One of Pratley or Watson should always start in my opinion.
Agree, but I think we look too pedestrian with both of them in the team. I can see Pratley keeping Watson out of the starting eleven because, however good Watson is, Pratley is making himself a must pick. Probably, the reality is that they'll be rotated in that role shielding the back four.
At Blackpool, Watson was much better further up the pitch after both teams went down to ten men. I don't think defensive midfielder is his best position, especially given how easily he picks up yellow cards.
Uh oh. We've got a live Watson And Pratleyer.
Against Blackpool, Watson was still the pivot, but he was able to get forward a couple of times due to the shape of the game.
Yes, we need 'a Watson or a Pratley' in our side. I still think Levitt has a bit more steel than it seems, or at least, has the potential to, but as it stands, yes, we need someone who'll win the ball.
But we also need someone who, having won the ball, will do something even faintly useful with it.
That we have two footballers as limited as these two to do it, as opposed to Cullen and Bielik, is the single biggest advantage our last promotion squad has over ours. Bigger than Taylor for mine.
There was a moment yesterday where Pratley miscontrolled a simple ball about five yards, ran after it and basically fell on his man, fouling him. Yes, he gave us the set-piece threat we needed to win that game as we weren't getting a first goal any other way. Yes, he's probably a right pain to play against. But he is slow, clumsy and only suited for destruction. He can play pivot at a push, but the notion of having the similarly slow and not entirely cultured Watson alongside him with the options we have is vandalism, pure and simple.
Given the other attacking options we have in midfield at present I would pick Pratley over Levitt every time.
For some games, yes. But on a good pitch in decent conditions, Levitt would be the player you want if we wanted to be on the front foot. He'd receive the ball from the back four and make play. Pratley receives the ball from the back four and returns it to the back four.
But Pratley as pivot isn't so bad. He can play a simple ball to a half-decent standard. What I mean is the hellish spectacle of him trying to play as one of our box to box midfielders. At least yesterday he was just the DM spoiler. I don't want Bowyer getting any ideas of returning him or Watson to a position higher up the pitch
Of course Pratley did actually rock up in Northampton’s box to score a very tidy goal. Box to box perhaps he ain’t but he does pop up with a few goals.
He rocked up in their box as we had a bloody corner!
And scored from it. Would Levitt have done the same
No! But there's more than one way to score a goal. The change worked because set-pieces were more or less out only hope (second goal was brought about by Northampton having to attack more and leaving space)
I'm not criticising Levitt and I believe that in time he will play at a higher level than league one that's for sure. But at this stage of his development games like yesterday in wet and windy conditions Pratley was a better option.
Excellent distribution from Amos to Doughty for the 2nd.
It's been a while since we've seen a Charlton goalie send a flat and accurate ball out to set a counter attack. Amos and Doughty made that (own) goal from nothing.
Was just watching the replay and it's a terrible ball from Doughty straight to their defender. Bogle is free at the back post for a tap-in. Two others running in the box open and he hit it straight to their man. Fortunate he couldn't sort his feet out and puts it in his own net. Always tough when you're running toward your own goal
I was watching Sittingbourne in the wind and rain yesterday as my football soul craves live 360 degree football where 23 year old referee's are cutting their teeth and 55 year old Assistant referees are trying to prove their eyesight and legs haven't gone !
Thanks for the good, bad and ugly reports from the match yesterday. Having seen about 1200 Charlton matches it doesn't take long to log on.
I would prefer Cafc to replicate Brighton under Gus Poyet with their supreme passing in League 1 but if not, then win Ugly.
I checked the stats after 40 minutes yesterday and it said we had no shots on target. After 90 it said 2 shots on target which I wonder did that include the wonderful Own goal ?
To create more chances we will need Ruud Maatsen to be a wing back and Alfie Doughty to do the same on the other side. When Alfie learns to be more accurate with his crosses, the bids will double so be careful what you wish for.
