That was more or less a perfect away performance. Probably my most enjoyable away day since Pompey last season. The only let downs were Grants misses, about 3 or so but credit to him for having the pace and trickery to get in those consistent goal scoring opportunities. Solly was behind it, they were having their way with us down the left side first half and had Phillips not made a crucial and brilliant save then who knows? This comes back to the diamond though, looked like Lee switched it up slightly but the same thing happened Vs Sunderland, McGeady gave us a huge problem down our right.
Anyway solid debut from the new guy Purrington, I didn't think he was a liability but also didn't notice him so that's the mark of a solid performance. Special mention to the Prats, I always call him fridge freezer but today he was a bit more mobile and obviously come up with the goods, loved his celebration as well. Jonny Williams. Jonny is exactly what everyone thought Ben Reeves would be for us (sorry Reevsey) he was mobile, quick thinking, had vision and just in general improved us and made us look a proper footballing unit. If he can stay fit he is an absolute problem for any team, his chipped weighted pass to grant in the first half was a beauty and you just cannot teach that judgement. Taylor and Grant were fantastic, it's a shame Grant missed his chances cause he could have had a hatty and more but no one recognises that more than himself and I'm sure it will just add fire to the belly. Naby is fast becoming my favourite player, don't see how he is replacable at the rate he is going, good passer, very strong, good tackler and very good at intercepting and getting the counter on the go. Everyone else solid, well in Phillips for claiming the 1 shirt, you won't be getting dropped with performances like that, dodgy throw to Williams first half other than that brilliant distribution.
As for going up I truly think it's gonna happen now one way or another, we play good football, when all our players are back we will have the squad strength, we have a team who know how to dig deep and fight we have characters in the management and in the players. This is a promotion side.
On to Shrewsbury they were crap compared to last season, their only bright light was the ginger lad on the left, number 3, he was a tidy player. Seemed both footed, was taking all their set pieces, had pace, good passer and looked to have very good dribbling, the other thing I noticed is that he actually managed to win the ball from Lyle, usually Lyle will win a free kick, or corner, throw in, something out of nothing but he just took the ball from him. Hopefully Bowyer noted his performance and makes him a target. A player that versatile would be welcome in this team
We have scored more pens than anyone in the top 4 divisions. (according to Sky). The Nabster is playing at his best and Taylor is different class.
An amazing turnaround, was it 2 or 3 years ago when we had no penalties at all one season?
It sure helps when you play two up front plus the head of the diamond just behind ... and then there is The Lyle Taylor effect on both the players and the fans - WOW 👍
We’ve improved in a number of positions, but if we’d had Taylor last year, even under Robinson, we’d have been promoted I think.
Agree with this. I think people gave Magennis an easy ride because he's such a likeable bloke. Taylor who is very good at holding the ball up and bringing others into play (and can also finish), would have made a massive difference.
And what is it with Barnsley, who have two games in hand over us and are just a point behind? They look like a real threat for the automatic places. Don't know much about them, but I'm hoping they've been lucky with injuries and suspensions, but that that luck might change. Or do they have a big squad?
It looks like they have an easy run of fixtures coming up before they play Portsmouth away on 23rd Feb.
They next play: AFC Wimbledon Rochdale Oxford United Scunthorpe United Gillingham Wycombe Wanderers Portsmouth
Also wanted to mention that I think Williams plays with his head up, whereas Fosu is often head down.
Also wanted to mention (sorry) that if Sarr had made the disastrous back header that Bielik did against Sunderland, it would still be being talked about by his detractors, whereas with Bielik it's as if it never happened. Point is, all players make mistakes. It's about how they get over them, and to an extent, how the fans react to them.
Breezy conditions, grey skies and a temperature of 9* greeted me as I parked up 10 minutes from the ground. Listening to BBC Radio Shropshire I learnt Williams was due to start as was Purrington with Maxwell on the bench. For the Shrews they had their old boy Edwards back. The former Wolves player however was also on the bench.
Both teams favour a diamond formation but it looked as if Bielik was dropping into a back three with Bauer centre and Sarr left early on with Solly and Purrington pushed on in a four man midfield with Williams working his magic just behind Taylor and Grant.
