Ten years ago: last minute Boxing Day joy

Christmas ten years ago was spent in Reading so it was a relatively short drive to Charlton. I drove through central London, along Piccadilly, through Trafalgar Square, along the Embankment.

The Addicks went down 0-1 to Portsmouth after eight minutes, largely due to a mistake by Jamie Stuart. Stuart had to leave the pitch after 33 minutes following a foul tackle by Hall. Suffering a cut eyeball, he went to hospital.

Portsmouth kept playing the offside trap. They were quite dirty but it was 44 minutes before referee Michael C. Bailey of Impington booked Hall with Durrin also going into the book for arguing against the Hall booking.

Charlton played better in the second half but there was no goal until Newton scored in the 65th minute. It looked like being 1-1 until Nelson scored in the last minute with Whyte the provider.

The programme cover had a picture of a rather shell shocked Sweaty Balmer. Inside there was a full page article by Doug Chapman on the arrival of Major League Soccer in the States.

After the match we made a sentimental visit to Maggie's old home in Blackfen.