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Kevin Nolan’s Charlton Athletic Season Review 2021/22

May 5, 2022 By Kevin Nolan Leave a Comment

Charlton's 4-0 rout by Ipswich on the last day of the 2021-22 season was a fitting conclusion to a campaign of painful inconsistency. It meant they posted a 17-8-21 record with 55 goals
scored and 59 conceded, which earned them 13th place in a 24-team division. A 10-4-9 return at The Valley provided further evidence of their charisma-free mediocrity.

Beginning the campaign under the sunny-side-up managership of Nigel Adkins, whose guileless optimism was presumably based on their determined, but ultimately fruitless, attempt to secure a play-off slot a few months previously, Charlton opened with an stolid 0-0 home draw with Sheffield Wednesday but were promptly brought down to earth by successive 2-1 defeats at the hands of Oxford United and MK Dons. Their first home loss was inflicted by eventual champions Wigan Athletic (2-0) before Crewe Alexandra were beaten 2-0 at The Valley a week later when the Addicks -temporarily as it turned out - stopped the early rot.

September was the cruellest of months, with the 4-1 thumping by Bolton Wanderers on the 28th completing a five-game winless streak and sending Charlton to the bottom of League One. A return of only six points and one win from their ten opening games placed the relentlessly positive Adkins under pressure, eased briefly by 2-1 success at Fleetwood but impossible to sustain when losses to erstwhile minnows Lincoln City and Accrington Stanley all but finished off the out-of-his depth manager. A 3-2 midweek defeat by Stanley on October 19th was the final straw for owner Thomas Sandgaard and deputy boss Johnnie Jackson was in charge four days later when Jayden Stockley's goal proved enough to beat Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

Four successive wins under new management lifted the gloom over The Valley until a two-goal lead was squandered at Morecambe (2-2) and was quickly followed by the added time defeat at Shrewsbury which brought Jackson's first setback. Back-to-back 2-0 wins over Ipswich and Cambridge highlighted December before the month ended in a single-goal reverse at Plymouth's Home Park.

The opening month of 2022 brought with it a hectic programme of first team fixtures, five of which were league games and brought mixed results. Defeats to Wycombe Wanderers and Crewe were balanced by solid wins over Fleetwood and historic rivals Portsmouth, while the 1-1- draw at Cheltenham was notable for the goalscoring return of Chuks Aneke after his frustrating re-union with Lee Bowyer at Birmingham.

An entertaining 3-2 victory over relegation-bound Wimbledon, during which centre backs Ryan Inniss and Akim Famewo both scored, kicked off an otherwise miserable February. Five consecutive defeats plunged the Addicks down to 16th position and re-awakened unpleasant fears of relegation. Assumptions that they were "too good to go down" suddenly adopted a hollow tone.

A creditable goalless draw at Sunderland on March 5th checked the slide and although pesky underdogs Accrington completed a league double a week later, Gillingham (1-0), Burton Albion (2-0) and Doncaster (1-0) were all beaten before the end of the month as Charlton virtually ensured safety from relegation.

Charlton's infuriating inconsistency in losing 2-1 to Lincoln City at the start of a seven-game month of May was followed promptly by arguably their best performance and result of a soon-to-be forgotten season. The 1-0 triumph at Championship-bound Rotherham featured a spectacular winner from runaway Player-of-the-Year winner George Dobson, whose consistent enthusiasm and commitment to an often thankless cause earned him the respect of Charlton's world weary fanbase.

Sandwiched between the Lincoln and Rotherham games was a 1-1 draw at desperate Wimbledon, where Inniss' second half dismissal highlighted a disciplinary record, which included four red cards and over 100 yellow cards. The inevitable suspensions, combined with injuries and the inability of certain players to manage full games, meant that Jackson was rarely in a position to choose from a complete panel of players. His rotation system was often born of necessity rather than choice.

On an individual front, there were few successes. Dobson, as already stated, stood head and shoulders above his colleagues and rose above some frankly dreadful team performances. His POTY runner-up, Sean Clare, made a versatile contribution in various positions, while goalkeeper Craig McGillivray recorded 16 clean sheets and conceded a creditable 52 goals in 43 appearances. In midfield, Alex Gilbey failed to live up to the promise he showed towards the end of last season, Elliot Lee faded after a bright start and Albie Morgan promised far more than he delivered. January signing Scott Fraser declared, on arrival, that he was impossible to ignore, showed early flashes of ability which included the irresistible cross he provided for Aneke's equaliser at Bolton, then retreated to the treatment room after only six starts and wasn't seen again. Charlie Kirk didn't last long and returned up north after only a handful of appearances. Jake Forster-Caskey, who returned in early April after a long absence through injury, will provide stiff competition for Morgan next July.

Jackson's problems at centre back cropped up with depressing regularity. Serious injuries to Inniss and summer signing Sam Lavelle, who were probably his preferred partnership, meant that central defenders came and went through revolving doors. Akin Famewo posted 34 starts, began the campaign well but fell apart somewhat during the last turgid months. Veteran skipper Jason Pearce filled in on 20 occasions but has not been offered a playing contract next term. Clare deputised capably when pressed into service, while Deji Elerewe will surely be in Jackson's first team thoughts when summer ends. As does this article - abruptly, based on the shock departure of Johnnie Jackson.

This review was nearing completion when news arrived that Johnnie Jackson had been sacked. There was obviously no longer any point in pressing on so consider it unfinished - like one of Schubert's symphonies.

I had hoped that Jackson would be allowed an unencumbered summer for preparation and a full season to make his mark. With a suitably pared squad and a few judicious signings, his prospects seemed promising. But clearly there's something rotten in the state of Colorado - not to mention Denmark.

The pros and cons of Jonnie Jackson's tenure are a matter for more qualified discussion elsewhere, except to observe that he took over from Nigel Adkins with the Addicks in 22nd position, having won nine points from thirteen games. Fifty more points were gained from thirty six games after he took over - a modest return but steady improvement nonetheless. A full season in charge seemed the least he could expect. More fool him - and me.

About Johnnie Jackson the player and the man, there appears to be little dispute. He will be remembered by Charlton fans long after Thomas Sandgaard has inevitably departed - and he WILL depart because all things must pass. My personal recollections include the delirium inside The Valley when his last minute header beat Harry Redknapp's QPR; the similar disorderly conduct which greeted his goals in the 5-4 recovery against Cardiff; and that magical week when his free kicks silenced Sheffield. But Charlton's still recent 1-0 midweek victory at Norwich stands supreme, not for the quality of Jackson's fluky matchwinner, but for the presence on the supporters' coach of my brother Tony (RIP), who was visiting us from San Francisco at the time. And, as an afterthought, didn't John contribute a goal to the record-busting 6-0 victory at Barnsley not all that long ago? See what I mean? -memories. And Sandgaard? Nothing, really, not even that feckin' record, which I trust will precede him out of the door.