The home team weren't afraid to attack but they had little cutting edge. Having said that Phillips had to be alert to prevent a cert goal from a close range header with Purrington beaten in the air at the far stick. Dills fantastic reaction stop with his foot was as good as a goal at the other end which often gets overlooked. Our front two were up for it and their defenders knew it was going to be a tough afternoon as Taylor's powerful hold up play and Grant's pace created havoc. Williams was like a breath of fresh air with his quick feet, surging runs and threaded passes, hope Fosu can learn from him with his decision making.
G&T (Grant & Taylor) had been trying their luck and from one turbo boost by Grant his snap shot from 20 yards was just tipped round by Arnold. From the resultant corner by Morgan the ball seemed to glance off a head and onto the far post where Taylor tidied up 1-0 to the Londoners on 25 mins. Dills was again called into action and got down well to keep out a rasping shot inside his left hand post; HT 1-0
Second half no changes and with the wind at our back. How do I know this? because their keeper couldn't keep the ball on the island as he kept passing to the dugouts to his left to constant cries from the travelling faithful of DEANO, DEANO, DEANO . That all important second was the order at half time no doubt and we were very much in the ascendancy. Sure enough it came in the 55th minute and no other than that pantomime villain Darren Pratley was the scorer. After great hold up play from by Taylor from a cross by Williams, I think, he laid it off to Dazza to hit a right to left bender past the despairing dive of Arnold and into the onion bag 2-0 to the Londoners. How delighted Pratley was in front of his 'adoring' fans. Having doubled our lead, Lapslie almost immediately entered the fray to provide more energy and defensive cover for the tiring Morgan.
We should have been out of sight had Grant converted any of the three one on one chances he spurned and we had to wait until the 80th minute for him to finally break his duck. Having burst away from the half way line he was felled in the box and converted the chance he had created much to his obvious relief and delight. It appeared that Taylor gave him the ball and encouraged him to join him on the scoresheet. 3-0 to the Londoners.
Marshall came on for man of the match Williams, who had given his all and Dijksteel for Bielik, late on to preserve our prized assets.
The best team won today and were clear daylight better than last years play-off losers albeit their smaller line up from a changed personnel and Manager bears little resemblance. Well done to 500 plus addicks who were in fine voice. Fleetwood next up for me COYRs!
What a performance yesterday, it was very enjoyable watching that, especially second half where we cut them open time and time again. Having just reminded myself of the key parts of the game by watching the highlights on Sky Sports, as many people have said, Grant had an awful lot of chances that he ought to have had at least a hat-trick. However, as I said in the match thread yesterday, he hadn't scored 'so far'. He is the kind of striker where if you continue to give him opportunities to score, he will eventually score and it was great to see Taylor hand the penalty to him to give him that chance of getting on the scoresheet. This shows the level of respect they have for one another. No doubt Taylor would've loved to add to his tally but he recognised that his mate and strike partner probably should've already had at least two so he says, here for you pal, and that'll do the pair the world of good. The impressive thing for me also, is not just how Taylor and Grant are and how formidable they're showing to be, but it is also the amount of opportunities we are now creating for them to score, and taking this forward into the remaining games of the season, it is exciting.
I'd like to specifically mention Williams now who I thought put in a display exhibiting class way above League One level. I mentioned at the end of the match thread about it was a clever idea from Bowyer to leave Fosu out of the game yesterday. Let him watch how Williams controls the ball, the positions he takes up, the progressive and penetrative passing, and for me the thing that makes him above everyone else on the pitch that little bit more, he is able to play and release the ball one or two touch no problem. Fosu has a tendency of over playing, keeping hold of the ball for too long, but I really hope that with Williams here now, the quality that he possess could benefit other members of the squad, just as much as benefitting the team and our results. With a front three of Taylor, Grant, and Williams we have someone who is going to bully the centre backs, work their nut off, hold the ball up and still score goals. We have someone who is a completely different player from this time last year where he has such raw pace that it frightens the living daylights out of the opposition, who continues to score goals better than one in two when he has started. And we have someone who can get into the pockets, between the lines and will more often than not find the two front men, on top of that he has fantastic skill and a bloody good work rate too.
Tactically, starting with a back three and two wing-backs yesterday initially made sense, it allowed us to play everyone in their natural positions and I have no doubt that we had worked on it for a good few days previously. However, it just wasn't clicking at first and we were a little bit under pressure in defence and couldn't cope with their number 10 finding the space between defence and midfield, this was due to us not having that defensive midfielder tracking those runs. Bowyer quickly identified this problem and the change to go back to the diamond with Bielik at the base of midfield was correct and very astute. It makes a nice change for us to have a manager who identifies a problem and is proactive rather than leaving things too late and being reactive to it, ultimately more often than not, this has cost us games. However, with Bowyer I don't think that has happened and instead it's very positive. So well done.
