Some great action there, but right at the start was that Gunter (who is as bad as Matthews), who just stood still and let their player run in unchallenged?
How can an experienced player be that inept week in week out? I mean you don't even have to be able to play football, to be able to run alongside someone and keep goal side of them.
It looks to me as if he’s slightly distracted by a player advancing out wide and is telling someone to pick him up whilst trying to hold a high line. However the opponent points to where he wants the ball and times his run to perfection. I agree though he switched of momentarily which is all it takes and McGillivray saved his bacon and a disastrous 0-1 early doors.
Agreed, he was pointing to Leko to get back & to get behind his man. In doing so he lets his own player run through unchallenged for a one on one with the keeper. I'm afraid both Matthews and Gunter are rank and they seem to be getting worse. They can't even get the basics right.
I am really not sure how much of the right back problem is purely the right backs fault.
If you look at Bolton's equaliser on Tuesday, for example, yes Matthews bought the drop of the shoulder and should have shown him outside. If you look at when the winger gets the ball he is in miles of space and Matthews is in field picking someone else up. By the time he engaged Matthews he had the ball well under control and was running with it. Which makes defending much harder.
It's a problem than we had last season as well. Do teams focus on our right back because they are a weakness? Or is it a weakness somewhere else that makes it one, like the right CB channel or the winger not tracking back. Gunter's legs haven't gone and neither him nor Matthews are worse defensively, as players, than Purrington.
Neither of them are as bad as they sometimes look. It would be a massive coinsidence if our only 2 right backs are both not bothered, or words to that effect.
Great day out. Good laugh with family and friends.
A better performance, Leko and Lee are good players for us, Arter showed potential that he could be far better than the rest of midfield. Davison continues t impress, the goal will really help Stockley.
A lot of improvement still to be made but there is something to work from. Adkins needs to stop making all the changes, his starting xI for Lincoln should be the same as today, simply no need to change it unless anyone gets injured.
That’s the midfield I would start if we are to play with a sole striker.
If we can get fitness up to a high level across the squad over the next couple of weeks and we work on being compact without the ball, hard to break down and work on being more ruthless in front of goal, we will start to climb the table.
Incredibly, if we beat Lincoln, we go joint level points with them. If we do and Portsmouth lose, we go 3 points behind them. Two teams you would expect to be up in the higher end of the table come the end of the season. Similarly with Ipswich too, only a point above us.
We have had a shocking start to the season we really have, but the fight and character shown for this win in tough conditions when confidence is low and things could’ve easily went wrong when we conceded, it’s a positive sign.
Ignore who the manager is at the moment, this squad of players should not be in this position and ultimately, it’s up to them to get themselves out of it.
This league is stupid really. We could have this start but then all of a sudden spring 3 or 4 wins together out of nowhere and you’re sitting mid table thinking now we can kick on and target those spots above us.
Leko and Lee are fantastic players at this level, Arter if we can get him playing at a level he has been before should really be the best midfielder in this division, and Gilbey has shown how vital he is to us since Adkins came in.
Not getting ahead of myself because one win doesn’t change how awful it’s been for most of the season. But we need to use this as a springboard now, put the first 10 games behind us and focus on a 36 game season where we have just won the first of them.
Feels nice to have a weekend not ruined by Charlton and 3 points in the bag. Incredible how our club has such an impact on our mood.
Well done to all the travelling Addicks too. Was thinking earlier how this win epitomised why Seb was so obsessed with Charlton. Through thick and thin, and when times are bleak, a result with real character and a bit of quality is why we do what we do. It’s why he followed us everywhere. It makes it worthwhile.
Some great action there, but right at the start was that Gunter (who is as bad as Matthews), who just stood still and let their player run in unchallenged?
How can an experienced player be that inept week in week out? I mean you don't even have to be able to play football, to be able to run alongside someone and keep goal side of them.
It looks to me as if he’s slightly distracted by a player advancing out wide and is telling someone to pick him up whilst trying to hold a high line. However the opponent points to where he wants the ball and times his run to perfection. I agree though he switched of momentarily which is all it takes and McGillivray saved his bacon and a disastrous 0-1 early doors.
