Epsom Addick has left nothing for me to say tonight - great post !
In some ways, today was a "throwback" to the good old times when an away game seemed far more exciting than a home match.
We'd drive up the M25/M1/M6, scarf in the back and one flying out from the passenger window, tooting at other travelling Addicks , identified by their colours. Such camaraderie en route added to the day's fun.
Then there was the era of Betty's legendary coach travel. Scratch cards, sweets, games of Chase the Ace, and mince pies/Xmas cake etc when it was the festive season. Oh and dubious DVDs ( or was it cassettes ?) were also the order of the day. Such good memories that Roland & co will never erase but would inevitably describe as weird.
Today, following some desperate trips up north last season, there seemed to be the ghost of bygone days hovering in the vicinity of the Bescot Stadium. The Saddlers' Club on site is a bonus for travelling fans - a venue to meet up with fellow fans & enjoy hot, cheap fare alongside a wine or three before the battle of the day begins. A pity KM didn't pop her head in there this afternoon ...she might have learned a lesson in how to keep your customers happy.
So, duly fed & watered and having bonded once again with like minded Addicks in a congenial atmosphere, the faithful made their way to the seats. A very decent turn out deserved a decent performance and so it was.
For the first time this season, it appeared to me that we were all singing from the same hymn sheet. Plenty of VFR renditions and lots of vocal support for the lads was tempered by my first hearing of the new number 1 "single". The flag tampering had clearly heightened emotions and the continuous chanting aimed towards the Directors' Box was brilliant and MUST be a feature of every match until "they" pack their bags. I didn't hear any anti protestors shouting it down and the lack of "Stand up if you want them out" meant that no-one's view was obscured & peace reigned for once. I'm sure that the players & Brussell understood the sentiment whilst they were buoyed by the ongoing encouragement they duly received . Today, I was especially proud to be a Charlton supporter.
The match itself ? Well, the result alone will suffice but the seeds have been sown & the outlook is promising although more than that I'll leave to oohahh 's expertise. We now have 3 players with 2 goals apiece which is encouraging and are beginning to look more like a team than a group of strangers. A couple of carefully selected additions to bolster & add creativity to the squad is required but time is running out. Whether our BFG, Tex and Lookie will be wearing the shirt when we make our way to Scunthorpe (or maybe not) remains to be seen but our L1 opponents will hope all 3 will be plying their trade elsewhere.
So, we look forward to welcoming the Wanderers to The Valley in 7 days time with a degree of optimism in our hearts & I feel sure that endeavour on the pitch will be duly rewarded by our unfailing support, as indeed it should be.
But, rest assured, Ms Meire, your pathetic effort to make your point today will not be forgotten ...merely added to a long & ever growing list of gaffes that will haunt you for many a moon. And the protest chant you tried hard to ignore today will ring out around The Valley even louder & longer than you could ever imagine.
We played really well I thought. Defensively we were solid, Rudd was at fault for the goal but made that can be forgiven as he made some absolutely brilliant saves.
Holmes will be player of the season at this rate. It's not surprising that he isn't lasting 90 minutes. All he does is drives the team forward.
Ajose - well he scored two flukes. The first was a header that just hit him and the second was a ball that seemed to get stuck between his legs before rolling into the back of the net... However, he can score flukes every week if he wants too. Delighted that he scores as that should relax him.
Magennis is what we've been crying out for since Yann. A player that can win a header and play with his feet. That run for the second goal was sublime really and that wasn't the first one of those he done in the game.
Solly could've scored a rare goal too. I'm hoping he will get one this season.
In terms of injuries - Jacko looked tired from the offset and was feeling the back of his leg. Holmes signalled to the bench and hobbled off and at the end of the game, Rudd took a goal kick and immediately felt his left hamstring and seemed to scream in pain before hobbling about for a little bit. I hope that they're not bad injuries but Rudd definitely seemed to pull up.
The fans were class. "Just sell the club" was being sung for about 15 minutes straight! Great support from all of us.
