Plan to relegate Palace, Part 2
As part of a cunning plan to relegate Crystal Palace, Charlton are losing matches to other relegation threatened clubs. Well, that's one possible explanation of the club's 4-2 defeat at Portsmouth on Saturday to match the earlier loss to the Baggies. Defensive errors saw the Addicks 2-0 down, but they pulled it back to 2-2 at half time with goals from Fortune and Murphy, the latter from a sweetly struck curving free kick. However, Pompey came out of the traps the more determined team in the second half and eventually made it 3-2, Charlton having only one chance in the half in the shape of a Herminator header that went wide. Charlton threw JJ on in place of Chris Perry in a 4-3-3 formation in a desperate attempt to get back into the game, but simply ended up conceding another goal.
Charlton have now shipped four goals six times this season and questions must be asked about our defence. There is no doubt that we are missing the suspended El Karkouri. Having a concussed Kishishev taken off early in the match was also a blow, as was the retirement through injury of Bartlett in the second half. The defensive problems, however, had as much as anything to do with the inability of the midfield to control the game. Portsmouth were getting nervous in the second half, but we were unable to take advantage of their anxiety.
Driving back and listening to 606 what Alan Green rightly described as a 'nutter' came on to demand that Curbs be sacked. Expectations at The Valley are spinning out of control. Although my original forecast of a 12th place finish this season may yet come true, there are still good reasons to believe that a top half finish is possible. And for a team that is 17th in the attendance tables that is a good outcome. Indeed, perhaps one lesson to come from the match for moaners is that Jeffers and 4-4-2 is not a magic solution to our current problems.
The day itself was quite a special one as we had been invited to a pre-match party by B**an C**e. It took us less than two hours to get from Leamington to Portsmouth, much less time than it takes to get to The Valley. When we arrived big Brian was doing a radio show with another well-known Addick who lives near Sparrows Lane.
There was much pre-match speculation about how having acquired their own 'Reg', in this case Reg Perrin, would benefit Portsmouth. There is something apt about the fact that Portsmouth have got rid of their sailor mascot and replaced him with a frog. Perrin is to be assisted by former Spurs 'director of football' David Pleat and it would appear that they share some extra curricular interests. Perrin said that he had never heard of Charlton, but the last laugh was on him as he evidently inspired Pompey to play above their recent level. Against the Massives we had also suffered from players trying to impress a new manager.
We had the unusual experience of walking to the ground in a convoy of Charlton and Pompey fans through largely Victorian streets with a mixture of modern housing. This brought back memories of the traditional days when local people walked to their club, something that happens quite a lot on the densely populated Portsea Island.
It was evident when we got to the ground that there was a strong wind blowing towards, something which favoured Portsmouth in the first half. It was actually quite hard to control the ball and play a precision passing game.
In the Premiership the team that scores the first goal usually goes on to win. LuaLua, who I have always rated as a player since he scored against us at Newcastle, played a good ball to Stone on the wing. The veteran had time and space to pick out Yakubu in the area. Untroubled by Charlton defenders, he had no problem in putting a bullet header past Deano to make it 1-0.
A potentially good cross by the Herminator was deflected by the wind. There was some good football from Kishishev and some good defensive work by Perry. Then Charlton won a corner which was due to a Pompey error, not the only time in the match that this was going to happen. Pompey are defensively weak and Charlton failed to exploit this sufficiently.
Murphy received a yellow card from methane breather Graham Poll for dissent. Shaun Bartlett won the ball well and his powerful shot was only just wide. Kishishev was hit in the face with a boot and Poll stopped play immediately. The Bulgarian had to be taken off with what we later learnt was a broken nose and Thomas took his place. Konchesky was moved to the centre which is not his best position.
Deano ran out of his goal dangerously, but managed to clear. Charm merchant Stone ran into the living volcano that is the Herminator and won a free kick in a dangerous position. With the free kick taken by Berger, Stone put the ball into the net in front of the Addickted on 20 minutes to make it 2-0.
Charlton decided that they might try and take advantage of the poor Pompey defence. Two minutes after the Pompey goal a Murphy free kick was intercepted by Fortune who leapt to put the ball in the back of the net. Game on again.
Charlton failed, however, to take advantage of all their set pieces. A free kick from Konchesky was poor. Thomas was fouled and brought down, but nothing was given and Portsmouth were able to break to the other end and win a corner. However, Deano caught the ball comfortably.