Agreed, he was pointing to Leko to get back & to get behind his man. In doing so he lets his own player run through unchallenged for a one on one with the keeper. I'm afraid both Matthews and Gunter are rank and they seem to be getting worse. They can't even get the basics right.
If you break down the whole move of that part of play, there are a number of issues.
Neither Gunter or Lavelle recognise quick enough where the danger space is. It’s created because of the huge gap between Gunter and Lavelle. There are two reasons for that.
Firstly, Famewo fails to take control of the situation with their striker meaning Lavelle has to engage in an area he probably shouldn’t be in. The gap between the two centre backs suddenly becomes too small. There was room either side and in behind. A lack of communication in that instance was a problem.
Secondly, Gunter gets himself on the wrong side and too square on. He needs to tuck round and vacate the space and leave their player out wide on his right, he can’t hurt us there. So forget him and telling others to get in position and ensure you do your own positional defensive duties first. By the time Lavelle has reacted to where the danger is, he’s told Famewo to take control of their striker and tried to shuffle along. Whilst this is happening, Gunter moves even more face on and let’s their player get a run on him where the space is. He then claims for offside. Lavelle is too far away and too slow to get back and cover that space or intercept. He is also slightly ball watching, but naturally would assume your full back would be in a better position.
We are lucky that MacGillivray closed the angle down and came out quickly to make a solid and crucial save because switching off for that 5 second period could’ve cost us. It shows we have lots of room for improvement still and is an important reminder.
I understand that at the level we are players have limitations, but these errors are clear and are easy to cut out through doing the basics to a good level. I am sure we will get there and improve.
Entertaining game, pretty much end to end, but the difference was the quality of our forward players.
For me Gilbey was outstanding throughout the 90. an amazing accomplishment given the severity of his covid illness.
Saw a much better Arter, but he is clearly not quite fit enough. As Curbs said, with two weeks off the fitness thing come the next league game is no longer a valid excuse. I agree.
We could have scored more but so could Fleetwood too, so the right result regardless.
Our fullbacks were not really tested today but the midfield was more compact and the forwards less isolated.
Kirk played well, even tracking back which is what he needs to do. Davison continues to grow in stature....that shot that hit the post had no right to from that angle....would have been a hell of a goal. Less whining from Stockley and a very good finish.
The players at the end of the game....could see what it meant to them they gave it 100% for the first time this season. The hugging and congratulations amongst the player's staff and manager spoke volumes.
A timely reprieve for Adkins.....noticeable he is less upbeat Smashie Nicey which Im pleased to see.
I feared taking Josh off was a mistake and very happy to be proved wrong but still prefer the former in front of Stockley.
The last of the midnight kick offs for me.....next one is 2am.....I will be there.......maybe I should have moved to Perth
Some great action there, but right at the start was that Gunter (who is as bad as Matthews), who just stood still and let their player run in unchallenged?
How can an experienced player be that inept week in week out? I mean you don't even have to be able to play football, to be able to run alongside someone and keep goal side of them.
It looks to me as if he’s slightly distracted by a player advancing out wide and is telling someone to pick him up whilst trying to hold a high line. However the opponent points to where he wants the ball and times his run to perfection. I agree though he switched of momentarily which is all it takes and McGillivray saved his bacon and a disastrous 0-1 early doors.
Agreed, he was pointing to Leko to get back & to get behind his man. In doing so he lets his own player run through unchallenged for a one on one with the keeper. I'm afraid both Matthews and Gunter are rank and they seem to be getting worse. They can't even get the basics right.
If you break down the whole move of that part of play, there are a number of issues.
Neither Gunter or Lavelle recognise quick enough where the danger space is. It’s created because of the huge gap between Gunter and Lavelle. There are two reasons for that.
Firstly, Famewo fails to take control of the situation with their striker meaning Lavelle has to engage in an area he probably shouldn’t be in. The gap between the two centre backs suddenly becomes too small. There was room either side and in behind. A lack of communication in that instance was a problem.