Other mentions must go to Sarr, Bielik and Purrington. Sarr has been fantastic of late and again got in the way of everything that came his way yesterday. Technically he is very good and he allows us to build from the back, his passing is excellent and although Pearce is key for us and a brilliant defender and leader, having Sarr come in since the turn of the new year has really helped us. Think back to the goal line clearance against Walsall, the performance in general against Sunderland where he kept the highly regarded Maja very quiet, and yesterday against Shrewsbury he was extremely assured. Bielik for his age is scary, the ability to be so calm on the ball and to play in defence and midfield just as well shows he is a natural footballer. I rarely see him beaten and at the base of midfield, I would like fellow supporters to just watch him off the ball, the amount of tracking he does allows us to control games and opposition far easier. Purrington was steady and decent, not spectacular but provided us with the natural width and balance the side really needed. He is going to add a lot to the team in the absence of Page, he may not be the most forward thinking left back but he will keep that left hand side solid and he seemed decent on the ball too. What will be interesting is we should have Cullen and Reeves back next weekend, so who comes out of the team and squad? Naturally for me, Morgan makes way and one of Cullen or Reeves will come straight into the side. Many people will say to drop Pratley too but after that wonderful goal I think it would be extremely harsh, he does also work very hard for the team and yesterday I was impressed.
All this leads to a strong team and squad who are clearly prepared to work hard for one another, add in the fact that it's a talented bunch, we will really give ourselves a chance going forward to get promotion, and hopefully its automatic promotion. For me personally, it's not about how many goals we score because I always believe we will score in every game, and I know that sooner or later there is going to be few games where we smash teams by five or possibly six. For me it's about how many clean sheets can we keep between now and the end of the season. There are 18 games left, 10 of which are against teams in the bottom half, this includes all of bottom 6 albeit four of them are away from home. Of our remaining 8 home league games, 3 of them are against the top 9 as things stand, Portsmouth, Luton, and Blackpool. If we were to keep 7 clean sheets and only concede around 15/16 goals that would probably leave us in a very strong position. You might think thats a bit optimistic, but in our last 18 league games, we have kept 6 clean sheets and only conceded 20, that includes 5 against Scunthorpe. It is definitely achievable.
We have scored more pens than anyone in the top 4 divisions. (according to Sky). The Nabster is playing at his best and Taylor is different class.
An amazing turnaround, was it 2 or 3 years ago when we had no penalties at all one season?
It sure helps when you play two up front plus the head of the diamond just behind ... and then there is The Lyle Taylor effect on both the players and the fans - WOW 👍
We’ve improved in a number of positions, but if we’d had Taylor last year, even under Robinson, we’d have been promoted I think.
Agree with this. I think people gave Magennis an easy ride because he's such a likeable bloke. Taylor who is very good at holding the ball up and bringing others into play (and can also finish), would have made a massive difference.
And what is it with Barnsley? They look like a real threat for the automatic places. Don't know much about them, but I'm hoping they've been lucky with injuries and suspensions, but that that luck might change. Or do they have a big squad?6
It looks like they have an easy run of fixtures coming up before they play Portsmouth away on 23rd Feb.
They next play: AFC Wimbledon Rochdale Oxford United Scunthorpe United Gillingham Wycombe Wanderers Portsmouth
Barnsley have some very good players. Don't think they lost too many from last season. When you are in a promotion push with the pressure, and in this league, I don't think there's any such thing as an 'easy' game. I know Blackpool are doing ok, but don't think anybody expected them to win at Portsmouth yesterday. Gillingham have beaten Portsmouth twice too despite being around 30 points behind them.
We have scored more pens than anyone in the top 4 divisions. (according to Sky). The Nabster is playing at his best and Taylor is different class.
An amazing turnaround, was it 2 or 3 years ago when we had no penalties at all one season?
It sure helps when you play two up front plus the head of the diamond just behind ... and then there is The Lyle Taylor effect on both the players and the fans - WOW 👍
We’ve improved in a number of positions, but if we’d had Taylor last year, even under Robinson, we’d have been promoted I think.
Agree with this. I think people gave Magennis an easy ride because he's such a likeable bloke. Taylor who is very good at holding the ball up and bringing others into play (and can also finish), would have made a massive difference.