Very fun away day and the away support was fierce throughout. Great noise in the away end.
Did about 8 away games last year and didn't see us win any, so really nice to finally put that run to bed and travel back to London with smiles on our faces!
A decent performance but don't like how we invite teams on to us. Fortunately Walsall didn't have much to offer in the final third.
Thought we were very good on the counter attack though with Magennis' pace and power.
Special mention to Konza and Crofts who I thought were excellent today.
I remarked on this on the match thread. Didn't feel comfortable taking off Ajose and replacing him with Bauer. I'd rather keep an attacking threat to give them something to think about.
Given that Bolton are next and given that the team always respond well to support and given that the consensus is to support the team and not the regime then after this game it would be great if more fans got their bums on a seat next Saturday to see their beloved charlton fight the fight for promotion.
We do need a couple of additions still. We started last season off relatively strongly but injuries too their toll. I remember us starting with 3 inexperienced left backs at home to Preston last season. You can't be doing this if you are to have a good season! We have a fantastic opportunity to get promoted - how much is that worth to the owner? It would be stupid not to spend a modest additional amount to make it far more likely.
Woken up with very croaky voice due to singing more than I have done in a long time."Just sell the club...." was brilliant, just as you thought it was going to end it got louded.Loved it.
Epsom Addick has left nothing for me to say tonight - great post !
In some ways, today was a "throwback" to the good old times when an away game seemed far more exciting than a home match.
We'd drive up the M25/M1/M6, scarf in the back and one flying out from the passenger window, tooting at other travelling Addicks , identified by their colours. Such camaraderie en route added to the day's fun.
Then there was the era of Betty's legendary coach travel. Scratch cards, sweets, games of Chase the Ace, and mince pies/Xmas cake etc when it was the festive season. Oh and dubious DVDs ( or was it cassettes ?) were also the order of the day. Such good memories that Roland & co will never erase but would inevitably describe as weird.
Today, following some desperate trips up north last season, there seemed to be the ghost of bygone days hovering in the vicinity of the Bescot Stadium. The Saddlers' Club on site is a bonus for travelling fans - a venue to meet up with fellow fans & enjoy hot, cheap fare alongside a wine or three before the battle of the day begins. A pity KM didn't pop her head in there this afternoon ...she might have learned a lesson in how to keep your customers happy.
So, duly fed & watered and having bonded once again with like minded Addicks in a congenial atmosphere, the faithful made their way to the seats. A very decent turn out deserved a decent performance and so it was.
For the first time this season, it appeared to me that we were all singing from the same hymn sheet. Plenty of VFR renditions and lots of vocal support for the lads was tempered by my first hearing of the new number 1 "single". The flag tampering had clearly heightened emotions and the continuous chanting aimed towards the Directors' Box was brilliant and MUST be a feature of every match until "they" pack their bags. I didn't hear any anti protestors shouting it down and the lack of "Stand up if you want them out" meant that no-one's view was obscured & peace reigned for once. I'm sure that the players & Brussell understood the sentiment whilst they were buoyed by the ongoing encouragement they duly received . Today, I was especially proud to be a Charlton supporter.
The match itself ? Well, the result alone will suffice but the seeds have been sown & the outlook is promising although more than that I'll leave to oohahh 's expertise. We now have 3 players with 2 goals apiece which is encouraging and are beginning to look more like a team than a group of strangers. A couple of carefully selected additions to bolster & add creativity to the squad is required but time is running out. Whether our BFG, Tex and Lookie will be wearing the shirt when we make our way to Scunthorpe (or maybe not) remains to be seen but our L1 opponents will hope all 3 will be plying their trade elsewhere.
So, we look forward to welcoming the Wanderers to The Valley in 7 days time with a degree of optimism in our hearts & I feel sure that endeavour on the pitch will be duly rewarded by our unfailing support, as indeed it should be.
But, rest assured, Ms Meire, your pathetic effort to make your point today will not be forgotten ...merely added to a long & ever growing list of gaffes that will haunt you for many a moon. And the protest chant you tried hard to ignore today will ring out around The Valley even louder & longer than you could ever imagine.
