included, watching Fuller waltz through the Forest defence at will, Danny Green's Ronaldo esque 2nd half at Derby and the emergence of Harroitt.
My solitary away game this year wasn't the usual toothless defeat or no-score draw. Blood boiled by the Kettle and a game that swung both ways was quite something.
Looking to do more next year.