The game seemed to go a little flat with Murphy demonstrating his ability to give away possession. Young won the Addicks a free kick but it was poorly taken by Murphy who had been taunted by the Pompey fans with chants of 'Who nicked my stereo?'
Highly original. The Herminator received a yellow card but apparently we are beyond the period of the season when they are totted up.
Thomas won a free kick in a dangerous position. I said to my wife as the wall lined up, 'he's got to curve it to the right' which is exactly what Murphy did to score an excellent goal and make it 2-2 just before the break. There was still time for Pompey to win a corner and during the subsequent goalmouth action Bartlett picked up an injury. We have subsequently heard that it is cartilage trouble and he is likely to be out for the rest of the season.
Half time: Pompey 2, Addicks 2
Pompey fans seemed a little crestfallen at the Addicks fight back, but this did not affect the team who applied considerable pressure at the start of the second half. There was good defensive work by Fortune, but Pompey won a corner and the ball flashed across the front of Deano's goal. Pompey were able to sneak in again behind the Charlton defence to win a second corner. The dependable Luke Young brought the ball out.
Portsmouth had a chance but sent the ball way over the bar which says something about another aspect of their shortcomings. There was a moment of danger when Yakubu hit the post and Deano was on the floor, but the ball was eventually cleared.
Another Portsmouth error gifted Charlton a corner and the Herminator connected with the ball to give them one of the few clear chances of the half, but his header went wide. Bartlett went down again and had to be withdrawn with Lisbie coming on in his place. Deano made a great save to keep the Addicks in the match.
Jeffers was brought down as he advanced on goal and the Addicks were awarded a free kick. However, former Rushden and Diamonds keeper Ashdown made a good save from the quickly taken free kick.
The last of three Pompey substitutions brought former Addick Linvoy Primus on to the pitch. Good work by Luke Young won Charlton a corner, but the chance was wasted. Then LuaLua put on an excellent cross and Kamara headed in from a very tight angle. It is rare for opposition fans to concede that the other team might have played well, rather than their team played badly, but this was a very good goal.
The Herminator won a corner but the ball was grabbed out of the air by Ashdown. JJ was brought on in place of Perry to try and get an equaliser, but it simply exposed Charlton more in defence. In time added on, LuaLua's pace made it 4-2. Charlton had a free kick in front of goal in the closing seconds, but Murphy's effort soared over the bar, missing an opportunity to make the score more respectable.
It was a disappointing day, but Charlton were up against a team for whom the result mattered more. Staying in the Premiership is a stronger motivation than the chance of being beaten by a team from Moldova. For me the key objective is to keep Charlton in the Premiership, not easy given their resource base. Anyone who wants to support a London team who win trophies should support Arsenal or Chelsea.
Match analysis
Choosing the recipient of the Silver Bone was a tough call for local dog made good Homer the Cherry Hound. In the end the verdict went in favour of Luke Young who fought hard, made himself available in good attacking positions and burst through more than once to put in useful crosses. (Homer also says can Angela from Dorset send him the promised bone).
At this point I haven't seen any video of the match, but I thought that Deano could have positioned himself better for the first two Pompey goals. Sometimes he hesitates too much about deciding when to come off his line and when he does come out takes some risks. Again one would need to see some video of the goals to decide whether Perry was at fault. He wasn't as much in evidence as Fortune who covered well apart from scoring a goal.
Hreidarsson seemed to have recovered from his recent blip, although he is still not as impressive as earlier in the season. Kishishev seemed to be playing well enough until his forced departure. Konchesky was less impressive than in recent matches. The goal scored by Murphy was excellent, but he loses possession of the ball too easily in midfield. Holland was invisible for much of the match. Rumours have been circulating about his knees and to judge from recent performances there may be grounds for concern. Jeffers had some decent touches, but was never a dominant figure in the game. Bartlett took a knock before half time, but was never that much in evidence even before then. Thomas still has a lot to learn. In particular, he gets hustled off the ball too easily. Lisbie tried to get involved when he came on and did forge forward once or twice, but did not make a major difference. JJ was limited to a cameo appearance.
Hiss of the Match This has been given by Juneau the Soccer Cat to the dilapidated ground and in particular the away accommodation. Rebel Des from Worthing was even seen to stand for much of the match so cramped were the seats.