Charlton until I die; even when I'm being unfaithful.
Our defence is very sound but the rest pretty much clueless despite the effort.
Smyth looks like Simon Church but with a weaker shot and Bogle like a slower version of Magennis if if that's possible. If either of them score more than five goals this season it will be a miracle.
Pretty much no midfield until Pratley appeared.
No chances created and two goals.
Don't be deceived by the score. That was bang average league 1 rubbish but we won.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but one would hope that supporters would have a better understanding of the game.
We had two shots on target the whole game
Are you agreeing with me or grumpy?
Chucking out a random stat doesn’t really add to a discussion, but do feel free to quote as many as you wish. I would also add that this is a points driven business.
One of Pratley or Watson should always start in my opinion.
Agree, but I think we look too pedestrian with both of them in the team. I can see Pratley keeping Watson out of the starting eleven because, however good Watson is, Pratley is making himself a must pick. Probably, the reality is that they'll be rotated in that role shielding the back four.
At Blackpool, Watson was much better further up the pitch after both teams went down to ten men. I don't think defensive midfielder is his best position, especially given how easily he picks up yellow cards.
Uh oh. We've got a live Watson And Pratleyer.
Against Blackpool, Watson was still the pivot, but he was able to get forward a couple of times due to the shape of the game.
Yes, we need 'a Watson or a Pratley' in our side. I still think Levitt has a bit more steel than it seems, or at least, has the potential to, but as it stands, yes, we need someone who'll win the ball.
But we also need someone who, having won the ball, will do something even faintly useful with it.
That we have two footballers as limited as these two to do it, as opposed to Cullen and Bielik, is the single biggest advantage our last promotion squad has over ours. Bigger than Taylor for mine.
There was a moment yesterday where Pratley miscontrolled a simple ball about five yards, ran after it and basically fell on his man, fouling him. Yes, he gave us the set-piece threat we needed to win that game as we weren't getting a first goal any other way. Yes, he's probably a right pain to play against. But he is slow, clumsy and only suited for destruction. He can play pivot at a push, but the notion of having the similarly slow and not entirely cultured Watson alongside him with the options we have is vandalism, pure and simple.
Given the other attacking options we have in midfield at present I would pick Pratley over Levitt every time.
For some games, yes. But on a good pitch in decent conditions, Levitt would be the player you want if we wanted to be on the front foot. He'd receive the ball from the back four and make play. Pratley receives the ball from the back four and returns it to the back four.
But Pratley as pivot isn't so bad. He can play a simple ball to a half-decent standard. What I mean is the hellish spectacle of him trying to play as one of our box to box midfielders. At least yesterday he was just the DM spoiler. I don't want Bowyer getting any ideas of returning him or Watson to a position higher up the pitch
Of course Pratley did actually rock up in Northampton’s box to score a very tidy goal. Box to box perhaps he ain’t but he does pop up with a few goals.
He rocked up in their box as we had a bloody corner!
And scored from it. Would Levitt have done the same
No! But there's more than one way to score a goal. The change worked because set-pieces were more or less out only hope (second goal was brought about by Northampton having to attack more and leaving space)
I'm not criticising Levitt and I believe that in time he will play at a higher level than league one that's for sure. But at this stage of his development games like yesterday in wet and windy conditions Pratley was a better option.
I agree! All I'm doing is saying that playing both Pratley and Watson would be negative and detrimental to our chances
One of Pratley or Watson should always start in my opinion.
Agree, but I think we look too pedestrian with both of them in the team. I can see Pratley keeping Watson out of the starting eleven because, however good Watson is, Pratley is making himself a must pick. Probably, the reality is that they'll be rotated in that role shielding the back four.
At Blackpool, Watson was much better further up the pitch after both teams went down to ten men. I don't think defensive midfielder is his best position, especially given how easily he picks up yellow cards.
Uh oh. We've got a live Watson And Pratleyer.
