Swindon v Charlton - Match Thread / Post Match Views from Pg.11

Well that was a most acceptable way to while away a few hours, coupled with some draught Peckham Pale from the Brick Brewery.

A pretty dire first 20 minutes, which was characterised by a failure to put more than a couple of passes together, the concession of unnecessary corners and Ben Amos repeatedly hoofing the ball into touch. Thankfully, it got better after that, as we started to to move the ball more quickly and a lovely goal from Bonne seemed to deflate Swindon.

After a lively start to the second half, we found ourselves on the back foot but seemed to have ridden it out before an excellent piece of control and finish from Swindon’s substitute made it 1-1. They then predictably had a decent spell and Amos had to pull off a couple of decent saves.

The introduction of Gilbey (who looked very good) and Aneke gave us fresh impetus and a very good knock down by Chuks presented Charlie Barker with the opportunity to neatly head in his first ever goal. What a great moment for the lad. Swindon didn’t really threaten after that and Chuks put the icing on the cake by bullying his way past a defender and lashing the ball in at the near post. More of the same please, big man.

All very satisfactory. I thought that George Lapslie had a horse of a game at right back - tenacious out of possession and always available for his teammates, constantly creating space down the right. I think his versatility is going to be a big plus for us, although we desperately need a specialist right back.

As to individual performances, Charlie Barker looked very impressive and composed throughout (so please tell me that this lad has signed a professional contract...). He’s a bit of a unit and looks like he can physically cope at this level, even at 17, and it was a marvellous moment for him to score his first professional goal.

After early mishaps, Macauley Bonne’s hold up play was pretty good and his finish was excellent. I was convinced that his shot was going over the bar but it dipped at just the right moment.

Hopefully the win will inject a bit of much needed confidence into the players. Let’s hope that events off the field in the next week or so will enable us to beef up the squad and provide Lee Bowyer with the support that he needs and deserves.