Crowd rating Although plenty of people seemed to be buying yellow shirts in the shop last week, the promised sea of yellow was not in evidence. Pompey fans are well known for their wall of noise, but Charlton fans seemed to be more enthusiastic about exchanging taunts with the home supporters at half time than getting behind their own players. 4/10.
Charlton have now shipped four goals six times this season and questions must be asked about our defence. There is no doubt that we are missing the suspended El Karkouri. Having a concussed Kishishev taken off early in the match was also a blow, as was the retirement through injury of Bartlett in the second half. The defensive problems, however, had as much as anything to do with the inability of the midfield to control the game. Portsmouth were getting nervous in the second half, but we were unable to take advantage of their anxiety.
Driving back and listening to 606 what Alan Green rightly described as a 'nutter' came on to demand that Curbs be sacked. Expectations at The Valley are spinning out of control. Although my original forecast of a 12th place finish this season may yet come true, there are still good reasons to believe that a top half finish is possible. And for a team that is 17th in the attendance tables that is a good outcome. Indeed, perhaps one lesson to come from the match for moaners is that Jeffers and 4-4-2 is not a magic solution to our current problems.
The day itself was quite a special one as we had been invited to a pre-match party by B**an C**e. It took us less than two hours to get from Leamington to Portsmouth, much less time than it takes to get to The Valley. When we arrived big Brian was doing a radio show with another well-known Addick who lives near Sparrows Lane.
There was much pre-match speculation about how having acquired their own 'Reg', in this case Reg Perrin, would benefit Portsmouth. There is something apt about the fact that Portsmouth have got rid of their sailor mascot and replaced him with a frog. Perrin is to be assisted by former Spurs 'director of football' David Pleat and it would appear that they share some extra curricular interests. Perrin said that he had never heard of Charlton, but the last laugh was on him as he evidently inspired Pompey to play above their recent level. Against the Massives we had also suffered from players trying to impress a new manager.
We had the unusual experience of walking to the ground in a convoy of Charlton and Pompey fans through largely Victorian streets with a mixture of modern housing. This brought back memories of the traditional days when local people walked to their club, something that happens quite a lot on the densely populated Portsea Island.
It was evident when we got to the ground that there was a strong wind blowing towards, something which favoured Portsmouth in the first half. It was actually quite hard to control the ball and play a precision passing game.
In the Premiership the team that scores the first goal usually goes on to win. LuaLua, who I have always rated as a player since he scored against us at Newcastle, played a good ball to Stone on the wing. The veteran had time and space to pick out Yakubu in the area. Untroubled by Charlton defenders, he had no problem in putting a bullet header past Deano to make it 1-0.
A potentially good cross by the Herminator was deflected by the wind. There was some good football from Kishishev and some good defensive work by Perry. Then Charlton won a corner which was due to a Pompey error, not the only time in the match that this was going to happen. Pompey are defensively weak and Charlton failed to exploit this sufficiently.
Murphy received a yellow card from methane breather Graham Poll for dissent. Shaun Bartlett won the ball well and his powerful shot was only just wide. Kishishev was hit in the face with a boot and Poll stopped play immediately. The Bulgarian had to be taken off with what we later learnt was a broken nose and Thomas took his place. Konchesky was moved to the centre which is not his best position.
Deano ran out of his goal dangerously, but managed to clear. Charm merchant Stone ran into the living volcano that is the Herminator and won a free kick in a dangerous position. With the free kick taken by Berger, Stone put the ball into the net in front of the Addickted on 20 minutes to make it 2-0.
Charlton decided that they might try and take advantage of the poor Pompey defence. Two minutes after the Pompey goal a Murphy free kick was intercepted by Fortune who leapt to put the ball in the back of the net. Game on again.
Charlton failed, however, to take advantage of all their set pieces. A free kick from Konchesky was poor. Thomas was fouled and brought down, but nothing was given and Portsmouth were able to break to the other end and win a corner. However, Deano caught the ball comfortably.
The game seemed to go a little flat with Murphy demonstrating his ability to give away possession. Young won the Addicks a free kick but it was poorly taken by Murphy who had been taunted by the Pompey fans with chants of 'Who nicked my stereo?'
Highly original. The Herminator received a yellow card but apparently we are beyond the period of the season when they are totted up.