Against Blackpool, Watson was still the pivot, but he was able to get forward a couple of times due to the shape of the game.
Yes, we need 'a Watson or a Pratley' in our side. I still think Levitt has a bit more steel than it seems, or at least, has the potential to, but as it stands, yes, we need someone who'll win the ball.
But we also need someone who, having won the ball, will do something even faintly useful with it.
That we have two footballers as limited as these two to do it, as opposed to Cullen and Bielik, is the single biggest advantage our last promotion squad has over ours. Bigger than Taylor for mine.
There was a moment yesterday where Pratley miscontrolled a simple ball about five yards, ran after it and basically fell on his man, fouling him. Yes, he gave us the set-piece threat we needed to win that game as we weren't getting a first goal any other way. Yes, he's probably a right pain to play against. But he is slow, clumsy and only suited for destruction. He can play pivot at a push, but the notion of having the similarly slow and not entirely cultured Watson alongside him with the options we have is vandalism, pure and simple.
Given the other attacking options we have in midfield at present I would pick Pratley over Levitt every time.
For some games, yes. But on a good pitch in decent conditions, Levitt would be the player you want if we wanted to be on the front foot. He'd receive the ball from the back four and make play. Pratley receives the ball from the back four and returns it to the back four.
But Pratley as pivot isn't so bad. He can play a simple ball to a half-decent standard. What I mean is the hellish spectacle of him trying to play as one of our box to box midfielders. At least yesterday he was just the DM spoiler. I don't want Bowyer getting any ideas of returning him or Watson to a position higher up the pitch
Of course Pratley did actually rock up in Northampton’s box to score a very tidy goal. Box to box perhaps he ain’t but he does pop up with a few goals.
He rocked up in their box as we had a bloody corner!
And scored from it. Would Levitt have done the same
No! But there's more than one way to score a goal. The change worked because set-pieces were more or less out only hope (second goal was brought about by Northampton having to attack more and leaving space)
I'm not criticising Levitt and I believe that in time he will play at a higher level than league one that's for sure. But at this stage of his development games like yesterday in wet and windy conditions Pratley was a better option.
I agree! All I'm doing is saying that playing both Pratley and Watson would be negative and detrimental to our chances
Our defence is very sound but the rest pretty much clueless despite the effort.
Smyth looks like Simon Church but with a weaker shot and Bogle like a slower version of Magennis if if that's possible. If either of them score more than five goals this season it will be a miracle.
Pretty much no midfield until Pratley appeared.
No chances created and two goals.
Don't be deceived by the score. That was bang average league 1 rubbish but we won.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but one would hope that supporters would have a better understanding of the game.
We had two shots on target the whole game
Are you agreeing with me or grumpy?
Chucking out a random stat doesn’t really add to a discussion, but do feel free to quote as many as you wish. I would also add that this is a points driven business.
I'm agreeing with grumpy, and yep of course three points is the same regardless of performance, but getting the rub of the green isn't a good performance at all.
And you didn't refute anything grumpy said. Just an attack on how they viewed the game. Doesn't really add to a discussion
Our defence is very sound but the rest pretty much clueless despite the effort.
Smyth looks like Simon Church but with a weaker shot and Bogle like a slower version of Magennis if if that's possible. If either of them score more than five goals this season it will be a miracle.
Pretty much no midfield until Pratley appeared.
No chances created and two goals.
Don't be deceived by the score. That was bang average league 1 rubbish but we won.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but one would hope that supporters would have a better understanding of the game.
We had two shots on target the whole game
Which was two more than against Sunderland.
Marcus Maddison is going to be so important to this side if he can replicate his Peterborough stats.
5 points off the top 2 , with a game in hand, I think the next two games are going to be tough, Robbo seems to be able to get the better of Lee, and Pompey always tough.
A grisly spectacle in pretty horrible conditions but 3 points and a clean sheet made it another excellent day’s work.