Secondly, Gunter gets himself on the wrong side and too square on. He needs to tuck round and vacate the space and leave their player out wide on his right, he can’t hurt us there. So forget him and telling others to get in position and ensure you do your own positional defensive duties first. By the time Lavelle has reacted to where the danger is, he’s told Famewo to take control of their striker and tried to shuffle along. Whilst this is happening, Gunter moves even more face on and let’s their player get a run on him where the space is. He then claims for offside. Lavelle is too far away and too slow to get back and cover that space or intercept. He is also slightly ball watching, but naturally would assume your full back would be in a better position.
We are lucky that MacGillivray closed the angle down and came out quickly to make a solid and crucial save because switching off for that 5 second period could’ve cost us. It shows we have lots of room for improvement still and is an important reminder.
I understand that at the level we are players have limitations, but these errors are clear and are easy to cut out through doing the basics to a good level. I am sure we will get there and improve.
Some great action there, but right at the start was that Gunter (who is as bad as Matthews), who just stood still and let their player run in unchallenged?
How can an experienced player be that inept week in week out? I mean you don't even have to be able to play football, to be able to run alongside someone and keep goal side of them.
It looks to me as if he’s slightly distracted by a player advancing out wide and is telling someone to pick him up whilst trying to hold a high line. However the opponent points to where he wants the ball and times his run to perfection. I agree though he switched of momentarily which is all it takes and McGillivray saved his bacon and a disastrous 0-1 early doors.
Agreed, he was pointing to Leko to get back & to get behind his man. In doing so he lets his own player run through unchallenged for a one on one with the keeper. I'm afraid both Matthews and Gunter are rank and they seem to be getting worse. They can't even get the basics right.
If you break down the whole move of that part of play, there are a number of issues.
Neither Gunter or Lavelle recognise quick enough where the danger space is. It’s created because of the huge gap between Gunter and Lavelle. There are two reasons for that.
Firstly, Famewo fails to take control of the situation with their striker meaning Lavelle has to engage in an area he probably shouldn’t be in. The gap between the two centre backs suddenly becomes too small. There was room either side and in behind. A lack of communication in that instance was a problem.
Secondly, Gunter gets himself on the wrong side and too square on. He needs to tuck round and vacate the space and leave their player out wide on his right, he can’t hurt us there. So forget him and telling others to get in position and ensure you do your own positional defensive duties first. By the time Lavelle has reacted to where the danger is, he’s told Famewo to take control of their striker and tried to shuffle along. Whilst this is happening, Gunter moves even more face on and let’s their player get a run on him where the space is. He then claims for offside. Lavelle is too far away and too slow to get back and cover that space or intercept. He is also slightly ball watching, but naturally would assume your full back would be in a better position.
We are lucky that MacGillivray closed the angle down and came out quickly to make a solid and crucial save because switching off for that 5 second period could’ve cost us. It shows we have lots of room for improvement still and is an important reminder.
I understand that at the level we are players have limitations, but these errors are clear and are easy to cut out through doing the basics to a good level. I am sure we will get there and improve.
Thank you for your application for the position of Manager at Charlton Athletic Football Club. We were most impressed with your cogent analysis and would like to invite you for interview. Our recruitment consultant Ms Katrien Meire will be arranging 20 such interviews in a 2 hour period the week commencing Monday 4th October.
Lots of love
Thomas Sandgaard
ps What are you like at early morning motivational video tweets?
Leko - looked excellent. Notice for his goal, he passes to Kirk and does not do the Charlton thing and stay still following the pass. He sprints to the left to make himself available in a new position and also to open up the centre for Kirk.
Their fk - no idea what happened here. The wall and MacGillivray seemed to be in the same position. Lavelle's reaction and position seems guilty that he didn't jump. It wasn't quite the amazing free kick into the top corner that cafc twitter made out.
Just seen the highlights and not sure what has been added to yesterday's comments about CM keeping. But, he did make an outstanding save 1st half with his foot in a 1 on 1 with the attacker when the striker was odds on to score.
The free kick goal - he is desperately trying to find any clue as to which side of the goal the kicker is going for. He takes a small step to his right just before the kicker strikes the ball to CMs left with just enough bend and pace to elude him. Bit harsh to criticise him for that - better to accept that it was a very well taken free kick.
Some great action there, but right at the start was that Gunter (who is as bad as Matthews), who just stood still and let their player run in unchallenged?