I'm not here to praise Johnnie Jackson, an honourable Addick who needs endorsement from nobody. He is merely the latest victim of a club which smugly congratulates itself on its family values and family loyalties, then regularly stabs its more worthy members in the back. Our Director of Analytics (nah, me neither) should be stirring uncomfortably about now. Could be his turn next. Look what Michael Corleone did to Fredo.

I'm done now - said my piece or, at least a bit of my piece. Like you, no doubt, I'll haul myself back to The Valley in July. It's a hard habit to break. Unless, of course, I'm barred. Then it's back to bunking in.

Filed Under: Sport

Kevin Nolan’s Match Report: Cambridge United v Charlton (19/04/2022)

April 20, 2022 By Kevin Nolan Leave a Comment

Cambridge United 0 Charlton 2 (Blackett-Taylor 73, Washington 86).

... yeah, well, that's the thing about deflected goals. You wait ages for one, then you luck into two in the same game... within thirteen minutes of each other, in fact. Just when you look like drawing a blank, you're 2-0 up and on the way home with three points. Best not to apologise... nor explain.

The first of Charlton's lucky breaks arrived with seventeen minutes remaining and will be credited to find-of-the-season Corey Blackett-Taylor. Quite right too because he provided all the spadework as well as the strike which caromed off Ben Worman and hopelessly wrongfooted Will Mannion on its way into the net. The brilliant winger had been tormenting United all evening, reaching the left byline at will but so far his crosses had gone unconverted. On this occasion, he checked back inside, decided to go it alone and let fly with his right foot. His second league goal of the season received a helpful assist from Worman but was otherwise entirely his own work.

The Addicks' victory was clinched by a second, in-off goal but not before their warhorse captain Jason Pearce's razor-sharp reactions spared the blushes of Craig McGillivray, who spilled Worman's long range effort to equalise. Sam Smith seemed favourite to reach the rebound until Pearce crucially intervened and cleared the danger. Calm and composed throughout, the skipper was in imperious form. His chest control and sensible distribution were textbook models; and where necessary, a lusty foot under the ball was never far from his agenda.

Buoyed by their excellent win at Wigan three days previously, Mark Bonner's side were hard to subdue. With veteran Wes Hoolahan (think Barry Bannan with an Irish accent) calling the midfield shots, they were still in with a chance until their visitors came up with another pinball goal which finished them off. At least this one had comical overtones, not that United saw the funny side.

Schemer Hoolahan carried part of the can by losing possession to Sean Clare inside his own half. Switching momentum instantly, Clare found substitute Chuks Aneke, who advanced a few yards before trying his luck from outside the penalty area. His left-footed shot may -or may not- have been on target but Conor Washington's intervention made discussion irrelevant. In the throes of a five-game scoring drought, the Northern Irish international was unlikely to disown the accidental header which sent Mannion the wrong way as it finished in the opposite corner. The persecuted keeper's language was no doubt colourful -and entirely forgivable.

It had been far from one-way traffic- certainly not during a first half narrowly edged by Cambridge - until fortune favoured the Addicks. Recovering from an early scare when Blackett-Taylor set up Washington for a close range effort which Lloyd Jones blocked, United more than held their own. McGillivray came close to suffering Mannion's fate with Jack Lankester's shot deflecting wickedly off Clare and leaving him helpless as it whizzed narrowly wide of his right-hand post. The opening exchanges continued when Mannion saved smartly from the irrepressible Blackett-Taylor and Pearce headed Albie Morgan's resultant corner wide at the far post. At the other end, Hoolahan and Lankester combined on a setpiece to create a chance which Worman fired wastefully over the bar. Washington closed a lively first half by shooting weakly at Mannion after Albie Morgan's beautifully judged through ball and his own feathered touch destroyed the home defence.

Showing commendable commitment to a mid-table encounter, both sides remained positive after the break. Inevitably, Blackett-Taylor buckled down immediately to lay on an inviting shooting chance which Alex Gilbey half-heartedly volleyed straight at Mannion. Jayden Stockley was also culpable when he rose unmarked to meet Washington's precise cross but headed inexplicably wide from six yards. By now, it was clear that something or someone special -or outrageously lucky - would be required to break the deadlock. And in Blackett-Taylor and Washington, Jackson had two men in tune with the job.

Saluting a victory, which he hailed as "a good, solid away performance", the unflustered manager declared himself "really pleased for everyone because the lads put a real shift in". Special mention was reserved for Blackett-Taylor, about whom he observed that "in then last weeks and months, he's been outstanding. His game has really improved and he was a menace all night. He's gone from an impact bench player with no history of completing 90 minutes and has grown into that wingback position. He's always had unbelievable pace but now knows, when teams double up on him, the right time to offload the ball." One other thing, John. He's bloody jammy when he has to be...

Cambridge: Mannion, Iredale, Jones, O'Neil, Smith (Digby 59), Hoolahan. Okedina, Tracey (Knibbs 68), Lankester (Ironside 68), Worman, Bennett. Not used: Mitov, Williams, Simper, Yearn.

Charlton: McGillivray, Clare, Pearce, Famewo, Matthews, Gilbey, Dobson, Blackett-Taylor (Jaiyesimi 88), Morgan, Stockley (Aneke 77), Washingon. Not used: Harness, Forster-Caskey, Leko, Burstow, Elerewe. Booked: Dobson.

Referee: Paul Howard. Att: 5409 (1034 visiting).

Filed Under: Sport

Kevin Nolan’s Match Report: Rotherham United v Charlton (09/04/22)

April 10, 2022 By Kevin Nolan Leave a Comment

Rotherham United 0 Charlton 1 (Dobson 55).

Kevin Nolan starts "spreading the noos" after watching Charlton win in New York -or Rotherham as it's known locally.

When midfielder George Dobson joined Charlton last July, he was welcomed effusively by manager Nigel Adkins, who gushed "I am pleased George became another summer signing, he has a reputation as a combative midfield player so I'm looking forward to working with him."