And what is it with Barnsley? They look like a real threat for the automatic places. Don't know much about them, but I'm hoping they've been lucky with injuries and suspensions, but that that luck might change. Or do they have a big squad?6
It looks like they have an easy run of fixtures coming up before they play Portsmouth away on 23rd Feb.
They next play: AFC Wimbledon Rochdale Oxford United Scunthorpe United Gillingham Wycombe Wanderers Portsmouth
Barnsley have some very good players. Don't think they lost too many from last season. When you are in a promotion push with the pressure, and in this league, I don't think there's any such thing as an 'easy' game. I know Blackpool are doing ok, but don't think anybody expected them to win at Portsmouth yesterday. Gillingham have beaten Portsmouth twice too despite being around 30 points behind them.
Completely agree. Barnsley on paper should win their next 6 games before they play Portsmouth, but many of them are fighting to stay in this league being at the wrong end of the table. I wouldn't be surprised if they dropped some unexpected points from that list, even though I do think they will be right up there this season, they've got some decent players.
We have scored more pens than anyone in the top 4 divisions. (according to Sky). The Nabster is playing at his best and Taylor is different class.
An amazing turnaround, was it 2 or 3 years ago when we had no penalties at all one season?
It sure helps when you play two up front plus the head of the diamond just behind ... and then there is The Lyle Taylor effect on both the players and the fans - WOW 👍
We’ve improved in a number of positions, but if we’d had Taylor last year, even under Robinson, we’d have been promoted I think.
Agree with this. I think people gave Magennis an easy ride because he's such a likeable bloke. Taylor who is very good at holding the ball up and bringing others into play (and can also finish), would have made a massive difference.
And what is it with Barnsley? They look like a real threat for the automatic places. Don't know much about them, but I'm hoping they've been lucky with injuries and suspensions, but that that luck might change. Or do they have a big squad?6
It looks like they have an easy run of fixtures coming up before they play Portsmouth away on 23rd Feb.
They next play: AFC Wimbledon Rochdale Oxford United Scunthorpe United Gillingham Wycombe Wanderers Portsmouth
Barnsley have some very good players. Don't think they lost too many from last season. When you are in a promotion push with the pressure, and in this league, I don't think there's any such thing as an 'easy' game. I know Blackpool are doing ok, but don't think anybody expected them to win at Portsmouth yesterday. Gillingham have beaten Portsmouth twice too despite being around 30 points behind them.
Completely agree. Barnsley on paper should win their next 6 games before they play Portsmouth, but many of them are fighting to stay in this league being at the wrong end of the table. I wouldn't be surprised if they dropped some unexpected points from that list, even though I do think they will be right up there this season, they've got some decent players.
Yeah I think they will too. I think the top 7 have created that gap which is unlikely to change now. Although surprised Doncaster have stayed up there, glad they lost yesterday.
Certainly more exciting then it's been for a while. Just want Ajose out, striker in and the window to close!
We have scored more pens than anyone in the top 4 divisions. (according to Sky). The Nabster is playing at his best and Taylor is different class.
An amazing turnaround, was it 2 or 3 years ago when we had no penalties at all one season?
It sure helps when you play two up front plus the head of the diamond just behind ... and then there is The Lyle Taylor effect on both the players and the fans - WOW 👍
We’ve improved in a number of positions, but if we’d had Taylor last year, even under Robinson, we’d have been promoted I think.
Agree with this. I think people gave Magennis an easy ride because he's such a likeable bloke. Taylor who is very good at holding the ball up and bringing others into play (and can also finish), would have made a massive difference.
And what is it with Barnsley? They look like a real threat for the automatic places. Don't know much about them, but I'm hoping they've been lucky with injuries and suspensions, but that that luck might change. Or do they have a big squad?6
It looks like they have an easy run of fixtures coming up before they play Portsmouth away on 23rd Feb.
They next play: AFC Wimbledon Rochdale Oxford United Scunthorpe United Gillingham Wycombe Wanderers Portsmouth
Barnsley have some very good players. Don't think they lost too many from last season. When you are in a promotion push with the pressure, and in this league, I don't think there's any such thing as an 'easy' game. I know Blackpool are doing ok, but don't think anybody expected them to win at Portsmouth yesterday. Gillingham have beaten Portsmouth twice too despite being around 30 points behind them.