How can an experienced player be that inept week in week out? I mean you don't even have to be able to play football, to be able to run alongside someone and keep goal side of them.
It looks to me as if he’s slightly distracted by a player advancing out wide and is telling someone to pick him up whilst trying to hold a high line. However the opponent points to where he wants the ball and times his run to perfection. I agree though he switched of momentarily which is all it takes and McGillivray saved his bacon and a disastrous 0-1 early doors.
Agreed, he was pointing to Leko to get back & to get behind his man. In doing so he lets his own player run through unchallenged for a one on one with the keeper. I'm afraid both Matthews and Gunter are rank and they seem to be getting worse. They can't even get the basics right.
If you break down the whole move of that part of play, there are a number of issues.
Neither Gunter or Lavelle recognise quick enough where the danger space is. It’s created because of the huge gap between Gunter and Lavelle. There are two reasons for that.
Firstly, Famewo fails to take control of the situation with their striker meaning Lavelle has to engage in an area he probably shouldn’t be in. The gap between the two centre backs suddenly becomes too small. There was room either side and in behind. A lack of communication in that instance was a problem.
Secondly, Gunter gets himself on the wrong side and too square on. He needs to tuck round and vacate the space and leave their player out wide on his right, he can’t hurt us there. So forget him and telling others to get in position and ensure you do your own positional defensive duties first. By the time Lavelle has reacted to where the danger is, he’s told Famewo to take control of their striker and tried to shuffle along. Whilst this is happening, Gunter moves even more face on and let’s their player get a run on him where the space is. He then claims for offside. Lavelle is too far away and too slow to get back and cover that space or intercept. He is also slightly ball watching, but naturally would assume your full back would be in a better position.
We are lucky that MacGillivray closed the angle down and came out quickly to make a solid and crucial save because switching off for that 5 second period could’ve cost us. It shows we have lots of room for improvement still and is an important reminder.
I understand that at the level we are players have limitations, but these errors are clear and are easy to cut out through doing the basics to a good level. I am sure we will get there and improve.
Thank you for your application for the position of Manager at Charlton Athletic Football Club. We were most impressed with your cogent analysis and would like to invite you for interview. Our recruitment consultant Ms Katrien Meire will be arranging 20 such interviews in a 2 hour period the week commencing Monday 4th October.
Lots of love
Thomas Sandgaard
ps What are you like at early morning motivational video tweets?
Some great action there, but right at the start was that Gunter (who is as bad as Matthews), who just stood still and let their player run in unchallenged?
How can an experienced player be that inept week in week out? I mean you don't even have to be able to play football, to be able to run alongside someone and keep goal side of them.
It looks to me as if he’s slightly distracted by a player advancing out wide and is telling someone to pick him up whilst trying to hold a high line. However the opponent points to where he wants the ball and times his run to perfection. I agree though he switched of momentarily which is all it takes and McGillivray saved his bacon and a disastrous 0-1 early doors.
Agreed, he was pointing to Leko to get back & to get behind his man. In doing so he lets his own player run through unchallenged for a one on one with the keeper. I'm afraid both Matthews and Gunter are rank and they seem to be getting worse. They can't even get the basics right.
If you break down the whole move of that part of play, there are a number of issues.
Neither Gunter or Lavelle recognise quick enough where the danger space is. It’s created because of the huge gap between Gunter and Lavelle. There are two reasons for that.
Firstly, Famewo fails to take control of the situation with their striker meaning Lavelle has to engage in an area he probably shouldn’t be in. The gap between the two centre backs suddenly becomes too small. There was room either side and in behind. A lack of communication in that instance was a problem.
Secondly, Gunter gets himself on the wrong side and too square on. He needs to tuck round and vacate the space and leave their player out wide on his right, he can’t hurt us there. So forget him and telling others to get in position and ensure you do your own positional defensive duties first. By the time Lavelle has reacted to where the danger is, he’s told Famewo to take control of their striker and tried to shuffle along. Whilst this is happening, Gunter moves even more face on and let’s their player get a run on him where the space is. He then claims for offside. Lavelle is too far away and too slow to get back and cover that space or intercept. He is also slightly ball watching, but naturally would assume your full back would be in a better position.