Adkins said one thing but clearly meant another. Dobson quickly fell out of favour, which says far more about the manager than it does about the player. A sturdy old-school competitor, Dobbo, (as he was no doubt imaginatively known at school), has been a shining light during what has been a chastening season for the club. His excellent form has been maintained in frequently chaotic circumstances. And he's much more than a mere workhorse. Though ever-ready to "put his foot in", the slick-haired boy band lookalike has an impressive range of passing once in possession.

Adkins' departure was a shot in the arm for 24-year old George. New boss Johnnie Jackson had few illusions about what he had on his hands and wasted no time in making it indispensable. Dobson's name, it can be safely assumed, is first on Jackson's teamsheet. Being clearly besotted with football, the hunch-shouldered dynamo has been ever present in league games since being part of Charlton's 1-0 victory at Sunderland back in October. Turning out twice in the same week is a pleasure, not a chore, for the hustler at the heart of the Addicks' engine room.

As a gifted career midfielder, known for his uncanny ability to contribute important goals, Jackson's one reservation in assessing Dobson's portfolio, must have been his absence from the scoresheet in over 33 games. Hardly employed as a defensive anchor, he pops up regularly in or around the opposition penalty area but it's difficult to recall a shot in anger. That deficiency was put right at Rotherham's AESSEAL New York Stadium where Dobbo made up for lost time and broke his duck with a proper belter.

The spadework featured a bright counter-attack involving Albie Morgan and Corey Blackett-Taylor, which seemed doomed to fizzle out without troubling the Millers' keeper Victor Johnsson until Morgan re-cycled possession by squaring to Dobson, in heads-up support to his right. Taking Morgan's pass in his stride, Dobson unleashed an uninhibited right-footed drive, which curled away from Johansson's full-length dive and finished its flight neatly inside his left hand post. It was some way to end a scoring drought and went down very well on the sideline.

Having taken a lead in a game of few chances, it became Charlton's task to defend it -something they did with impressive organisation and grim determination. They fell out with each other at times but were inspired by the example set by the emergency partnership at centre back of veteran Jason Pearce and comparative novice Akin Famewo. Thrust together to cover the absence of Ryan Inniss and Sam Lavelle, who might well have finished their campaigns at Wimbledon in midweek, Pearce and Famewo stepped up admirably, their dogged resistance marred only by Famewo's 10th booking of the season for a crude challenge on Oliver Rathbone.

Offering stout support to his centre backs was Sean Clare, who seems Dobson's only serious alternative as Charlton's player-of-the season. Clare's knowhow was invaluable, his choice of decisions invariably correct. Having scored what turned out to be the matchwinner, Dobson did more than his bit defensively, as did striker Jayden Stockley, whose commanding headers repelled setpieces as to the manner born. In impeccable form behind them was Craig McGillivray who while largely untroubled, commanded his area and plucked out of the air anything which eluded Stockley and his colleagues. His second half save from Michael Ihiekwe's point-blank header was stunning and in no way diminished by the fact that Ihiekwe was ruled offside. McGillivray played a capable part in securing Charlton's second successive 1-0 victory in South Yorkshire, whose natives must be sick of the sight of them.

As already mentioned, clearcut chances were rare but few of them fell to the misfiring hosts, who contributed one effort on target, the details of which elude your reporter at the minute. Ben Wiles dispatched a dipping first half volley which briefly concerned McGillivray but flashed wide and Michael Smith (all footballing Smiths are apparently required to be called either Michael or Matthew) headed Shane Ferguson's cross wastefully high. Second half substitute Mickel Miller scraped a half-chance over the bar but the reality was that the Addicks were defensively comfortable from whistle to whistle.

At the other end, Conor Washington outwitted Rathbone, briefly outpaced his rival but was caught by Rathbone's splendid recovery tackle while in the act of shooting; Washington threatened again when set up by Morgan but could only toe-poke to Johansson. No irresistible force themselves up front, Charlton never really promised to add to Dobson's outstanding strike but were not really required to do so. Reflecting on a largely uneventful but undeniably efficient victory on the road, Jackson's comments were those of a satisfied employer. "I thought we defended brilliantly, especially when protecting our penalty box and our goalkeeper. I felt we stayed in a compact shape and had such a threat on the counter attack. We looked really strong, full of energy." The manager's contented reaction to a dominant performance was understandable and entirely justified. It seems churlish but irresistible to add..."Yeah, that's all very well but ain't it too little too late?" Er, sorry about that, John.

Rotherham: Johansson, Harding, Wood, Ihiekwe, Barlaser (Osei-Tutu 68), Ogbene, Rathbone (Lindsay 62), Wiles, Ferguson (Miller 62), Ladapo, Smith. Not used: Mattock, Kayode, Edmonds-Green, Chapman.

Charlton: McGillivray. Clare, Pearce, Famewo, Matthews, Gilbey, Dobson, Morgan, Blackett-Taylor (Purrington 90), Washington, Stockley. Not used: Harness, Jaiyesimi, Forster-Caskey, John, Leko, Burstow.

Referee: Ross Joyce. Att: 9,087.

Filed Under: Sport

Kevin Nolan’s Match Report: AFC Wimbledon v Charlton (5/04/2022)

April 6, 2022 By Kevin Nolan Leave a Comment

AFC Wimbledon 1 (Robinson 87) Charlton 1 (Stockley 69).

Ten minutes into the second half of this eventful match, huge centre back Ryan Inniss set out from his own half on a solo run which was to have dire consequences for himself, his team and unfortunate opponent George Marsh. On and on thundered Inniss like one of the gallant 600 who suicidally attacked the Russian cannons at Balaclava. In his way stood the comparatively diminutive Marsh, who bravely stuck to his guns and braced for impact. Desperate to redeem a woefully heavy touch, Inniss launched himself studs-first, wiped out the unfortunate defender, then rose to face the wrath of Marsh's comrades and the inevitable red card brandished by referee Neil Hair.

Inniss had completed just seven minutes as a substitute for Sam Lavelle, himself injured while
fouling Zach Robinson and, in the process, aggravating an existing shoulder injury which will potentially keep him out of Charlton's five-game run-in. That's two centre backs, on which Johnnie Jackson can no longer depend during the dregs of this dreadful season. Nobody told him it would turn out like this but then he's been around the block a few times and seen it all.

Frequently vilified for a perceived lack of determination, meanwhile, no such criticism could be levelled at the 10 survivors who fought stubbornly to repel a wave of blue-clad attacks. Their creative spark Jake Forster-Caskey was sacrificed to make way for Akin Famewo, out of favour recently but, on this evidence, ready to re-affirm his early promise. A marvellous last-ditch tackle to deny the pesky Ayoub Assal an almost-certain goal epitomised Famewo's commitment to defend the lead which, against the odds as well as the run of play, Jayden Stockley had given the Addicks some four minutes earlier. And some goal it was, by the way.