Completely agree. Barnsley on paper should win their next 6 games before they play Portsmouth, but many of them are fighting to stay in this league being at the wrong end of the table. I wouldn't be surprised if they dropped some unexpected points from that list, even though I do think they will be right up there this season, they've got some decent players.
Yeah I think they will too. I think the top 7 have created that gap which is unlikely to change now. Although surprised Doncaster have stayed up there, glad they lost yesterday.
Certainly more exciting then it's been for a while. Just want Ajose out, striker in and the window to close!
I think that the top seven will be as it is too, but wouldn't be surprised to see one of Doncaster or Peterborough begin to fall away from the rest of us. Something about Peterborough especially that I just think they're too reliant on Toney and if he were to go to another club or get injured I think they could really struggle, their home form is not too good either.
Don't be surprised if Ajose leaves. I believe we could well bring in another two, a striker being one of them...
Finally ticked Shrewsbury off yesterday and out of all the ties probably picked the best one!
Excellent from start to finish, they had a spell first fifteen or so but who doesn’t when you’re away? Perfect performance that.
Note on the crowd, usually glooming trips in winter up north are pretty somber, but the few hundred that went made loads of noise, so well played on and off.
Charlton and Barnsley will fill the automatic spots at the end of the season and every game the two of us win now will put more and more pressure on the others. They will crack.
About as good as it gets at this level. We can talk about the chances we missed or the moments at the back which could have been better. That’s what you get in our position in this league , moments of class, Pratleys goal and a few mistakes that could of spun the game the other way. Second half we were well worth the points. Especially pleasing after last season, nice to see Shrewsbury back at their natural level.
just terrific all round .. just a few points .. Williams brings much needed class and structure to midfield and allows Pratley to play a trouble shooting role .. Taylor, the new Mendonca .. Phillips, I have slated him in the past, now he's much more controlled and relaxed and has improved outta sight .. Sarr, will Pearce get his place back ? .. Purrington, enabled the back 4 to play in their proper places, did superbly considering his immediate introduction, looks to be a good young pro .. Grant, missed a few but never gave up, now very confident in his own ability .. to those not mentioned .. the orchestra plays on ((:>)
great day out in Shrewsbury .. if we maintain this standard and form, then auto promotion is right on the agenda
If Ajose is now behind Hackett-Fairchild then he has big problems. Hopefully he is close to going as I reckon Bowyer/Gallen are on the look out for a striker but need Ajose to leave first.
Hmm... So Hackett-Fairchild is a better option than Ajose?
Hackett-Fairchild will benefit from being involved with the first team. Ajose on the other hand will almost certainly be gone either in this window or at the end of the season so I can understand Bowyer s thinking.
Hmm... So Hackett-Fairchild is a better option than Ajose?
Hackett-Fairchild can hold the ball up ..... if Taylor had to go off, it would mean the team could keep it's shape.
If Grant, had to go off ..... then there's other players that could play forward or support of Taylor - Fosu, Clarke or perhaps even Marshall, as he's a strong runner.
Breezy conditions, grey skies and a temperature of 9* greeted me as I parked up 10 minutes from the ground. Listening to BBC Radio Shropshire I learnt Williams was due to start as was Purrington with Maxwell on the bench. For the Shrews they had their old boy Edwards back. The former Wolves player however was also on the bench.
Both teams favour a diamond formation but it looked as if Bielik was dropping into a back three with Bauer centre and Sarr left early on with Solly and Purrington pushed on in a four man midfield with Williams working his magic just behind Taylor and Grant.
The home team weren't afraid to attack but they had little cutting edge. Having said that Phillips had to be alert to prevent a cert goal from a close range header with Purrington beaten in the air at the far stick. Dills fantastic reaction stop with his foot was as good as a goal at the other end which often gets overlooked. Our front two were up for it and their defenders knew it was going to be a tough afternoon as Taylor's powerful hold up play and Grant's pace created havoc. Williams was like a breath of fresh air with his quick feet, surging runs and threaded passes, hope Fosu can learn from him with his decision making.