A very poor first half, with a particularly inept first 20 minutes from Charlton. The midfield was pretty non-existent, with Levitt (in particular), JFC and Jonny Williams largely passengers. The lack of any combination play led to a string of long, hopeful punts upfield to an isolated Omar Bogle, who was well policed by Northampton’s big centre halves.
We were indebted to Ben Amos for a fine double save and I was relieved to go in at 0-0, especially as we had conceded a number of silly free kicks - with set plays an area in which Northampton tend to excel.
The conditions looked very difficult, with the effect of the swirling wind probably exacerbated by the four open corners of the ground and the modest dimensions of the stands (including the half built one, as a result of the scandalous misappropriation of a £10.25million Council loan in 2013/14 to redevelop the ground - https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bbc.com/news/amp/uk-england-northamptonshire-50951621 ). Difficult as they were, the conditions couldn’t excuse what was (with the exception of our defenders) a weak and rudderless first half performance.
Happily, Lee Bowyer acted decisively at half time, introducing Darren Pratley, who provided some much needed leadership and physicality in midfield. His dynamism also helped others around him raise their level. We put in a couple of decent corners early in the second half and, from one of them, Ryan Inniss headed neatly down for Pratters to lash home from close range. It should have been 2-0 moments later from another very good Inniss header (this time after he had drifted further out towards the edge of the box) but Smyth somehow contrived to put the ball over the bar from 6 yards. It didn’t matter in the end, as a couple of minutes later Amos’ fine catch and instant throw released Alfie Doughty, who burned Northampton for pace and his low cross was turned into his own net by the defender (although, encouragingly, a couple of Charlton players had raced into the box and were just behind him).
After that, we defended well and, save for the Alfie injury (which hopefully isn’t serious), little of note happened. We managed the game effectively and Northampton over hit a series of long balls, which caught the wind and skidded harmlessly off the greasy surface for goal kicks.
Amos and the centre backs had very good games again, Gunther was solid and Maatsen was better in the second half. Pratters was the pick of a modest midfield, while Bogle did ok up front, with Doughty, as is so often the case, providing our biggest offensive threat. Smyth was below par but we’ve seen what he can offer and hopefully that miss won’t undermine his confidence in front of goal.
Hopefully we haven’t picked up any further knocks other than Alfie’s injury and I expect that Watson, Shinnie and Washington will come into the reckoning for Tuesday night. I imagine he’ll want to give Bogle a breather, as he’s one of those who didn’t get a pre-season.
Not a game for the memoirs but 9 points in the last 8 days is a tremendous return, especially as we have players like Gilbey and Maddison to come back into the side in the near future. Given the traumas of recent months and with such a newly assembled squad, it’s great to find ourselves in the upper reaches of the table at this early stage.
A grisly spectacle in pretty horrible conditions but 3 points and a clean sheet made it another excellent day’s work.
A very poor first half, with a particularly inept first 20 minutes from Charlton. The midfield was pretty non-existent, with Levitt (in particular), JFC and Jonny Williams largely passengers. The lack of any combination play led to a string of long, hopeful punts upfield to an isolated Omar Bogle, who was well policed by Northampton’s big centre halves.
We were indebted to Ben Amos for a fine double save and I was relieved to go in at 0-0, especially as we had conceded a number of silly free kicks - with set plays an area in which Northampton tend to excel.
The conditions looked very difficult, with the effect of the swirling wind probably exacerbated by the four open corners of the ground and the modest dimensions of the stands (including the half built one, as a result of the scandalous misappropriation of a £10.25million Council loan in 2013/14 to redevelop the ground - https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bbc.com/news/amp/uk-england-northamptonshire-50951621 ). Difficult as they were, the conditions couldn’t excuse what was (with the exception of our defenders) a weak and rudderless first half performance.