That's a promise.
you're back on top form Fanny F .. long may it last
Given that Bolton are next and given that the team always respond well to support and given that the consensus is to support the team and not the regime then after this game it would be great if more fans got their bums on a seat next Saturday to see their beloved charlton fight the fight for promotion.
Don't agree whatsoever that the team always respond well to support
Are you saying the support at Bury wasn't good enough I think the support v Northampton was good as well
How did Pompey ever fall down the leagues their support is miles ahead of ours
Delighted I saw my first away win in almost 2 and half years.
Overall I thought we deserved the win.
After going to the Exciting 6-0 defeat when Hull City declared after 80 minutes and watched the CB masterclass from Johnson and Williams; a stint in local Rep, learning our lines before getting back to the West End may not be such a bad thing.
Our main Problem is dispatching the Wicked Witch and the unseen Giant. Roger Johnson is the Panto Villian: Oh no he's Not. A captain Hook character who along with Roly and Daisy ?
Given that Bolton are next and given that the team always respond well to support and given that the consensus is to support the team and not the regime then after this game it would be great if more fans got their bums on a seat next Saturday to see their beloved charlton fight the fight for promotion.
I saw that yesterday, no need to visit the valley to support the team.
How is Konsa doing? Well enough to play instead of Bauer?
if we're not signing another midfielder, Konsa could well develop into a decent 'holder' ... his passing, admittedly under less pressure from the back, is more accurate than Cousins, he is pacey, is quite a big lad, can tackle, is super confident and has a great attitude .. we need Bauer at the back as we lack height in the centre .. I digress, but was pleased to see that Tex and Bauer have such a good relationship. I was convinced that Tex was a definite leaver .. we are very well served in central defence, essential as excellent defence will be the crucial area IF/when we are well on the road to promotion
Given that Bolton are next and given that the team always respond well to support and given that the consensus is to support the team and not the regime then after this game it would be great if more fans got their bums on a seat next Saturday to see their beloved charlton fight the fight for promotion.
Don't agree whatsoever that the team always respond well to support
Are you saying the support at Bury wasn't good enough I think the support v Northampton was good as well
How did Pompey ever fall down the leagues their support is miles ahead of ours
A couple of posters mentioning that Ajose was lucky to have scored a couple of flukes.
Fair enough, we each have our own opinions. But IMO though, Ajose scored because he was in the right place at the right time, reading the play and moving in anticipation. And however scruffy his goals may look, most importantly he finished.
Often we've seen these chances go begging - scrambled off the line or trickling past the far post, almost a Charlton attacking trademark. Today Ajose put those 2 chances away. We've long lacked that kind of poacher.
In his heyday, the legendary Jimmy Greaves scored plenty of goals just like that - saying that whether they're spectacular or bundled over the line, all goals count the same.
Well we seem to have got back a team of honest professionals who can be relied on to give of their best, albeit a little short in some of the finer skills, but not without them completely.
Starting at the back, the two centre backs did well enough, although with the multitude of options we have in that position I’m not sure that either of the two who played yesterday will turn out to be the most frequent starter. Bauer and Lennon will provide strong competition. Even Johnson could – I thought he played well at Bury before his post-match stupidity – if he is able somehow to rehabilitate himself with supporters. (Assume Texeira will leave.)
In front of them we had three central midfielders all from the same mould: experienced, conscientious and reliable without the ball, but lacking inspiration with it. Individually, none of them will let you down, but having three at once is one too many.
The spark they lack does exist, provided by Holmes and, during his rationed time allowance, by Lookman. It is also there, in a much more physical form, from Magennis and, as a provider of finishing touches in and around the box, from Ajose. However, if we are to get near to what was achieved during our last season in League 1, we need that bit extra in central midfield as is generally recognised.