G&T (Grant & Taylor) had been trying their luck and from one turbo boost by Grant his snap shot from 20 yards was just tipped round by Arnold. From the resultant corner by Morgan the ball seemed to glance off a head and onto the far post where Taylor tidied up 1-0 to the Londoners on 25 mins. Dills was again called into action and got down well to keep out a rasping shot inside his left hand post; HT 1-0
Second half no changes and with the wind at our back. How do I know this? because their keeper couldn't keep the ball on the island as he kept passing to the dugouts to his left to constant cries from the travelling faithful of DEANO, DEANO, DEANO . That all important second was the order at half time no doubt and we were very much in the ascendancy. Sure enough it came in the 55th minute and no other than that pantomime villain Darren Pratley was the scorer. After great hold up play from by Taylor from a cross by Williams, I think, he laid it off to Dazza to hit a right to left bender past the despairing dive of Arnold and into the onion bag 2-0 to the Londoners. How delighted Pratley was in front of his 'adoring' fans. Having doubled our lead, Lapslie almost immediately entered the fray to provide more energy and defensive cover for the tiring Morgan.
We should have been out of sight had Grant converted any of the three one on one chances he spurned and we had to wait until the 80th minute for him to finally break his duck. Having burst away from the half way line he was felled in the box and converted the chance he had created much to his obvious relief and delight. It appeared that Taylor gave him the ball and encouraged him to join him on the scoresheet. 3-0 to the Londoners.
Marshall came on for man of the match Williams, who had given his all and Dijksteel for Bielik, late on to preserve our prized assets.
The best team won today and were clear daylight better than last years play-off losers albeit their smaller line up from a changed personnel and Manager bears little resemblance. Well done to 500 plus addicks who were in fine voice. Fleetwood next up for me COYRs!
That's all well and good but "Dills"? Wtf?
Stuff the punctuation, it's what @nam11 calls him on Charlton Live, keep up. Same goes for you @JamesSeed
A point to make about Karlan. He has been criticised for missing one v one, but, in his defence, he worked the goal keeper every time.
If he was blazing over, or wide, that would be a sign of nervousness.
Sometimes, you just have to give credit to the keeper...
Nah sorry I don't agree. I am not criticising Grant because has improved so much, and I would rather he was getting in the positions and missing then being poor positionally. But he should have scored against Sunderland and he should have scored at least 2 of those chances yesterday.
He has been fantastic for us, is improving all the time and I am delighted to see it. But if he's going to get praise for the way he mugged that defender off, won the penalty and then scored he, he is also open to some criticism for some terrible misses.
If Ajose had missed those yesterday he would be getting absolute pelters.
Hmm... So Hackett-Fairchild is a better option than Ajose?
Hackett-Fairchild can hold the ball up ..... if Taylor had to go off, it would mean the team could keep it's shape.
If Grant, had to go off ..... then there's other players that could play forward or support of Taylor - Fosu, Clarke or perhaps even Marshall, as he's a strong runner.
Hackett-Fairchild is nowhere near ready though. This either means Ajose is close to going, Bowyer really doesn't rate him (or both).
A point to make about Karlan. He has been criticised for missing one v one, but, in his defence, he worked the goal keeper every time.
If he was blazing over, or wide, that would be a sign of nervousness.
Sometimes, you just have to give credit to the keeper...
Nah sorry I don't agree. I am not criticising Grant because has improved so much, and I would rather he was getting in the positions and missing then being poor positionally. But he should have scored against Sunderland and he should have scored at least 2 of those chances yesterday.
He has been fantastic for us, is improving all the time and I am delighted to see it. But if he's going to get praise for the way he mugged that defender off, won the penalty and then scored he, he is also open to some criticism for some terrible misses.
If Ajose had missed those yesterday he would be getting absolute pelters.
On one of the first half chances, Ajose wouldn't win that header to create the chance for himself.
And in the second half I doubt he'd beat the defender and go to win a penalty.
Karlan's pace and ability to run with the ball means he gets chances that Ajose wouldn't.
Comments
Anyway solid debut from the new guy Purrington, I didn't think he was a liability but also didn't notice him so that's the mark of a solid performance. Special mention to the Prats, I always call him fridge freezer but today he was a bit more mobile and obviously come up with the goods, loved his celebration as well. Jonny Williams. Jonny is exactly what everyone thought Ben Reeves would be for us (sorry Reevsey) he was mobile, quick thinking, had vision and just in general improved us and made us look a proper footballing unit. If he can stay fit he is an absolute problem for any team, his chipped weighted pass to grant in the first half was a beauty and you just cannot teach that judgement. Taylor and Grant were fantastic, it's a shame Grant missed his chances cause he could have had a hatty and more but no one recognises that more than himself and I'm sure it will just add fire to the belly. Naby is fast becoming my favourite player, don't see how he is replacable at the rate he is going, good passer, very strong, good tackler and very good at intercepting and getting the counter on the go. Everyone else solid, well in Phillips for claiming the 1 shirt, you won't be getting dropped with performances like that, dodgy throw to Williams first half other than that brilliant distribution.