Emulating Inniss's initially positive example but showing better control of both the ball and himself, wingback Adam Matthews flew over the halfway line, cut through Wimbledon's resistance like a knife through low-fat butter and reached the right byline. His cross on the run, airily dismissed in the Dons' official match report as "routine" was, in fact, precise, perfect and princely. Finding space between two defenders, Stockley added the finish it deserved by heading majestically past Nik Tzanev. From beginning to end - this goal was sheer magic.

The first half of a game which clearly mattered more to relegation-haunted Wimbledon than it did to their hot-and-cold visitors, offered little to prepare us for the heated affair that developed after Inniss' dismissal. It was narrowly edged by the Addicks, whose bright opening featured a handful of passable chances. In rapid succession, Stockley met a Forster-Caskey delivery with an overhead effort which Ben Heneghan smuggled off his goalline; Diallang Jaiyesimi's close range shot was blocked by Robinson after Forster-Caskey's clever flick set up the chance; Elliot Lee's electric burst to the byline made room for Conor Washington to force a smart save from Tzanev; Lee's ball over the top was run down by Washington, who was unable to keep his shot down.

Sent out after the break by new manager Mark Bowen with renewed purpose, the Dons were already on top
when Inniss was sent off. Previously untroubled Craig McGillivray was called upon to react sharply to Paul Osew's low snapshot, then Famewo whisked the ball cleanly away from Assal as the elusive playmaker closed in on goal. The indefatigable George Dobson was booked for chopping down Assal as the Addicks began to buckle under mounting pressure and a goal seemed inevitable. But it surprisingly arrived at the other end when Matthews showed the urgency of a bloke who has carelessly backed on to a barbecue, with Stockley the recipient of his flame-fuelled burst of energy.

With time running out in a game they could not afford to lost, the South West Londoners frantically sought an equaliser. They were temporarily foiled by McGillivray, who spectacularly tipped Will Nightingale's header from Henry Lawrence's corner over the bar. Then, with three minutes remaining in normal time, substitute Ethan Chislett produced a wicked cross from the right which left Robinson the simple task of heading past McGillivray from four yards. With eight additional minutes announced, Jackson' name made it into Hair's book for grumbling and ten Charlton backs were pressed back against a wall. They deserved their point.

Wimbledon's relegation rivals could have no complaints about the commitment shown on their behalf by Jackson's men. Shame they haven't always performed with similar spirit during a campaign few of us will wish to remember. And it's not even over yet... there's the small matter of next Saturdays visit to champions-elect Rotherham without Inniss, Lavelle and probably the excellent Ben Purrington, who ended Tuesday's second half siege a limping passenger. It's always the same sometimes...

AFC Wimbledon: Tzanev, Lawrence (Chislett 79), Csoka, Woodyard, Nightingale, Marsh, Assal, Rudoni, Robinson, Heneghan, Osew (Mebude 72). Not used: Broome, Ablade, Guiness-Walker, Osei-Yaw. Booked: Mebude.

Charlton: McGillivray, Clare, Lavelle, Purrington, Matthews, Dobson, Jaiyesimi (Blackett-Taylor 64), Forster-Caskey (Famewo 58), Lee, Stockley, Washington. Not used: Harness, Leko, Fraser, Burstow. Booked: Dobson. Sent off: Inniss.

Referee: Neil Hair. Att: 8,184 (1,100 visiting)

Filed Under: Sport

Kevin Nolan’s Match Report: Doncaster v Charlton (26/03/2022)

March 27, 2022 By Kevin Nolan Leave a Comment

Doncaster 0 Charlton 1

Kevin Nolan chooses to join the chaps behind the goal to watch Charlton make it three wins in a row.

Charlton's dull but workmanlike victories over Gillingham and Burton Albion last week served their purpose. They extinguished once and for all nagging fears of relegation but also removed the guts and garters from the remains of a dismal season. Football needs a sense of urgency, some point to it. Otherwise you might as well stay home and figure out results on a tactical blackboard, a thought that alarmed some unlikely visionaries in a long forgotten past.

Back in a day when Readers Digests doubled as shinpads, these old timers realised there were far too many meaningless mid-table matches at this time of the year. Falling attendances and general apathy convinced them to make it three rather than two points for a win and to introduce a novel brainwave we now know as the playoffs. They also tinkered with the rigid notion that relegation should be limited to two teams. These might have been crusty old codgers but they had radical revolution on their mind.

Anyway, Charlton arrived at the Eco-Power Stadium safe-ish but still not entirely safe. Even a mathematical dunce like me was able to grasp that a cushion of 13 points over fourth-from-bottom Wimbledon with eight games remaining, falls a bit short of safe. Far from safe, it's safe to say! I'm no alarmist but, blimey, we could still go down. We've seen it happen.

Nah, I'm only kidding - Charlton are safe as houses. They were safe even before this trip to troubled Doncaster and their victory in South Yorkshire merely rubber stamped the fact. It's another season in League One for Johnnie Jackson's men, which may be nothing to celebrate until you consider the alternative below them. So enough waffle for now. Let's get on with reporting a very trying, but ultimately rewarding, afternoon in God's Own County.

It started badly with the news that the supporters' coaches would be leaving at 10 a.m. rather than 9.15 a.m as advertised. Clearly the work of some genius, this 45 minute grace period was spent negotiating the inevitable traffic pile-up on the M1 (the A1 was out of action due to roadworks). So we rolled up late for the kick-off and were decanted into a sun drenched away end four minutes into the action. I have it on the most reliable source that during our lost four minutes, Jayden Stockley had a shot cleared off the line by Ben Jackson after Corey Blackett-Taylor had begun a campaign of torture for the home defenders.

We were ringside less than 10 minutes before Blackett-Taylor got the better of Joseph Oluwu on the left touchline and had crossed the 18-yard line when Kyle Knoyle ruthlessly mowed him down. Conor Washington unwisely changed his penalty technique and delivered a tame pea-roller into Jonathan Mitchell's grateful hands. At least that's what I made of it from the opposite end while staring into a blindingly low sun. Frankly, for much of the time, I didn't have a clue what was occurring - no change there, I'll save you the trouble of adding.