Happily, Lee Bowyer acted decisively at half time, introducing Darren Pratley, who provided some much needed leadership and physicality in midfield. His dynamism also helped others around him raise their level. We put in a couple of decent corners early in the second half and, from one of them, Ryan Inniss headed neatly down for Pratters to lash home from close range. It should have been 2-0 moments later from another very good Inniss header (this time after he had drifted further out towards the edge of the box) but Smyth somehow contrived to put the ball over the bar from 6 yards. It didn’t matter in the end, as a couple of minutes later Amos’ fine catch and instant throw released Alfie Doughty, who burned Northampton for pace and his low cross was turned into his own net by the defender (although, encouragingly, a couple of Charlton players had raced into the box and were just behind him).
After that, we defended well and, save for the Alfie injury (which hopefully isn’t serious), little of note happened. We managed the game effectively and Northampton over hit a series of long balls, which caught the wind and skidded harmlessly off the greasy surface for goal kicks.
Amos and the centre backs had very good games again, Gunther was solid and Maatsen was better in the second half. Pratters was the pick of a modest midfield, while Bogle did ok up front, with Doughty, as is so often the case, providing our biggest offensive threat. Smyth was below par but we’ve seen what he can offer and hopefully that miss won’t undermine his confidence in front of goal.
Hopefully we haven’t picked up any further knocks other than Alfie’s injury and I expect that Watson, Shinnie and Washington will come into the reckoning for Tuesday night. I imagine he’ll want to give Bogle a breather, as he’s one of those who didn’t get a pre-season.
Not a game for the memoirs but 9 points in the last 8 days is a tremendous return, especially as we have players like Gilbey and Maddison to come back into the side in the near future. Given the traumas of recent months and with such a newly assembled squad, it’s great to find ourselves in the upper reaches of the table at this early stage.
Excellent distribution from Amos to Doughty for the 2nd.
It's been a while since we've seen a Charlton goalie send a flat and accurate ball out to set a counter attack. Amos and Doughty made that (own) goal from nothing.
Was just watching the replay and it's a terrible ball from Doughty straight to their defender. Bogle is free at the back post for a tap-in. Two others running in the box open and he hit it straight to their man. Fortunate he couldn't sort his feet out and puts it in his own net. Always tough when you're running toward your own goal
Agree with it being an awful ball but I always give a bit leeway to players who have the ability to travel 40yards with the ball to make something happen. On the right, the most we can expect is a swinger into the danger area from him, with his weaker foot. On the left, I'd expect and like a tad more precision. Now, sign a contract Alfs.
If we rotate the team each game, including 5 players from midfield onwards, it's quite obvious why we start so many games looking like strangers for 20/30 minutes.
Rotating players has benefits and drawbacks, but if the focus is on points rather than performances, we might have to swallow this (and the tenner per game.)
Excellent distribution from Amos to Doughty for the 2nd.
It's been a while since we've seen a Charlton goalie send a flat and accurate ball out to set a counter attack. Amos and Doughty made that (own) goal from nothing.
Was just watching the replay and it's a terrible ball from Doughty straight to their defender. Bogle is free at the back post for a tap-in. Two others running in the box open and he hit it straight to their man. Fortunate he couldn't sort his feet out and puts it in his own net. Always tough when you're running toward your own goal
We could be generous to Alfie and say he put the ball in the danger area. The defender finished with aplomb, but are we all confident that Bogle and Smyth would have done the same had the defender missed it? I would really like to see these guys get on the scoresheet before I start getting nervous that they are not good enough for a promotion campaign. Of course they need the service for that, but Smyth's howler from 6 yards doesn't inspire me with confidence. Maybe we should put Pratters up front (joke) Early days I know so I won't write them off
Just got to do enough to get promoted. Nothing more. Of course exciting expansive football would be the best way but it’s not essential. We have a squad that’s up there with the top three or four in the division and a few exciting players but we’re not blessed with a natural goal scorer so grinding out our victories might be the way. That will do.
Excellent distribution from Amos to Doughty for the 2nd.
