POST-MATCH THREAD: Charlton Athletic v Oxford Utd: Saturday 20th December 2025: KO 15:00

Garrymanilow said:

Sword65pf said:

cafcnick1992 said:

TC haters in the mud. Changed the game

Nobody has said they hate TC, if he plays poorly he deserves criticism, the last  couple of games he’s had the kick up the arse he needed and lo and behold he’s become more effective. 

He got called 'total dogshit' among many other things a few games ago. There have been plenty on here saying he's L1 quality and complaining that he's not good enough full stop, let's not pretend it's all just been friendly constructive criticism 

An absolutely vital win in what was most definitely a 6-pointer. I thought that Oxford were the poorest side I’ve seen at The Valley this season and, whilst it’s far too early to write teams off, they look hot favourites to fill one of the three relegation spots with Wednesday. 

A poor quality game with a multitude of misplaced passes, a lot of hoof ball and a distinct lack of quality in the final third. I thought that Oxford moved the ball reasonably well during the first 15 or 20 minutes but we then got on top and they looked highly vulnerable at the back to a turn of pace. Tanto ran on perfectly to an instant ball forward but his first touch was poor and he then hit his shot straight at the goalie. A bad miss. Bree forced another save from the keeper before half time and we went in all square, having had the better of things in a game which had a real League 1 feel about it. 

We came out forcefully in the second half and looked threatening. Oxford had a decent 10 minute spell of pressure after Kaminski unnecessarily conceded a corner with a weak punch from a ball he should have caught. Thereafter, Oxford retreated and we were dominant without being able to apply the finishing touch, although Apter forced a decent save from their keeper. Enter Tyreece Campbell, who instantly cut inside and hit a fine curling shot just wide. Not to be denied, however, TC produced a few moments of calm combination play around the edge of the box - the only such instance in the entire game - and Charlie Kelman did the rest, with a neat touch and a lovely finish into the bottom corner.

We saw the game out reasonably comfortably, although it didn’t feel like that at the time, especially with 9 plus added minutes. In the final analysis, though, Oxford only managed one shot on target, a pea roller in the first half that even I could have saved. They were pretty impotent and we never really looked in trouble. 

Kayne Ramsey had an outstanding game and we have to hope that his injury won’t keep him out of the next four games over the coming fortnight. Lloyd Jones was his usual dominant self and I thought that Rob Apter also acquitted himself extremely well. He did well defensively and can really cross a ball. TC gave us some extra quality and pace following his introduction and Kelman produced a lovely finish just when it was required.

A great result and one that puts us 8 points above the relegation spots going into Christmas. It gives us some vital insurance, going into 3 tricky away games against teams below us in the table and a single home match against table-topping Coventry. Hopefully Ramsey will be ok and we’ll get Bell and maybe Burke back over the next week or so.

A pivotal afternoon and a result that moves us towards the calmer waters of mid table. We probably need another 23 points to hit the safety mark and hopefully we’ll have a couple under our belt going into the New Year.