Ben Garner’s Addicks received a rude awakening when Derby visited the Valley with their own effective brand of possession-based attacking football. Relentless pressure from the off caught the Addicks flat footed. Derby dominated possession, whilst Charlton chased shadows. We failed to find any pattern of play, with Derby’s press proving effective. In his pre-match interview, Ben Garner assured us that the squad had trained well all week, but, rather worryingly, little of that showed once battle commenced. Lack of movement and lack of urgency translated into a lack of confidence. Derby tasted blood and only Wollacott’s shot-stopping ability kept them at bay. Three quite miraculous saves and a late shot against the upright proved Derby’s intention. With a head injury a change was made, bringing Dobson on to provide much needed bite in midfield to replace a possibly concussed MacGrandles. It wasn’t until the 43rd minute that we threatened. Stockley’s flying header was somehow kept out. In as much as we were battered with little to no effective counter, both sides went into halftime honours even.
The second half started much more brightly for Charlton. More energy and a higher tempo proved effective. Suddenly, Derby were the ones making unforced errors and looking unsure. The home support responded accordingly.
On 61 minutes a counter attack comprised of quick passes and a surging run from Albie Morgan put CBT through on an open goal to push Charlton ahead. Derby players and supporters must have been scratching their heads in wonder at the apparent role reversal!
Both sides then traded blows. The goal woke Derby from their slumber, but they continued to probe to no avail. They seemed unable to find the target and should have done better on multiple occasions. Conversely, clever counting attacks from Charlton proved threatening. CBT’s pace put pressure on Derby, which forced a couple of last ditch efforts to protect their goal.
On 80 mins Garner made three changes that showed positive intent to shore up outlet attack. Leaburn for CBT, Payne for Fraser, and DJ for Kirk. When Payne is on the pitch we need to find him to feet at every opportunity. His ability to turn on the ball and drive forward with the ball at his feet is effective in helping us retain possession and put the opposition on the back foot. His low centre of gravity and quick feet make the world of difference to our team play.
I’ll leave it to others to signal individual performances in detail, but for me Dobbo is a must for us as the midfield anchor; his presence helped inspire more confidence. Clare played very well at the back. And Albie Morgan had an impact on our turn around. Wollacott practically played Derby on his own in the first half. He’s a very good keeper. Ben Garner must have one hell of a halftime team talk. His side stuck with it and that proved decisive. Meanwhile, Derby lilted in the glorious South London heat.
Derby I’m sure are still scratching their heads as to how they’ve not got something from their afternoon of work. Football’s a funny old game.
Charlton 1 Derby 0
Anyway, rather curiously, I’m in the mood for worthless, shitty robot art; who’s going to join me in purchasing a commemorative NFT? Syke, feck those grifters.
Comments
Derby seemed to give everything in the First 45 mins. The fact we went in at 0-0 was huge. Derby could not keep that level of intensity second half and that really played into our hands. We played with a higher tempo, confidence and created some fantastic chances.
We were more clinical then Derby today. 4 points from opening two games, really happy with that.
Bring on Wednesday COYR!
The sun is shining, Nigel & Millwall lost and Charlton won. Sounds like a good weekend to me.
Haven't been 100% convinced but a new style of play will take time.
Today against better teams proved that we need a Dobson character in that midfield anchor, and Albie Morgan proved that he firstly shouldnt be used there against better opposition, but also he showed second half how wasteful it is to play him there - Lad has been a revelation this term already, and was only pipped to MOTM for me because of Wollacott - Defensively we looked better today, but as someone got jokingly called out for at the end of the Match Thread - On other days, this side looks as though it could leak goals, thankfully we didnt today
Derby definitely look a side that could be up there this season, and will be surprised if they're not - But on current showing they dont even have a Stockley in their team, and for that reason I dont think they'll go up, as things stand, of course the window is still open so that could change.
Biggest frustration for me last weekend, wasnt the draw, but the fact that we missed out on an early victory under Garner - With Derby / Sheff Wed our next two opponents I was worried that our winless run under him would drag out, creating needless pressure on everyone.
Thats gone now... One early obstacle out the way...
Still too early to look at the League table, still far too early for any predictions with this squad... But enjoy your Saturday evening all.
All this talk about transfers etc. by everyone each summer - They've lost 10-players, made one signing (?)
And sit second in the table, after beating Port Vale 4-0 today
Wollacott is the deserved no. 1 and that argument is now put to bed. Clare and Sessegnon started shaky but grew into it really well. Centre backs are still a concern.
Dobson was his usual self, his crunching tackles were probably what we needed to grind out a performance. Morgan took his cue from George and was much more committed in the second half. Fraser anonymous apart from a couple of pretty turns out of trouble. He’ll need to up his game or risk losing his place to Payne who looked bright again.
CBT and Kirk looked dangerous on the wings. Corey had their defenders back peddling while Kirk’s perfectly weighted first time pass on to Morgan was the key moment in the creation of the winning goal. He should’ve had another assist too when Stockley headed his inch perfect cross straight at the keeper.
Jayden held up the ball nicely in places but I’m concerned about his ability to score in this formation. Need an alternative option in please. We can’t throw Leaburn in yet, as good as he’s been.
[Full report to follow post celebration
Smith: “must be great to win in first home game?”
Garner: “delighted with the points but the first 45 mins wasn’t good enough, only Wollacott at the required level”
”we did nothing that we worked on during the week, it can only be nervousness and hangover from last season - has to be the monkey off our back and doesn’t happen again”
He's thinking about his words
Wollacott is a very good keeper & a big upgrade on MacGillivray
First half - what a useless bunch of
Second half- what a great bunch of lads.
Been waiting for years for a tough little all action midfielder like Payne. Potential favourite after his cameo today.
Great to be back home and a new season and bar our late concession last week would have been a phenomenal start.
Well done Garner and the lads for pulling that out the bag. Roll on the next league game.
Joking aside although Derby looked a different side Second half illl be surprised if many teams play like they did first half.
Superb performance by our number one and he's been repaid with the 3 points.
Onwards and upwards COYA!
😎