We are lucky that MacGillivray closed the angle down and came out quickly to make a solid and crucial save because switching off for that 5 second period could’ve cost us. It shows we have lots of room for improvement still and is an important reminder.
I understand that at the level we are players have limitations, but these errors are clear and are easy to cut out through doing the basics to a good level. I am sure we will get there and improve.
If football was played as clinically perfect as this analysis, it would be a very boring stalemated game
Hope it’s not too late to make my prediction ( time zone differences are confusing) I reckon it’ll be a 2-1 Win to us. Leko and Stockley to score in that order.
With that foresight @KiwiValley, hopefully you did the lottery at the same "time"...
Really liked Leko's goal .... from standing with the ball, he killed that defender with that sudden sharp movement to create the space to shoot. And a very decent strike too.
Along with his assist for the second, two games in a row he’s use his pace to get past his man and whip a ball into the box - lethal at this level.
Craig Mac is well in credit. He has had a defence which is the polar opposite to the 7 game run of last season when no goals were conceded. A fit Ryan Inniss who was a rock being the leader of the defence. Craig MacGillivray is a good League 1 keeper, the same as Ben Amos.
When asked after the game what his favoured position was Leko said left wing (though very happy to play anywhere). I think he's shown he's better on the right where he doesn't have to think too much, just beat his man and put a cross in. CBT is probably better on the right too but I'd say he'd be more effective than Leko on the left. Nice to have a couple of players that can play either side.
A bit optimistic of me but we are only 4 wins away from the play off area,other teams will beat each other so lets go on a run and be top half by Christmas.I still think our big squad will play a big part .
Interesting about Leko. I've seen him fo more damage on the right than left (that goal apart). But having wingers who can switch wings is handy bu we aren't at that level/luxery yet as still in a relegation battle!
Really liked Leko's goal .... from standing with the ball, he killed that defender with that sudden sharp movement to create the space to shoot. And a very decent strike too.
Along with his assist for the second, two games in a row he’s use his pace to get past his man and whip a ball into the box - lethal at this level.
Agree about Leko, and not forgetting CBT who skinned his defender for fun and gave a great ball for Lee to score at the valley.
Kirk, isn't as dynamic as Leko and CBT but his best form at Crewe means he will improve as cohesion is found among this group of players.
14 players can influence a game; getting that right and the timing of the subs is paramount. Stockley coming on in 62minutes for the impressive Davison may have looked problematical but Stockley against a flagging defence attacked the six yard box and emulated Josh Davison against Bolton.
Just one win, but so important with the fitness levels that can be raise over the next two weeks, with stamina, tactics and guys all wanting the shirt which should all be evident at Sparrows lane.
There were positives and negatives from yesterday. Some of us are looking for signs that we won't get relegated, but others will be looking for signs that we can get ourselves in a position to have a push for the play offs. Of course poor result after poor result makes that a more distant opportunity. So as Bolton was a must win, so was yesterday and so will the next four or five games.
So what we are looking for is evidence we can go on the sort of runs that will get us back on track. So was there evidence yesterday? I would say yes but nothing we can yet bank on and how we follow it up will be key.
So the positives: We played some good football in stages. Offensively we look to be on to something. Defensively we improved but we were still not perfect. Leko looks well above the Division standard. We recovered from a blow that would have floored us in previous games. We scored good goals and missed some good chances. We were the better side. The reaction to the victory was promising where there did seem to be a togetherness and determination.
These are all things that could be deemed very promising. But there were still negatives: We allowed Fleetwood to get through us too easily at times. We missed chances that we need to start putting away. We let Fleetwood back into it. We sat too deeply at the end and relied on a bit of luck and backs to the wall defending to keep them out. Although less so, that fragility still seemed to be there. Maybe this can be attributed to confidence but we need to see it stop if we are going to go on that run which has to start now.
Fitness can no longer be an excuse and Adkins needs to play as close to that team as possible against Southampton and build form there. I think Sandgaard has given Adkins more time than he should but I would want 4 wins from our next five to get on a a decent springboard and that should be Adkins' target to save his job.
