Charlton started well, applying pressure from the off. We passed slickly between the thirds and, at moments, had Wycombe chasing shadows. We were, however, lackluster in front of goal. The inability to test their defence in the final third left a gap for Wycombe to apply their physicality. On about fifteen minutes, they found a way through on the break, when O’Connell and Dobson switched off and allowed a slicing pass to find a lonesome Wycombe shirt on the six yard line. A decent finish gave the advantage to the home side, against the run of play. With the bit between their teeth, the Addicks kicked off with intent. Within ninety seconds, good team movement found Rak-Saki at the far post, who jigged and jagged before finishing decisively. We went into halftime even.
The referee threatened to let the game get away from him, with seven or so first-half yellow cards brandished for every slight of his perceived authority, including one shown to Ben Garner on the touchline. In the second half, he managed to keep his calm, showing only three yellow cards, mostly for fouls deserving of further punitive measures.
The second half mostly went to the Addicks, who nullified Wycombe’s aggressive, physical play and passed throughout the pitch with hopeful intent. There were a few chances to each side, but nothing that separated the two. 61% possession for the travelling Addicks, but tellingly, only two shots on target. We seemed to wilt in the heat as the matched progressed, which made our inability to threaten in the box even more pronounced.
Wycombe 1 Charlton 1
Over to you.
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Comments
13th (Accrington have played a game less than others, a point from that has them 10th)
6th (Derby)
3rd (Sheff Wed)
5th (Plymouth)
7th (Cambridge)
14th (Wycombe)
By pure league position, Wycombe were apparently our easiest opponents. And they were play-off finalists in May.
It doesn’t get easier for a couple of weeks either. Next two: Bolton are 10th and Exeter are 9th.
6 games in and we are the only team to have not played anyone lower than 12th, and we’ve got another tough away game against Bolton next week.
Defo need a couple more signings, and our injuries back, but how you can’t feel slightly positive about our start so far I don’t know.
Even the subs looked tired when they came on... Hell even I feel exhausted after watching that.
Was great to see an instant response from us after going 1-0 down... 12months ago we'd have lost than 1-0, and we'd have offered such little threat, that Wycombe could have subbed off the Goalkeeper - So its another sign of progress - Already I worry that our inability to turn draws into wins is what'll kill our season, if anything.
Its another point though, so gotta be happy with that today... Would like to see us picking up 3-pts on the road though.
Big week with the Transfer Window closing in a few days.
- rak sakyi looking positive, scored a goal and defended well
- dobbo solid as usual
- o’Connell looking more confident
- we fought well up against a top teap
- our wing play looks good
negatives:
- Clare and clayden constantly coming inside (presumably a tactic) means CBs isolated in passing out
- too many silly passes, and wasted chances where the wrong options have been used
- stockley just doesn’t look like it’ll click, never looks like scoring and would actually listen to offers for him if it meant we go out and sign 2/3 attackers more suited
-Kirk is so one footed, he’s been found out a little when attacking
-innis and Morgan do like to dillydally on the ball
overall, a point, a positive result and we battle on!
go out and get some last minute signings , striker a must, and we have to get closer to competing with teams who are scoring 2 or 3 each week
We should have had one if not two pen ..the work rate and team sprit is incredible in this squad so early in the season .
2021/22 - 6-pts achieved after nine games | 9-pts achieved after eleven games.
60 plus % possession away from home impressive.
2 shots on target in 96 minutes. Shite.
Wonder if they are overtraining after the talk about extra fitness training sessions etc that the owner wanted. Certainly don't look overly fit albeit still early days.
Aneke AWOL, Stockley looking Jaded and can't rely solely on him and young Leaburn.
Not replaced Washington and squad is too thin for a serious promotion push on early showing.
4 days to get some players in to change that.
Dropped out of the top 6 and down to 8th. Need to strengthen the squad next few days with quality if we're gonna realistically give it a proper go.
More on the match itself later, but given we have a lot of new players and an entirely new system, we've had a pretty decent start.