Lacklustre Charlton slump to defeat at Blackburn

Those of you who have seen the film Reykjavik 101 will know that it's grim in Iceland in the winter, but my spirits were not greatly lifted by a visit to see Charlton lose 1-0 at Blackburn on Bank Holiday Monday writes No.1 Iceland Addick Olafur Johansson. It was a lacklustre performance by a tired Charlton side, despite bringing in Jonatan Johansson who replaced Shaun Bartlett as striker. Indeed, Bartlett, who was seen limping at the end of the Arsenal match, did not travel with the squad (although Lloyd Sams did). Charlton might have lost by a bigger margin if it had not been for a series of excellent saves by Dean Kiely.

Dickov put in a powerful shot after 20 minutes that was well saved by Deano at the expense of a corner. Dickov put in a volley from the corner, but it was stopped on the line by Murphy and then Deano prevented Stead from scoring from the rebound.

However, five minutes before the break Thompson found Emerton unmarked at the far post and he was able to head the ball in to make the score 1-0 to the home side. Pugilist Andy Todd then put in a downward header from a Thompson free kick only to see the ball bounce over the bar.

Thomas had been effective on the wings for the Addicks and as the half drew to a close he went on a good run finding JJ, but his effort was palmed away by Brad Friedel, the custodian of the Blackburn goal.

Charlton woke up from their post-festive torpor after the break and good build up work led to a curling shot by Kishishev which was just inches over the bar. The Addickted shouted for a penalty when Matteo impeded Rommedahl as the lively Dane burst into the box. On 60 minutes Kishishev was replaced by Euell and Konchesky replaced Thomas, a decision that did not go down well with the Addickted. Charlton seemed to be less effective after the youthful winger was withdrawn.

The small crowd of 19,819 anticipated the sort of contest it was going to be. Perhaps there can be a special collection on the new Kent coach services to help the Addicks buy a much needed striker. Let us hope that Keith Peacock's journey to the Argentine was not in vain and that Lopez joins us.

It was a very sad moment for an Icelandic person when my hero Mr Hreidarsson (who had been booked along with Young and Rommedahl) was replaced on 71 minutes by Hughes. Charlton put the Blackburn goal under siege towards the end of the match. Rommedahl put a shot into the side netting when he could have passed to better-placed Charlton players. One of the best final efforts came predictably from striker/defender Luke Young whose header was only inches over the bar.