The highlight I thought came from Magennis who made much more of an accurate long ball from Solly than looked possible, through his strength, pace and directness. His final ball arrived close to the goal at the same time as did Ajose and a defender, ending up in the net following a flurry of feet. I thought it was more ball to man when I saw it live, but watching it again on the Sky footage, I’m inclined to credit Ajose with a quick adjustment of his feet to put away what was, I know it seems strange to say, a very missable chance from two feet out.
Just seen extended highlights and can't believe Solly didn't square it when he was 1 on 1! Most unlike him.
In the First Half though there was one occasion I remember reading on twitter when he should have shot rather than passed so guess that was playing on his mind
A couple of posters mentioning that Ajose was lucky to have scored a couple of flukes.
Fair enough, we each have our own opinions. But IMO though, Ajose scored because he was in the right place at the right time, reading the play and moving in anticipation. And however scruffy his goals may look, most importantly he finished.
Often we've seen these chances go begging - scrambled off the line or trickling past the far post, almost a Charlton attacking trademark. Today Ajose put those 2 chances away. We've long lacked that kind of poacher.
In his heyday, the legendary Jimmy Greaves scored plenty of goals just like that - saying that whether they're spectacular or bundled over the line, all goals count the same.
Last season that cross from Magennis would have gone across the goal, with Big Mak, Igor or TW 2 yards away from it, either because they didn't anticipate well enough or because they were too slow to get there
Comments
In some ways, today was a "throwback" to the good old times when an away game seemed far more exciting than a home match.
We'd drive up the M25/M1/M6, scarf in the back and one flying out from the passenger window, tooting at other travelling Addicks , identified by their colours. Such camaraderie en route added to the day's fun.
Then there was the era of Betty's legendary coach travel. Scratch cards, sweets, games of Chase the Ace, and mince pies/Xmas cake etc when it was the festive season. Oh and dubious DVDs ( or was it cassettes ?) were also the order of the day. Such good memories that Roland & co will never erase but would inevitably describe as weird.
Today, following some desperate trips up north last season, there seemed to be the ghost of bygone days hovering in the vicinity of the Bescot Stadium. The Saddlers' Club on site is a bonus for travelling fans - a venue to meet up with fellow fans & enjoy hot, cheap fare alongside a wine or three before the battle of the day begins. A pity KM didn't pop her head in there this afternoon ...she might have learned a lesson in how to keep your customers happy.
So, duly fed & watered and having bonded once again with like minded Addicks in a congenial atmosphere, the faithful made their way to the seats. A very decent turn out deserved a decent performance and so it was.
For the first time this season, it appeared to me that we were all singing from the same hymn sheet. Plenty of VFR renditions and lots of vocal support for the lads was tempered by my first hearing of the new number 1 "single". The flag tampering had clearly heightened emotions and the continuous chanting aimed towards the Directors' Box was brilliant and MUST be a feature of every match until "they" pack their bags. I didn't hear any anti protestors shouting it down and the lack of "Stand up if you want them out" meant that no-one's view was obscured & peace reigned for once. I'm sure that the players & Brussell understood the sentiment whilst they were buoyed by the ongoing encouragement they duly received . Today, I was especially proud to be a Charlton supporter.
The match itself ? Well, the result alone will suffice but the seeds have been sown & the outlook is promising although more than that I'll leave to oohahh 's expertise. We now have 3 players with 2 goals apiece which is encouraging and are beginning to look more like a team than a group of strangers. A couple of carefully selected additions to bolster & add creativity to the squad is required but time is running out. Whether our BFG, Tex and Lookie will be wearing the shirt when we make our way to Scunthorpe (or maybe not) remains to be seen but our L1 opponents will hope all 3 will be plying their trade elsewhere.
So, we look forward to welcoming the Wanderers to The Valley in 7 days time with a degree of optimism in our hearts & I feel sure that endeavour on the pitch will be duly rewarded by our unfailing support, as indeed it should be.
But, rest assured, Ms Meire, your pathetic effort to make your point today will not be forgotten ...merely added to a long & ever growing list of gaffes that will haunt you for many a moon. And the protest chant you tried hard to ignore today will ring out around The Valley even louder & longer than you could ever imagine.