As for going up I truly think it's gonna happen now one way or another, we play good football, when all our players are back we will have the squad strength, we have a team who know how to dig deep and fight we have characters in the management and in the players. This is a promotion side.
On to Shrewsbury they were crap compared to last season, their only bright light was the ginger lad on the left, number 3, he was a tidy player. Seemed both footed, was taking all their set pieces, had pace, good passer and looked to have very good dribbling, the other thing I noticed is that he actually managed to win the ball from Lyle, usually Lyle will win a free kick, or corner, throw in, something out of nothing but he just took the ball from him. Hopefully Bowyer noted his performance and makes him a target. A player that versatile would be welcome in this team
Lastly, unlucky Salops, shit fans shit team
And what is it with Barnsley, who have two games in hand over us and are just a point behind? They look like a real threat for the automatic places. Don't know much about them, but I'm hoping they've been lucky with injuries and suspensions, but that that luck might change. Or do they have a big squad?
It looks like they have an easy run of fixtures coming up before they play Portsmouth away on 23rd Feb.
They next play:
AFC Wimbledon
Rochdale
Oxford United
Scunthorpe United
Gillingham
Wycombe Wanderers
Portsmouth
Also wanted to mention that I think Williams plays with his head up, whereas Fosu is often head down.
Also wanted to mention (sorry) that if Sarr had made the disastrous back header that Bielik did against Sunderland, it would still be being talked about by his detractors, whereas with Bielik it's as if it never happened. Point is, all players make mistakes. It's about how they get over them, and to an extent, how the fans react to them.
What a performance yesterday, it was very enjoyable watching that, especially second half where we cut them open time and time again. Having just reminded myself of the key parts of the game by watching the highlights on Sky Sports, as many people have said, Grant had an awful lot of chances that he ought to have had at least a hat-trick. However, as I said in the match thread yesterday, he hadn't scored 'so far'. He is the kind of striker where if you continue to give him opportunities to score, he will eventually score and it was great to see Taylor hand the penalty to him to give him that chance of getting on the scoresheet. This shows the level of respect they have for one another. No doubt Taylor would've loved to add to his tally but he recognised that his mate and strike partner probably should've already had at least two so he says, here for you pal, and that'll do the pair the world of good. The impressive thing for me also, is not just how Taylor and Grant are and how formidable they're showing to be, but it is also the amount of opportunities we are now creating for them to score, and taking this forward into the remaining games of the season, it is exciting.
I'd like to specifically mention Williams now who I thought put in a display exhibiting class way above League One level. I mentioned at the end of the match thread about it was a clever idea from Bowyer to leave Fosu out of the game yesterday. Let him watch how Williams controls the ball, the positions he takes up, the progressive and penetrative passing, and for me the thing that makes him above everyone else on the pitch that little bit more, he is able to play and release the ball one or two touch no problem. Fosu has a tendency of over playing, keeping hold of the ball for too long, but I really hope that with Williams here now, the quality that he possess could benefit other members of the squad, just as much as benefitting the team and our results. With a front three of Taylor, Grant, and Williams we have someone who is going to bully the centre backs, work their nut off, hold the ball up and still score goals. We have someone who is a completely different player from this time last year where he has such raw pace that it frightens the living daylights out of the opposition, who continues to score goals better than one in two when he has started. And we have someone who can get into the pockets, between the lines and will more often than not find the two front men, on top of that he has fantastic skill and a bloody good work rate too.
Tactically, starting with a back three and two wing-backs yesterday initially made sense, it allowed us to play everyone in their natural positions and I have no doubt that we had worked on it for a good few days previously. However, it just wasn't clicking at first and we were a little bit under pressure in defence and couldn't cope with their number 10 finding the space between defence and midfield, this was due to us not having that defensive midfielder tracking those runs. Bowyer quickly identified this problem and the change to go back to the diamond with Bielik at the base of midfield was correct and very astute. It makes a nice change for us to have a manager who identifies a problem and is proactive rather than leaving things too late and being reactive to it, ultimately more often than not, this has cost us games. However, with Bowyer I don't think that has happened and instead it's very positive. So well done.