It's been a while since we've seen a Charlton goalie send a flat and accurate ball out to set a counter attack. Amos and Doughty made that (own) goal from nothing.
Was just watching the replay and it's a terrible ball from Doughty straight to their defender. Bogle is free at the back post for a tap-in. Two others running in the box open and he hit it straight to their man. Fortunate he couldn't sort his feet out and puts it in his own net. Always tough when you're running toward your own goal
Well, seeing as Bowyer "always improves players" I'm expecting by the new year that Doughty is getting his head up, seeing who is available, and then delivering a delicious pass for them to score.
If we rotate the team each game, including 5 players from midfield onwards, it's quite obvious why we start so many games looking like strangers for 20/30 minutes.
Rotating players has benefits and drawbacks, but if the focus is on points rather than performances, we might have to swallow this (and the tenner per game.)
Wholeheartedly agree. It's one thing rotating one International player (Salah) for another (Mane) but its another thing rotating one mediocre player for an even more mediocre one.
If we rotate the team each game, including 5 players from midfield onwards, it's quite obvious why we start so many games looking like strangers for 20/30 minutes.
Rotating players has benefits and drawbacks, but if the focus is on points rather than performances, we might have to swallow this (and the tenner per game.)
Wholeheartedly agree. It's one thing rotating one International player (Salah) for another (Mane) but its another thing rotating one mediocre player for an even more mediocre one.
Hopefully lee bowyer as manager of a team in a mediocre league will take note and give salad a run out.
bowyer must be mentally scared by last years injuries. No problem with rotation from me
If we rotate the team each game, including 5 players from midfield onwards, it's quite obvious why we start so many games looking like strangers for 20/30 minutes.
Rotating players has benefits and drawbacks, but if the focus is on points rather than performances, we might have to swallow this (and the tenner per game.)
Wholeheartedly agree. It's one thing rotating one International player (Salah) for another (Mane) but its another thing rotating one mediocre player for an even more mediocre one.
Hopefully lee bowyer as manager of a team in a mediocre league will take note and give salad a run out.
bowyer must be mentally scared by last years injuries. No problem with rotation from me
Two thoughts: 1) Shouldn't Williams be part of the front 3 on either side, instead of being part of the midfield 3? With Doughty out, I hope Williams can show some form in 1 of those wide forward positions.
2) Are cramp and a hamstring pull really that similar feelings?
1 on current form No not worth a place
2 No not at all Cramp passes muscle pulls and tears do not. Playing on thru or after cramp likely to result in tears
If you bring in a slew of players some won't work, some will be injured, some will be a success. That goes for the whole squad. I hope there is no tacit or unspoken agreement with anybody over game time. I personally want to see players who are a) not a liability, and b) can have a positive effect on things. So far in my view there has not been a positive enough contribution from Watson, Williams and Levitt and Shinnie is borderline. I hope they all improve.
Shinnie’s only played 180 minutes of football, so give him a chance to bed in Seth. I think he’s done well so far, and he at least tries to be positive.
People are forgetting that Maddison could well be our key midfielder this season, and the midfield should look more balance when he’s back. Watson started badly, but looked much better last time out. Levitt is a work in progress. I’d expect Bowyer to improve him, but think he will use him sparingly, especially when Maddison is up and running.
But you need to try and get as many of the squad involved as possible, with a long season ahead (Covid willing). Can’t see Bowyer playing his number one team every match.
It didn’t matter in the end, as a couple of minutes later Amos’ fine catch and instant throw released Alfie Doughty, who burned Northampton for pace and his low cross was turned into his own net by the defender (although, encouragingly, a couple of Charlton players had raced into the box and were just behind him).
Well, that was a good win in dire conditions that were in zero ways conducive to good football.
Northampton looked poor and we didn't look much better for large swathes of the game, but in fairness, you can't judge either side's ability based on that game due to the inclement weather conditions. We fought harder and our slightly better players helped us exert more pressure that led to goals.