That's a promise.
Holmes will be player of the season at this rate. It's not surprising that he isn't lasting 90 minutes. All he does is drives the team forward.
Ajose - well he scored two flukes. The first was a header that just hit him and the second was a ball that seemed to get stuck between his legs before rolling into the back of the net... However, he can score flukes every week if he wants too. Delighted that he scores as that should relax him.
Magennis is what we've been crying out for since Yann. A player that can win a header and play with his feet. That run for the second goal was sublime really and that wasn't the first one of those he done in the game.
Solly could've scored a rare goal too. I'm hoping he will get one this season.
In terms of injuries - Jacko looked tired from the offset and was feeling the back of his leg. Holmes signalled to the bench and hobbled off and at the end of the game, Rudd took a goal kick and immediately felt his left hamstring and seemed to scream in pain before hobbling about for a little bit. I hope that they're not bad injuries but Rudd definitely seemed to pull up.
The fans were class. "Just sell the club" was being sung for about 15 minutes straight! Great support from all of us.
Did about 8 away games last year and didn't see us win any, so really nice to finally put that run to bed and travel back to London with smiles on our faces!
Some good pubs in Chinatown too.
Are you saying the support at Bury wasn't good enough
I think the support v Northampton was good as well
How did Pompey ever fall down the leagues their support is miles ahead of ours
Our main Problem is dispatching the Wicked Witch and the unseen Giant.
Roger Johnson is the Panto Villian: Oh no he's Not.
A captain Hook character who along with Roly and Daisy ?
The clock Is Ticking.
A good win.
Magennis looks decent.
We generally have 6 CBs, 5 of which would be comfortable starting in this league. (Bauer, Pearce, Tex, Lennon, Konsa)
we need Bauer at the back as we lack height in the centre .. I digress, but was pleased to see that Tex and Bauer have such a good relationship. I was convinced that Tex was a definite leaver .. we are very well served in central defence, essential as excellent defence will be the crucial area IF/when we are well on the road to promotion
Having said that, while showing promise last season, he did get sent off twice for professional fouls which we can do without!
Fair enough, we each have our own opinions. But IMO though, Ajose scored because he was in the right place at the right time, reading the play and moving in anticipation.
And however scruffy his goals may look, most importantly he finished.
Often we've seen these chances go begging - scrambled off the line or trickling past the far post, almost a Charlton attacking trademark.
Today Ajose put those 2 chances away. We've long lacked that kind of poacher.
In his heyday, the legendary Jimmy Greaves scored plenty of goals just like that - saying that whether they're spectacular or bundled over the line, all goals count the same.
Starting at the back, the two centre backs did well enough, although with the multitude of options we have in that position I’m not sure that either of the two who played yesterday will turn out to be the most frequent starter. Bauer and Lennon will provide strong competition. Even Johnson could – I thought he played well at Bury before his post-match stupidity – if he is able somehow to rehabilitate himself with supporters. (Assume Texeira will leave.)
In front of them we had three central midfielders all from the same mould: experienced, conscientious and reliable without the ball, but lacking inspiration with it. Individually, none of them will let you down, but having three at once is one too many.
The spark they lack does exist, provided by Holmes and, during his rationed time allowance, by Lookman. It is also there, in a much more physical form, from Magennis and, as a provider of finishing touches in and around the box, from Ajose. However, if we are to get near to what was achieved during our last season in League 1, we need that bit extra in central midfield as is generally recognised.
The highlight I thought came from Magennis who made much more of an accurate long ball from Solly than looked possible, through his strength, pace and directness. His final ball arrived close to the goal at the same time as did Ajose and a defender, ending up in the net following a flurry of feet. I thought it was more ball to man when I saw it live, but watching it again on the Sky footage, I’m inclined to credit Ajose with a quick adjustment of his feet to put away what was, I know it seems strange to say, a very missable chance from two feet out.