Other mentions must go to Sarr, Bielik and Purrington. Sarr has been fantastic of late and again got in the way of everything that came his way yesterday. Technically he is very good and he allows us to build from the back, his passing is excellent and although Pearce is key for us and a brilliant defender and leader, having Sarr come in since the turn of the new year has really helped us. Think back to the goal line clearance against Walsall, the performance in general against Sunderland where he kept the highly regarded Maja very quiet, and yesterday against Shrewsbury he was extremely assured. Bielik for his age is scary, the ability to be so calm on the ball and to play in defence and midfield just as well shows he is a natural footballer. I rarely see him beaten and at the base of midfield, I would like fellow supporters to just watch him off the ball, the amount of tracking he does allows us to control games and opposition far easier. Purrington was steady and decent, not spectacular but provided us with the natural width and balance the side really needed. He is going to add a lot to the team in the absence of Page, he may not be the most forward thinking left back but he will keep that left hand side solid and he seemed decent on the ball too. What will be interesting is we should have Cullen and Reeves back next weekend, so who comes out of the team and squad? Naturally for me, Morgan makes way and one of Cullen or Reeves will come straight into the side. Many people will say to drop Pratley too but after that wonderful goal I think it would be extremely harsh, he does also work very hard for the team and yesterday I was impressed.
All this leads to a strong team and squad who are clearly prepared to work hard for one another, add in the fact that it's a talented bunch, we will really give ourselves a chance going forward to get promotion, and hopefully its automatic promotion. For me personally, it's not about how many goals we score because I always believe we will score in every game, and I know that sooner or later there is going to be few games where we smash teams by five or possibly six. For me it's about how many clean sheets can we keep between now and the end of the season. There are 18 games left, 10 of which are against teams in the bottom half, this includes all of bottom 6 albeit four of them are away from home. Of our remaining 8 home league games, 3 of them are against the top 9 as things stand, Portsmouth, Luton, and Blackpool. If we were to keep 7 clean sheets and only concede around 15/16 goals that would probably leave us in a very strong position. You might think thats a bit optimistic, but in our last 18 league games, we have kept 6 clean sheets and only conceded 20, that includes 5 against Scunthorpe. It is definitely achievable.
Certainly more exciting then it's been for a while. Just want Ajose out, striker in and the window to close!
Don't be surprised if Ajose leaves. I believe we could well bring in another two, a striker being one of them...
Excellent from start to finish, they had a spell first fifteen or so but who doesn’t when you’re away? Perfect performance that.
Note on the crowd, usually glooming trips in winter up north are pretty somber, but the few hundred that went made loads of noise, so well played on and off.
Especially pleasing after last season, nice to see Shrewsbury back at their natural level.
And that’s without Cullen and Aribo
great day out in Shrewsbury .. if we maintain this standard and form, then auto promotion is right on the agenda
Golfie was really happy on CL yesterday.
We need many more clean sheets if we are to catch and surpass the clubs above and around us.
The striker has struggled for first-team minutes due to the form of prolific duo Lyle Taylor and Karlan Grant this season.
And he was not missed at New Meadow as goals from Taylor, Darren Pratley and Grant closed the gap on the top-two to three points.
When asked why he was omitted from the squad, Charlton boss Lee Bowyer told News Shopper: “He just wasn't selected.
“We've brought a couple of players in now and we’ve got players coming back from injury, George [Lapslie] came back.
http://c.newsnow.co.uk/A/969786165?-11197:833
If he was blazing over, or wide, that would be a sign of nervousness.
Sometimes, you just have to give credit to the keeper...
Had similar signs of the Walsall game at the Valley where he shot quite early
Yesterday though he seemed to keep delaying
Ajose on the other hand will almost certainly be gone either in this window or at the end of the season so I can understand Bowyer s thinking.
If Grant, had to go off ..... then there's other players that could play forward or support of Taylor - Fosu, Clarke or perhaps even Marshall, as he's a strong runner.
He has been fantastic for us, is improving all the time and I am delighted to see it. But if he's going to get praise for the way he mugged that defender off, won the penalty and then scored he, he is also open to some criticism for some terrible misses.
If Ajose had missed those yesterday he would be getting absolute pelters.
And in the second half I doubt he'd beat the defender and go to win a penalty.
Karlan's pace and ability to run with the ball means he gets chances that Ajose wouldn't.