I said after about a minute that I thought we had picked the wrong team. We struggled to string passes together and Levitt seemed like a stranger. I hope he'll come good for us, because he obviously has good footballing pedigree, but it might be a year too early for him. Pratley's introduction was exactly what we needed and lent the side a better balance: we were more effective, if not as "pretty" as I would like, but it was the right move for the conditions. One of him or Watson should be starting most games from now on.
Our back line is fantastic. They got rid of the ball effectively and didn't look much like conceding. Amos was excellent when he needed to be. Inniss is a mountain, Famewo class, Maatsen a little subdued but I blame the conditions, and Gunter solid.
We weren't great inmidfield or up top yesterday but that's the conditions again. Won't hold anything against the forwards or midfielders. A two nil win away from home in those conditions is basically perfect. Keep them coming.
It didn’t matter in the end, as a couple of minutes later Amos’ fine catch and instant throw released Alfie Doughty, who burned Northampton for pace and his low cross was turned into his own net by the defender (although, encouragingly, a couple of Charlton players had raced into the box and were just behind him).
Except, along with several other posters, it is mysteriously inaccurate.
At least five people write about Amos's excellent throw out that released Doughty.
He kicked the ball out - admittedly with a low trajectory, but it was not a throw.
Saw the "Ben Hamer" kick out on Quest and was great to see that you can go from keeper to the excellent running ability of Doughty to the sublime finish by Sowerby who gave the keeper no chance.
You don't always need 30 passes to get into the opposition's half as it seemed we were doing against the ten men of Blackpool In 1st half.
Comments
But at this stage of his development games like yesterday in wet and windy conditions Pratley was a better option.
Thanks for the good, bad and ugly reports from the match yesterday.
Having seen about 1200 Charlton matches it doesn't take long to log on.
I would prefer Cafc to replicate Brighton under Gus Poyet with their supreme passing in League 1 but if not, then win Ugly.
I checked the stats after 40 minutes yesterday and it said we had no shots on target. After 90 it said 2 shots on target which I wonder did that include the wonderful Own goal ?
To create more chances we will need Ruud Maatsen to be a wing back and Alfie Doughty to do the same on the other side.
When Alfie learns to be more accurate with his crosses, the bids will double so be careful what you wish for.
Charlton until I die; even when I'm being unfaithful.
And you didn't refute anything grumpy said. Just an attack on how they viewed the game. Doesn't really add to a discussion
Which was two more than against Sunderland.
Marcus Maddison is going to be so important to this side if he can replicate his Peterborough stats.
A grisly spectacle in pretty horrible conditions but 3 points and a clean sheet made it another excellent day’s work.
A very poor first half, with a particularly inept first 20 minutes from Charlton. The midfield was pretty non-existent, with Levitt (in particular), JFC and Jonny Williams largely passengers. The lack of any combination play led to a string of long, hopeful punts upfield to an isolated Omar Bogle, who was well policed by Northampton’s big centre halves.
We were indebted to Ben Amos for a fine double save and I was relieved to go in at 0-0, especially as we had conceded a number of silly free kicks - with set plays an area in which Northampton tend to excel.
The conditions looked very difficult, with the effect of the swirling wind probably exacerbated by the four open corners of the ground and the modest dimensions of the stands (including the half built one, as a result of the scandalous misappropriation of a £10.25million Council loan in 2013/14 to redevelop the ground - https://www.google.co.uk/amp/s/www.bbc.com/news/amp/uk-england-northamptonshire-50951621 ). Difficult as they were, the conditions couldn’t excuse what was (with the exception of our defenders) a weak and rudderless first half performance.
