A convincing Charlton side run rampant over Southampton’s young squad, particularly in the first half. An enjoyable display all round, even if we weren’t quite as dominant in the second half. If we’re being picky, the clean sheet remains elusive (despite Harness playing particularly well).
More minutes for key players in the squad, as well as a good result to build confidence.
Over to you.
Charlton 4 Southampton 1
2
Comments
Lots of positives for me from that game, though slightly concerned that again we came out for a second half and looked off the pace.
Looks like it was hitting the post.
We need to sign Taylor on a long contract ASAP.
Purrington could have had a hat trick! Thought he was very good tonight.
Men against boys in the first half when we were very good, although it was a much flatter performance from Charlton in the second, with the structure of the team looking loose, particularly in midfield. Fitness levels do appear to be a problem.
Harness did very well when called upon, with a fine penalty save, generally dominating his area and some very good distribution. Purrington was pretty solid and chipped in with a goal and an assist, as well as hitting the woodwork. The three other defenders all looked a bit wobbly at times. If I was Elerewe’s agent, I wouldn’t be too aggressive in the contractual negotiations.
Morgan was the pick of the midfielders, although Dobson also played some very good cross field balls to switch play. There was a lot of space for Southampton to operate in during the second half, although Dempsey helped to shore things up a bit when he came on. Clare did ok, although given that Robinson tried to convert him to a right back at Oxford, I wondered whether he might be able to do a job for us there, given the problems we have with Matthews and Gunter.
Kirk had a relatively quiet game, whilst DJ blew hot and cold as usual - very frustrating. CBT showed them both how it’s done when he came on towards the end, whilst Stockley’s two (nearly three) goals will do him no harm whatsoever.
All in all, a reasonable and stress-free evening’s entertainment, although 4-1 probably flattered us in the end (not that it matters a jot).
Harness, Purrington, Dobson and Morgan were the standouts to me, with CBT making a brilliant sub appearance
Harness makes me wonder why we needed Henderson. Some great distribution as well as some good saves
Purrington was solid and a real threat in the opposition penalty box, and linking well with Kirk.
Dobson really surprised me with his passing, some really nice cross field balls
Morgan players some great forward passes all match, and had a second wind when CBT came on, as the two of them linked up superbly. He's not a No 10 floating around the box like Lee, but is a brilliant passer when he has players like CBT willing to run forward.
DJ was frustrating, as there wasn't enough end product. He gets the ball in dangerous positions, but then dawdles on the ball instead of getting the cross in straight away.
What exactly is he supposed to be that we spent money on him?
If CBT leaves at Xmas I would be very worried that our wingers would be Kirk and DJ, who does have attacking skill but also terrible decision making.
Let's take it seriously. As you say, winning is a good habit and it keeps squad morale high.
He can't do the defensive duties of two players, he shouldn't have to. I have concerns over Clare's fitness.
I've noticed the nicely nicely drivel of Adkins is catching. Scotty on Charlton TV seemed to avoid asking any pressing questions after the Bolton drivel and instead focussed on "the decent 20 minutes" in the first half. Even Curbs was joining in the love in.
We are way below the standards we should be reaching every week. This should be what is zoned in on not some good throw in or a random nutmeg. It's really pathetic.
I dont mind the competition & like people have said winning breeds confidence and thats only a good thing.
I would rather we had a go at the FA Cup and League Cup rather than always saying that we have to 'concentrate on the league.'
Having said that, I'm glad those that attended enjoyed it and if it's good practise for our reserves then that's a good thing.
I just don't want to see us getting excited about it even if we win the dumb thing because it is totally of no value.
Think I'm done with Matthews now. Only a couple of months or so ago I said he was one of the few who could cut it in the championship after his last showing there. Isn't learning from mistakes or just doesn't care for some reason.