Thomas won a free kick in a dangerous position. I said to my wife as the wall lined up, 'he's got to curve it to the right' which is exactly what Murphy did to score an excellent goal and make it 2-2 just before the break. There was still time for Pompey to win a corner and during the subsequent goalmouth action Bartlett picked up an injury. We have subsequently heard that it is cartilage trouble and he is likely to be out for the rest of the season.
Half time: Pompey 2, Addicks 2
Pompey fans seemed a little crestfallen at the Addicks fight back, but this did not affect the team who applied considerable pressure at the start of the second half. There was good defensive work by Fortune, but Pompey won a corner and the ball flashed across the front of Deano's goal. Pompey were able to sneak in again behind the Charlton defence to win a second corner. The dependable Luke Young brought the ball out.
Portsmouth had a chance but sent the ball way over the bar which says something about another aspect of their shortcomings. There was a moment of danger when Yakubu hit the post and Deano was on the floor, but the ball was eventually cleared.
Another Portsmouth error gifted Charlton a corner and the Herminator connected with the ball to give them one of the few clear chances of the half, but his header went wide. Bartlett went down again and had to be withdrawn with Lisbie coming on in his place. Deano made a great save to keep the Addicks in the match.
Jeffers was brought down as he advanced on goal and the Addicks were awarded a free kick. However, former Rushden and Diamonds keeper Ashdown made a good save from the quickly taken free kick.
The last of three Pompey substitutions brought former Addick Linvoy Primus on to the pitch. Good work by Luke Young won Charlton a corner, but the chance was wasted. Then LuaLua put on an excellent cross and Kamara headed in from a very tight angle. It is rare for opposition fans to concede that the other team might have played well, rather than their team played badly, but this was a very good goal.
The Herminator won a corner but the ball was grabbed out of the air by Ashdown. JJ was brought on in place of Perry to try and get an equaliser, but it simply exposed Charlton more in defence. In time added on, LuaLua's pace made it 4-2. Charlton had a free kick in front of goal in the closing seconds, but Murphy's effort soared over the bar, missing an opportunity to make the score more respectable.
It was a disappointing day, but Charlton were up against a team for whom the result mattered more. Staying in the Premiership is a stronger motivation than the chance of being beaten by a team from Moldova. For me the key objective is to keep Charlton in the Premiership, not easy given their resource base. Anyone who wants to support a London team who win trophies should support Arsenal or Chelsea.
Match analysis
Choosing the recipient of the Silver Bone was a tough call for local dog made good Homer the Cherry Hound. In the end the verdict went in favour of Luke Young who fought hard, made himself available in good attacking positions and burst through more than once to put in useful crosses. (Homer also says can Angela from Dorset send him the promised bone).
At this point I haven't seen any video of the match, but I thought that Deano could have positioned himself better for the first two Pompey goals. Sometimes he hesitates too much about deciding when to come off his line and when he does come out takes some risks. Again one would need to see some video of the goals to decide whether Perry was at fault. He wasn't as much in evidence as Fortune who covered well apart from scoring a goal.
Hreidarsson seemed to have recovered from his recent blip, although he is still not as impressive as earlier in the season. Kishishev seemed to be playing well enough until his forced departure. Konchesky was less impressive than in recent matches. The goal scored by Murphy was excellent, but he loses possession of the ball too easily in midfield. Holland was invisible for much of the match. Rumours have been circulating about his knees and to judge from recent performances there may be grounds for concern. Jeffers had some decent touches, but was never a dominant figure in the game. Bartlett took a knock before half time, but was never that much in evidence even before then. Thomas still has a lot to learn. In particular, he gets hustled off the ball too easily. Lisbie tried to get involved when he came on and did forge forward once or twice, but did not make a major difference. JJ was limited to a cameo appearance.
Hiss of the Match This has been given by Juneau the Soccer Cat to the dilapidated ground and in particular the away accommodation. Rebel Des from Worthing was even seen to stand for much of the match so cramped were the seats.
Crowd rating Although plenty of people seemed to be buying yellow shirts in the shop last week, the promised sea of yellow was not in evidence. Pompey fans are well known for their wall of noise, but Charlton fans seemed to be more enthusiastic about exchanging taunts with the home supporters at half time than getting behind their own players. 4/10.
posted by Wyn Grant at 7:11 PM
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