It wasn't a frequently disgruntled Washington's day as he arrived late to convert the point blank chance created for him by Stockley. Having disastrously surrendered possession to Stockley, Mitchell redeemed himself by smothering Washington's scuffed effort on the line. The keeper then continued his good work by efficiently fielding Stockley's headed attempt to convert Scott Fraser's accurate cross. Little was seen of Donny as an attacking threat, with Jackson foiled by Sean Clare's excellent block after meeting Aidan Barlow's dangerous centre.

The Addicks attacked our goal after the break and were quickly into their stride. Stockley glanced Alex Gilbey's cross off target before Rovers enjoyed their best spell, with both Knoyle and Matt Smith shooting narrowly wide. They were promptly put in their place as the visitors grabbed an overdue lead midway through the second session. Inevitably, Blackett-Taylor played an important part by cleverly squeezing past the bewildered Knoyle on the left byline. The irrepressible winger's precise cutback picked out Stockley, who allowed the ball to proceed across his body before carefully slotting it right-footed beyond Mitchell's left hand. It was a goal brilliantly conceived and expertly executed.

Comfortably on top, the visitors sought an immediate coup-de-grace. Mitchell saved smartly from Blackett-Taylor but was a mere spectator as Fraser volleyed wide. With a quarter hour remaining, Washington held off of Oluwu, shot on the run but was foiled by Mitchell's fine save; the rebound broke to Stockley, who hit the bar from the 18-yard line. An afternoon of profligacy almost cost Charlton dearly as an unemployed Craig McGillivray was called into action to save with his feet from Tommy Rowe's point-blank effort and Jordy Hiwula turned sharply but screwed a last gasp shot narrowly wide. It was a lesson almost too late in the learning. One made of sand - much like Charlton's season.

Doncaster: Mitchell, Knoyle, Williams, Oluwu, Barlow (Younger 46), Smith (Bostock 75), Clayton, Jackson (Martin 72), Rowe, Hiwula, Dodoo. Not used: Jones, Hoston, Gardner, Griffiths. Booked: Barlow

Charlton: McGillivray, Clare, Lavelle, Purrington, Matthews, Gilbey, Dobson, Fraser (Lee 90+2), Blackett-Taylor (Famewo 90), Stockley, Washington. Not used: Harness, Pearce, Jaiyesimi, Leko, Burstow. Booked: Gilbey, Stockley, Dobson, Blackett-Taylor.

Referee: Sam Allison. Att: 6,350 (636 visiting).

Filed Under: Sport

Kevin Nolan’s Match Report: Bolton Wanderers v Charlton (08/02/22)

February 9, 2022 By Kevin Nolan

Bolton Wanderers 2 (Charles 10, Aimson 83) Charlton 1 (Aneke 76).

Bolton Wanderers vs Charlton Athletic - there was a time when this fixture graced the top flight of English league football. They moved among giants once but their mutual pedigree meant nothing on Tuesday evening when they met to resolve which of them continues to kid themselves that their season has been anything but a crushing disappointment.

On the basis that they made fewer grotesque errors than Charlton, it was Bolton who emerged victorious and duly made all the usual noises about gatecrashing the play-offs. For Charlton, all that's left is the business of making sure they accrue enough points to make relegation an impossibility. They begin their mini-campaign at Wigan on Saturday -hardly a venue you would choose to start the process.

Making the almost obligatory three changes from the side which outlasted Wimbledon at The Valley on Saturday, a wearied Johnnie Jackson saw his side donate a 10th minute lead to Bolton, trail until they equalised superbly more than an hour later, then demonstrate a "what we have, we don't know how to hold" gormlessness which gifted the Trotters the points shortly before the end.

Jackson is tasked with deploying a squad which includes players apparently incapable of completing 90 minutes, others for whom consecutive games are out of the question and transfer window newcomers who remain unknown quantities. A member of that second category is Ryan Inniss, who made a scoring contribution on Saturday but was inevitably excused duty at Bolton. Into his formidable boots stepped dogged warrior Jason Pearce, for whom the occasion proved far too much. It was impossible to feel anything but sympathy for the grizzled old stager as he blustered and bungled his way through 60 minutes of torture before he was replaced by Sam Lavelle, in what was by that stage an act of humanity by his manager.

Pearce was hardly helped by being partnered at the back with Akin Famewo, whose vulnerability isn't similarly explained by age but is instead rooted in a fusion of poor judgement and over-confidence. His contribution to the Trotters' early breakthrough combined both weaknesses as he wavered under a lusty clearance, disastrously allowed it to bounce, then managed only a feeble header back to Craig McGillivray. Brushing through the blundering defender's resistance, Dion Charles rounded the keeper and finished none too clinically past Famewo's tangle-footed effort to clear off the line.

Marginally the better of two substandard sides, Wanderers pottered on until half-time without once showing any sign of increasing their generously gifted lead. For their part, Jackson's Addicks were a clueless assortment who, until Alex Gilbey met Sean Clare's lay-off but saw his goalbound shot deflected over the bar by Ricardo Almeida Santos, were no trouble to anyone. It says much that Gilbey's worthy effort didn't arrive until the second half was ten minutes old.

Bolton were hardly dynamic themselves, with only a narrowly wide drive by Oladapo Afolayan to show for their slight superiority. They were indebted to Ben Toner's benevolent refereeing when Gethin Jones' studs-up, over-the-top challenge callously felled George Dobson; far from the action, Toner deemed the assault worthy only of a yellow card. Charlton expressed their outrage by drawing level in fine style, entirely out of context in this mediocre setting.

The goal was wonderfully conceived and expertly executed by Jackson's substitutes. Brought on as Gilbey's replacement, Scott Fraser moved effortlessly past Jones on the left and crossed perfectly on the run. His enterprise was matched by the movement and timing shown by Chuks Aneke in placing the quintessential centre-forward's header comfortably out of the reach of young goalkeeper James Trafford. Fraser and Aneke must surely start at Wigan, the latter in place of an out-of-his depth Mason Burstow, from whom too much is expected too soon. He's just a promising kid, after all, with two third tier goals to his name - one who's been talked into running before he's learned to walk.

With a creditable point theirs for the taking, meanwhile, it almost goes without saying that the Addicks blew the opportunity. Clare's boneheaded and completely needless foul on George Johnston, who was struggling to control an awkward ball while trapped against the left touchline, conceded an ominous free kick, wickedly whipped in by Aaron Morley and deftly flicked inside the far post by Will Aimson. So for Bolton, the dream goes on. And for Charlton, it's time to wake up and face facts. They're in League One for at least another year. And that's where they belong until they prove otherwise.