Certainly still need to take yesterdays result with a degree of caution rather than thinking that we can look upwards now - Said prior to the Portsmouth game that they were nothing special as their three wins prior to our encounter all came against teams in the bottom four at the time of facing them.
We've basically mirrored their two results against Crewe and Fleetwood now, so apart from their demolition win against Sunderland (which I didnt see coming) I think they're a good benchmark as to where we can aim for at present.
Comments
If you look at Bolton's equaliser on Tuesday, for example, yes Matthews bought the drop of the shoulder and should have shown him outside. If you look at when the winger gets the ball he is in miles of space and Matthews is in field picking someone else up. By the time he engaged Matthews he had the ball well under control and was running with it. Which makes defending much harder.
It's a problem than we had last season as well. Do teams focus on our right back because they are a weakness? Or is it a weakness somewhere else that makes it one, like the right CB channel or the winger not tracking back. Gunter's legs haven't gone and neither him nor Matthews are worse defensively, as players, than Purrington.
Neither of them are as bad as they sometimes look. It would be a massive coinsidence if our only 2 right backs are both not bothered, or words to that effect.
A better performance, Leko and Lee are good players for us, Arter showed potential that he could be far better than the rest of midfield. Davison continues t impress, the goal will really help Stockley.
A lot of improvement still to be made but there is something to work from. Adkins needs to stop making all the changes, his starting xI for Lincoln should be the same as today, simply no need to change it unless anyone gets injured.
If we can get fitness up to a high level across the squad over the next couple of weeks and we work on being compact without the ball, hard to break down and work on being more ruthless in front of goal, we will start to climb the table.
Incredibly, if we beat Lincoln, we go joint level points with them. If we do and Portsmouth lose, we go 3 points behind them. Two teams you would expect to be up in the higher end of the table come the end of the season. Similarly with Ipswich too, only a point above us.
We have had a shocking start to the season we really have, but the fight and character shown for this win in tough conditions when confidence is low and things could’ve easily went wrong when we conceded, it’s a positive sign.
Ignore who the manager is at the moment, this squad of players should not be in this position and ultimately, it’s up to them to get themselves out of it.
This league is stupid really. We could have this start but then all of a sudden spring 3 or 4 wins together out of nowhere and you’re sitting mid table thinking now we can kick on and target those spots above us.
Leko and Lee are fantastic players at this level, Arter if we can get him playing at a level he has been before should really be the best midfielder in this division, and Gilbey has shown how vital he is to us since Adkins came in.
Not getting ahead of myself because one win doesn’t change how awful it’s been for most of the season. But we need to use this as a springboard now, put the first 10 games behind us and focus on a 36 game season where we have just won the first of them.
Feels nice to have a weekend not ruined by Charlton and 3 points in the bag. Incredible how our club has such an impact on our mood.
Well done to all the travelling Addicks too. Was thinking earlier how this win epitomised why Seb was so obsessed with Charlton. Through thick and thin, and when times are bleak, a result with real character and a bit of quality is why we do what we do. It’s why he followed us everywhere. It makes it worthwhile.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend everyone.
Neither Gunter or Lavelle recognise quick enough where the danger space is. It’s created because of the huge gap between Gunter and Lavelle. There are two reasons for that.
Firstly, Famewo fails to take control of the situation with their striker meaning Lavelle has to engage in an area he probably shouldn’t be in. The gap between the two centre backs suddenly becomes too small. There was room either side and in behind. A lack of communication in that instance was a problem.
Secondly, Gunter gets himself on the wrong side and too square on. He needs to tuck round and vacate the space and leave their player out wide on his right, he can’t hurt us there. So forget him and telling others to get in position and ensure you do your own positional defensive duties first. By the time Lavelle has reacted to where the danger is, he’s told Famewo to take control of their striker and tried to shuffle along. Whilst this is happening, Gunter moves even more face on and let’s their player get a run on him where the space is. He then claims for offside. Lavelle is too far away and too slow to get back and cover that space or intercept. He is also slightly ball watching, but naturally would assume your full back would be in a better position.
We are lucky that MacGillivray closed the angle down and came out quickly to make a solid and crucial save because switching off for that 5 second period could’ve cost us. It shows we have lots of room for improvement still and is an important reminder.