Happily, Lee Bowyer acted decisively at half time, introducing Darren Pratley, who provided some much needed leadership and physicality in midfield. His dynamism also helped others around him raise their level. We put in a couple of decent corners early in the second half and, from one of them, Ryan Inniss headed neatly down for Pratters to lash home from close range. It should have been 2-0 moments later from another very good Inniss header (this time after he had drifted further out towards the edge of the box) but Smyth somehow contrived to put the ball over the bar from 6 yards. It didn’t matter in the end, as a couple of minutes later Amos’ fine catch and instant throw released Alfie Doughty, who burned Northampton for pace and his low cross was turned into his own net by the defender (although, encouragingly, a couple of Charlton players had raced into the box and were just behind him).
After that, we defended well and, save for the Alfie injury (which hopefully isn’t serious), little of note happened. We managed the game effectively and Northampton over hit a series of long balls, which caught the wind and skidded harmlessly off the greasy surface for goal kicks.
Amos and the centre backs had very good games again, Gunther was solid and Maatsen was better in the second half. Pratters was the pick of a modest midfield, while Bogle did ok up front, with Doughty, as is so often the case, providing our biggest offensive threat. Smyth was below par but we’ve seen what he can offer and hopefully that miss won’t undermine his confidence in front of goal.
Hopefully we haven’t picked up any further knocks other than Alfie’s injury and I expect that Watson, Shinnie and Washington will come into the reckoning for Tuesday night. I imagine he’ll want to give Bogle a breather, as he’s one of those who didn’t get a pre-season.
Not a game for the memoirs but 9 points in the last 8 days is a tremendous return, especially as we have players like Gilbey and Maddison to come back into the side in the near future. Given the traumas of recent months and with such a newly assembled squad, it’s great to find ourselves in the upper reaches of the table at this early stage.
Rotating players has benefits and drawbacks, but if the focus is on points rather than performances, we might have to swallow this (and the tenner per game.)
The defender finished with aplomb, but are we all confident that Bogle and Smyth would have done the same had the defender missed it?
I would really like to see these guys get on the scoresheet before I start getting nervous that they are not good enough for a promotion campaign.
Of course they need the service for that, but Smyth's howler from 6 yards doesn't inspire me with confidence.
Maybe we should put Pratters up front (joke)
Early days I know so I won't write them off
Whoop whoop.
bowyer must be mentally scared by last years injuries. No problem with rotation from me
Will Salad be a healthy option ?
2 No not at all Cramp passes muscle pulls and tears do not. Playing on thru or after cramp likely to result in tears
Watson started badly, but looked much better last time out. Levitt is a work in progress. I’d expect Bowyer to improve him, but think he will use him sparingly, especially when Maddison is up and running.
At least five people write about Amos's excellent throw out that released Doughty.
He kicked the ball out - admittedly with a low trajectory, but it was not a throw.
Northampton looked poor and we didn't look much better for large swathes of the game, but in fairness, you can't judge either side's ability based on that game due to the inclement weather conditions. We fought harder and our slightly better players helped us exert more pressure that led to goals.
I said after about a minute that I thought we had picked the wrong team. We struggled to string passes together and Levitt seemed like a stranger. I hope he'll come good for us, because he obviously has good footballing pedigree, but it might be a year too early for him. Pratley's introduction was exactly what we needed and lent the side a better balance: we were more effective, if not as "pretty" as I would like, but it was the right move for the conditions. One of him or Watson should be starting most games from now on.
Our back line is fantastic. They got rid of the ball effectively and didn't look much like conceding. Amos was excellent when he needed to be. Inniss is a mountain, Famewo class, Maatsen a little subdued but I blame the conditions, and Gunter solid.
We weren't great inmidfield or up top yesterday but that's the conditions again. Won't hold anything against the forwards or midfielders. A two nil win away from home in those conditions is basically perfect. Keep them coming.
Saw the "Ben Hamer" kick out on Quest and was great to see that you can go from keeper to the excellent running ability of Doughty to the sublime finish by Sowerby who gave the keeper no chance.
You don't always need 30 passes to get into the opposition's half as it seemed we were doing against the ten men of Blackpool In 1st half.