Bolton: Trafford, Jones, Almeida Santos, Fossey, Aimson, Fossey, Morley, John, Dempsey (Bakayoko 77), Afolayan (Bodvarsson 72),
Charles (Sadlier 78). Not used: Dixon, Baptiste, Gordon, Lee. Booked: Jones, John, Bakayoko.

Charlton: McGillivray, Matthews, Pearce (Lavelle 60), Fameo, Clare, Gilbey (Fraser 68), Dobson, Morgan, Jaiyesimi, Burstow (Aneke 60),
Washington. Not used: Henderson, Purrington, Lee, Leko. Booked: Washington, Gilbey, Pearce, Dobson.

Referee: Ben Toner. Att; 13,523 (328 visiting).

Filed Under: Sport

Kevin Nolan’s Match Report: Portsmouth v Charlton (31/01/2022)

February 1, 2022 By Kevin Nolan

Portsmouth 1 (Jacobs 79) Charlton 2 (Washington 31, Robertson o.g. 64).

As the scorer of Charlton's important first goal, Conor Washington was an obvious choice, alongside Sky TV's MOTM Corey Blackett-Taylor, to be interviewed shortly after the final whistle. The Northern Ireland international commented eloquently on the Addicks' performance, expressed a striker's satisfaction that his first half goal showcased his predatory instincts rather than spectacular skill, then slipped in the time-honoured admission that Portsmouth was "always a tough place to come."

Not when the visitors are Charlton it isn't, Conor. This timely victory, marred only by their descent into blind panic after Pompey reduced their arrears with 11 minutes to play, was their sixth consecutive success at this battered, iconic ground. "Can we play you every week?" carolled over 1,000 jubilant travelling fans, omitting the word "here" to make their point more precisely. If "horses for courses" can be applied to football, then Charlton's record at Fratton Park makes it clear they relish the going on the turf of their oldest adversaries. It's not quite the same back at The Valley, where Portsmouth provide sterner opposition.

Danny Cowley's men made a bright start in their latest effort to buck the trend. As early as the 3rd minute, Sean Raggett's precise pass sent Denver Hume through on the left to shoot low past Craig McGillivray but also, by inches, the far post. As the Addicks struggled to gain a foothold, George Hirst was but a toecap away from converting Joe Morrell's defence-splitting pass across the six-yard box. In reply, Blackett-Taylor embarked on a lightning-quick solo run from deep inside his own half, cut through the home defence but sent a venomous drive swerving just off target. Young B-T was a pain in Pompey's rear end but versatile Sean Clare collared the Nolan nod as Charlton's best player, with workaholic George Dobson trailing by little more than a short head.

Two minutes after Blackett-Taylor's sensational cameo, the increasingly dominant visitors took the lead under admittedly controversial circumstances. Adam Matthews' heads-up throw was returned to him by Clare, making space for the right back to cross accurately from the right touchline. Chuks Aneke's stooping header was brilliantly saved by Gavin Bazunu but stabbed in by Washington, who poached his 8th goal of an injury-punctuated season. Clearly a yard offside, Aneke failed to own up, the lino's flag stayed down and the goal stood. As lucky breaks go, this was among the most opportune.

Charlton were running the show by then and playing some crisp football in the process. Before the interval, Alex Gilbey broke through but fired an angled thunderbolt against the near post. Catching the mood, Albie Morgan continued his recent improvement by driving narrowly wide, then snap-shooting another effort inches over the bar.

The South Coasters weren't entirely subdued and only Hirst will know how he failed to convert Joe Morrell's devastating delivery as it passed through a congested six-yard box. And it took a perfectly timed tackle by Ryan Inniss to halt Hirst in his tracks as he surged dangerously into the penalty area. Inniss' 70th minute withdrawal was hardly tactical and the more likely explanation is one of those "niggles" that Charlton players pick up from time to time. When fit, Inniss is rock solid.

Midway through the second session, the Addicks grabbed the second goal which later developments proved to be priceless. Once again, they enjoyed a slice of luck along the way but the build-up play was incisive. Matthews shrewdly delayed the pass which sent an overlapping Clare hustling to the right byline; the wingback's dipping cross was intercepted by Pompey skipper Clark Robertson, whose diving header, under pressure from Washington, beat Bazunu on its journey into his own net. Job done and dusted, or so it seemed.

Two up with 25 minutes remaining, Charlton's priority turned to game management, a euphemism for sitting on a lead, wasting as much time as possible and squeezing the life out of the opposition. Not for the first time, the Addicks were found wanting in conducting this game within a game. Clearances became hurried and badly directed, possession was regularly surrendered, decisions were hastily made and promptly regretted. Frankly, Johnnie Jackson's men descended into near-chaos and it was no surprise that they reached crisis point when their hosts halved their deficit eleven minutes before the end. Substitute Michael Jacobs bullied his way through to shoot viciously from seven yards and though McGillivray managed a straight-arm parry, the badly exposed keeper was unable to prevent the ball spinning over the line. From a position of virtual impregnability, Charlton were reduced to nerve-riddled, disorganised survivors, whose sole ambition was to hear referee Neil Hair's final whistle.

It was all a little undignified near the end but Charlton hung on to make it six in a row, not to mention nine out of their last ten visits to this most hospitable of venues. The ominous spectre of relegation was routed to make way for touching but unrealistic hopes of making it into the top six. A more reasonable ambition would be to consolidate for next season which is, after all, only six months distant. Then less heavy metal, more stealth and no talk of "being where we belong." We're already where we belong right now and no amount of hot air is going to change that. We're not a bad side - trick is to take it to the next level. And then that becomes where we belong. Capiche?

Portsmouth: Bazunu, Carter (Jacobs 79), Raggett, Robertson, Romeo, Morell, Williams (Thompson 71), Hume, Harness, Walker (Curtis 71),
Hirst. Not used: Webber, Freeman, Ogilvie, Hackett. Booked: Morrell.

Charlton: McGillivray, Matthew, Inniss (Pearce 70), Famewo, Clare, Gilbey, Dobson, Morgan, Blackett-Taylor (Purrington 87), Aneke (Leko 86),
Washington. Not used: Henderson, Watson, Lee, Jaiyesimi. Booked: Famewo, Aneke, Dobson, Leko.

Referee: Neil Hair. Att: 15,236 (1,230 visiting).

Filed Under: Sport

Kevin Nolan’s Match Report: Hartlepool United v Charlton (25/01/2021)

January 26, 2022 By Kevin Nolan

Hartlepool United 2 Charlton 2 (Hartlepool 5-4 on penalties)

Kevin Nolan masters technology again to watch Charlton exit the Papa John's Trophy.