I understand that at the level we are players have limitations, but these errors are clear and are easy to cut out through doing the basics to a good level. I am sure we will get there and improve.
For me Gilbey was outstanding throughout the 90. an amazing accomplishment given the severity of his covid illness.
Saw a much better Arter, but he is clearly not quite fit enough. As Curbs said, with two weeks off the fitness thing come the next league game is no longer a valid excuse. I agree.
We could have scored more but so could Fleetwood too, so the right result regardless.
Our fullbacks were not really tested today but the midfield was more compact and the forwards less isolated.
Kirk played well, even tracking back which is what he needs to do. Davison continues to grow in stature....that shot that hit the post had no right to from that angle....would have been a hell of a goal. Less whining from Stockley and a very good finish.
The players at the end of the game....could see what it meant to them they gave it 100% for the first time this season. The hugging and congratulations amongst the player's staff and manager spoke volumes.
A timely reprieve for Adkins.....noticeable he is less upbeat Smashie Nicey which Im pleased to see.
I feared taking Josh off was a mistake and very happy to be proved wrong but still prefer the former in front of Stockley.
The last of the midnight kick offs for me.....next one is 2am.....I will be there.......maybe I should have moved to Perth
Just need a few wins now.
Thank you for your application for the position of Manager at Charlton Athletic Football Club. We were most impressed with your cogent analysis and would like to invite you for interview. Our recruitment consultant Ms Katrien Meire will be arranging 20 such interviews in a 2 hour period the week commencing Monday 4th October.
Lots of love
Thomas Sandgaard
ps What are you like at early morning motivational video tweets?
Their fk - no idea what happened here. The wall and MacGillivray seemed to be in the same position. Lavelle's reaction and position seems guilty that he didn't jump. It wasn't quite the amazing free kick into the top corner that cafc twitter made out.
But, he did make an outstanding save 1st half with his foot in a 1 on 1 with the attacker when the striker was odds on to score.
The free kick goal - he is desperately trying to find any clue as to which side of the goal the kicker is going for.
He takes a small step to his right just before the kicker strikes the ball to CMs left with just enough bend and pace to elude him. Bit harsh to criticise him for that - better to accept that it was a very well taken free kick.
Craig MacGillivray is a good League 1 keeper, the same as Ben Amos.
Agree about Leko, and not forgetting CBT who skinned his defender for fun and gave a great ball for Lee to score at the valley.
Kirk, isn't as dynamic as Leko and CBT but his best form at Crewe means he will improve as cohesion is found among this group of players.
14 players can influence a game; getting that right and the timing of the subs is paramount. Stockley coming on in 62minutes for the impressive Davison may have looked problematical but Stockley against a flagging defence attacked the six yard box and emulated Josh Davison against Bolton.
Just one win, but so important with the fitness levels that can be raise over the next two weeks, with stamina, tactics and guys all wanting the shirt which should all be evident at Sparrows lane.
So what we are looking for is evidence we can go on the sort of runs that will get us back on track. So was there evidence yesterday? I would say yes but nothing we can yet bank on and how we follow it up will be key.
So the positives:
We played some good football in stages. Offensively we look to be on to something. Defensively we improved but we were still not perfect. Leko looks well above the Division standard. We recovered from a blow that would have floored us in previous games. We scored good goals and missed some good chances. We were the better side. The reaction to the victory was promising where there did seem to be a togetherness and determination.
These are all things that could be deemed very promising. But there were still negatives:
We allowed Fleetwood to get through us too easily at times. We missed chances that we need to start putting away. We let Fleetwood back into it. We sat too deeply at the end and relied on a bit of luck and backs to the wall defending to keep them out. Although less so, that fragility still seemed to be there. Maybe this can be attributed to confidence but we need to see it stop if we are going to go on that run which has to start now.
Fitness can no longer be an excuse and Adkins needs to play as close to that team as possible against Southampton and build form there. I think Sandgaard has given Adkins more time than he should but I would want 4 wins from our next five to get on a a decent springboard and that should be Adkins' target to save his job.
We've basically mirrored their two results against Crewe and Fleetwood now, so apart from their demolition win against Sunderland (which I didnt see coming) I think they're a good benchmark as to where we can aim for at present.