A brave, if slightly touched, contingent of 235 stalwarts were on hand at the Suits You Sir Stadium to bear first-hand witness to Charlton's departure from the Papa John's trophy at the quarter-final stage.

More sensibly ensconced far down south, several thousand stream-watchers groaned as Elliot Lee's penalty was comfortably fielded by Ben Killip, then switched off seconds after Jamie Sterry's decisive spotkick hit the net behind Craig McGillivray. Not for them the dispiriting journey home through the night, more a case of suppertime tea, crumpets and off to bed. Plus a feeling of relief, mixed with guilt, that they were unavailable to share the misery f the intrepid 235 pilgrims who paid their dues at this remote venue and left empty-handed. Fair play to them - there was a time when I would have been among them. In fact, I WAS not too long ago on an even colder Tuesday evening, when the Addicks lost 2-1 (Liverpool loanee Nathan Eccleston scored, as I recall) but that's another story.

Languid, uncommitted and devoid of passion, Charlton got what they deserved last night. Even their muted celebrations after scoring twice in the first half spoke of a half-baked attitude to a competition, which had featured several encouraging performances during its earlier stages. If nothing else, Papa John had been responsible for the heartwarming emergence of 18 year-old Mason Burstow, a natural talent, who added another smartly taken goal to his tally at Hartlepool.

With seven changes from the starters who outlasted Fleetwood three days previously, the visitors nonetheless fielded a strong side against their League Two hosts, who had taken several notable scalps in their impressive Cup exploits this season and were clearly in the mood to add Charlton to their list of victims. Most significant among the absentees was George Dobson, whose hustling contribution to the Fleetwood victory had been exemplary. Dobson was omitted even from the bench, possibly with dubious league commitments in mind. He was sorely missed.

Also sorely missed were the urgent, pressing tactics which flustered Saturdays's visitors to The Valley. In their place was substituted a laissez-faire, non-confrontational approach which allowed Pools to accept possession free of pressure, then turn without interference before picking an appropriate pass to fit the circumstances. As the Addicks retreated complacently, United took the fight to them and looked threatening whenever they crossed the halfway line. It took them only seven minutes to take the lead, with Martin Smith unchallenged as he chipped over a visiting defence moving out in expectation of an offside flag. They were outwitted by Joe Grey's intelligently timed run and the clever lob he placed over an onrushing McGillivray. The locals, it seemed, had a precocious 18-year old of their own who needed careful watching -something the mesmerised visiting defence had down to a fine art.

In Burstow, the Addicks fielded a similarly promising teenager, who duly equalised only 10 minutes later. Closed down alertly by Conor Washington, Killip's panicked clearance was picked up by the Northern Irishman, who retrieved and crossed from the left. Alex Gilbey headed down for Burstow to shoot first-time; Killip made a smart save with his feet but the rebound looped conveniently on to the youngster's head and was coolly returned into a vacated goal. The kid has things to learn yet; the whereabouts of the opposition's net is not, on the evidence at hand, among them. This was a clever finish.

A brief flurry of half-chances was the home side's spirited response. Smith shot firmly but straight at McGillivray, who promptly spilled a low drive from Mark Shelton but was rescued by Jason Pearce's alert reaction. Just past the half hour, Johnnie Jackson's men restored order somewhat by moving into a 2-1 lead. Enterprising running by Jonathan Leko made space for a deep cross to the far post, where Ben Purrington climbed high above Washington to head down into the six-yard area. Swivelling sharply, Gilbey released an emphatic right-footed half volley inside the right post.

Often shambolic and far from secure, Charlton staggered on and appeared to have escaped when McGillivray saved spectacularly from Mark Cullen at the expense of a corner. Their relief was temporary when substitute Luke Molyneux stepped inside to the right of their penalty area, was allowed room to shoot by a diffident Ben Watson and bent a magnificent left foot drive beyond McGillivray's desperate grasp. Watson had put in a useful shift but clearly lacked the in-yer-face aggression of Dobson, who would assuredly have put Molyneux under severe pressure when preparing his shot.

The penalties were brief and to the point. The Addicks held a 3-2 lead when Sean Clare converted efficiently. Shelton equalised at 3-3 before a hesitant Lee failed miserably to beat Killip. Chuks Aneke prolonged the agony but Sterry shot Hartlepool into the semi-finals with cool detachment. The latest disappointment in Charlton's wretched season was a matter of record.

What's left amounts to motions that must be gone through. Not much to write another stirring anthem about, Tom, but you don't want to be remembered
as a one-hit wonder. You can do it, mate!

Hartlepool: Killip, Sterry, Hendrie, Odusina, Francis-Angol, Smith, Crawford, Shelton, Olumola (Molyneux 70), Grey (Ogle 85), Cullen. Not used: Boyce, Byrne, Liddle, Ferguson.

Charlton: McGillivray, Matthews, Pearce, Famewo, Leko (Blackett-Taylor 70), Gilbey, Watson (Clare 80), Morgan (Lee 80), Purrington (Castillo 88), Burstow (Aneke 70), Washington. Not used: Henderson, Inniss. Booked: Purrington, Aneke.

Referee: S. Barrott. Att: 3,615 (235 visiting).

Filed Under: Sport

Kevin Nolan’s Match Report: Crewe Alexandra v Charlton (12/01/22)

January 13, 2022 By Kevin Nolan

Crewe Alexandra 2 (Finney 38, Mandron 45+3), Charlton 1 (Burstow 80).

Guinness at hand, Kevin Nolan sofa-surfs from a safe distance.

Let's deal with events in their order of importance. We'll put last things first; finish as we mean to go on; put the cart, as it were, before the horse. In other words, turn our attention to the liveliest incident offered up by this scruffy meeting of sub-mediocre League One sides. And it happened just eight seconds prior to its bitter end.

Charlton had halved Crewe's two-goal lead and were pressing frantically in search of an equaliser. Albie Morgan's deep cross from the left was kept alive by Mason Burstow's determination to make a chance for Elliot Lee, who shot instantly on the turn. His effort spiralled high in the air off a defensive block, evaded Dave Richards' desperate attempt to reach it, cannoned off the underside of the bar and crossed the line. Referee Robert Lewis, whose officiating had been impartially that of a buffoon, motioned upfield and off headed the jubilant Addicks to celebrate a highly unlikely escape. They were in for a nasty shock.

Unluckily for Johnnie Jackson's chaps, the nearest of Lewis's assistants was on hand to see that justice was done. This portly, grey-haired nosy parker had spotted Jonathan Leko up to no good alongside the struggling keeper on his goalline. Whether his presence affected Richards' ability to save Lee's shot is open to argument but the point is equally irrelevant. Leko was both offside and interfering and, following several minutes of heated debate, the "goal" was correctly disallowed. Not that Lewis emerged from the debacle with any credit. His performance, during which he came close to losing control, was bilaterally incompetent.

With the safety margin separating them from the division's bottom three, among them Crewe, steadily shrinking, Charlton were left to ponder the assumption that they are "too good to go down", a theory lazily trotted out by yours truly from time to time. They've invented novel ways to lose games, have dried up in front of goal, and are in danger of freefall.

This game against far from formidable underdogs Crewe was there for the taking during its opening half hour. The Addicks were in effortless control, proved unable to convert even one of several acceptable chances, then succumbed to a two-goal salvo shortly before the break. You might have recognised a recurring theme.

In the early going, Diallang Jaiyesimi's attempt to convert Ben Purrington's cross was superbly blocked by Travis Johnson, while Lee was similarly crowded out by Tom Lowery as he tried to force Leko's dipping centre past Richards. Lee also hooked a close range shot narrowly wide as the Addicks stayed on top. Gradually, however, the Railwaymen improved with Oliver Finney dragging a bobbling shot wide and Luke Offord's volley forcing a sharp save from Stephen Henderson. The tide had turned and, almost inevitably, the visitors capsized. A manageable goalless situation turned abruptly into a two-goal deficit, with both of Alex's successes attributable to errors by Henderson, who was deputising for new dad Craig McGillivray.

There was accuracy, if little bite, behind the shot delivered by Mikael Mandron seven minutes before half-time and Henderson was down early to make a fairly routine save. Unfortunately, his parry fell to Finney, who gratefully finished from six yards. Bad turned to worse for Charlton's experienced keeper as he wandered from his line, with all the vagueness of an elderly jaywalker crossing Hyde Park Corner during rush hour, to deal with Lowery's setpiece. Caught in traffic, he was a bewildered witness to the header deftly flicked into his vacated goal by Mandron.

In Crewe's goal, meanwhile, Richards distinguished himself as the Addicks sought the breakthrough they needed. His fine save thwarted Washington early in the second half, while sharp reflexes defied substitute Burstow after the lively Washington dispossessed Billy Sass-Davies on the right byline. An on-target effort from Sean Clare was also repelled by the defiant keeper.

There were ten minutes remaining when Burstow scored his first-ever league goal to set up the controversial added time drama. Staying alert as George Dobson's raking pass set up the luckless Washington to sting Richards' palms with another fierce drive, the irrepressible kid anticipated the airborne rebound, leaped high and looped a header neatly under the bar. His maiden strike in a Charlton shirt was undermined by this depressing result but young Mason is off and running. Enjoy him while you can - if you know what I mean.

Jackson's post-game reaction to both the defeat and the added time controversy was admirably restrained, if understandably frustrated. "He [Richards] saw it all the way and tried to save it and couldn't. I thought the goal should have stood. It was too little too late anyway...it's easy to come out and have a go when you've got nothing to lose. Where was that in that period I'm talking about in the first half where we lost our intensity and lost our way?" Beats me, boss but as soon as I know, you'll know, count on that. We're all in this together.

Crewe: Richards, Offord, Sass-Davies, Williams, Madron, Lowery, Finney (Griffiths 86), Robertson (Murphy 84), Johnson, Porter, Long. Not
used: Jaaskalainen, Lawton, Ainley, Tabiner.

Charlton: Henderson, Clare, Pearce, Famewo, Purrington (Burstow 58), Jaiyesimi (Blackett-Taylor 58), Gilbey (Morgan 76), Dobson, Lee
Leko, Washington. Not used: Harness, Matthews, Inniss, Watson.

Referee: Robert Lewis. Att: 3,558.

Filed Under: Sport

Kevin Nolan’s Match Report: Charlton v MK Dons (4/01/22)

January 5, 2022 By Kevin Nolan

Charlton 1 (Leko 90+1) MK Dons 0 - Papa John's EFL Trophy Round of 16.

With the trials and many tribulations of League One competition sidelined for the time being, Charlton returned to carefree Cup football at The Valley on Tuesday evening. Their guests were MK Dons, the prize a place in the quarter-finals of the Papa John EFL Trophy and ultimately a Wembley appearance. The holy grail at the end of a long and winding road, which began with a 6-1 demolition of Crawley Town on August 31st, will presumably be a tin pot. Be fair though, after all that effort, you'd want to win it.

The Addicks have played well and provided excellent entertainment in getting this far. After demolishing Crawley and Southampton U21s, they completed their group games by losing 1-0 at Leyton Orient. They had already qualified by then, making that loss no more than a blip. Could have happened to anyone and was forgotten when a talented Aston Villa U21 side was edged 2-1 in a second round thriller at The Valley on November 30th.

MK Dons have also taken the widely derided Papa John seriously. They polished off Burton Albion and Wycombe Wanderers, both 2-1, before losing 4-2 to Villa in their final group game. In the second round, Orient were knocked out 5-4 on penalties, following a 0-0 regulation time draw. Under new boss Liam Manning, they came to win. And expected to do so.

Making wholesale changes from the side which slumped to disappointing defeat by Wycombe three days earlier, Johnnie Jackson cobbled together a side which blended vast experience (Ben Watson, Chris Gunter, Adam Matthews) with innocent youth (Aaron Henry, Nathan Harness, Corey Blackett-Taylor, Mason Burstow), offered chances to fringe first-teamers (Jonathan Leko, Charlie Kirk, Pape Souare) and welcomed back Ryan Inniss from a lengthy spell on the injury list. Manning's selection, meanwhile, featured eight changes from the MK Dons side which dropped vital promotion points in a 0-0 draw with Gillingham at the weekend.

A meagre (1653) crowd included 170 mouthy visitors from Milton Keynes, who claimed that although no one liked them, they didn't care and had no intention of apologising for stealing another club's identity and nickname. They'd boned up on all the tired old songs and chants and you'd never know they've been around for slightly more than five minutes. It's not easy having less history than goldfish but, bless 'em, they make the most of what little they have.

Manning's men are, of course, unburdened by events which, in many cases, occurred before they were born. They settled into a pass-and-move rhythm which stretched their hosts, though never to breaking point. With Watson a calming influence in the middle of things, the Addicks defended stoutly, absorbed occasional pressure and stayed in the game. From time to time, they hit back menacingly, with the youthful exuberance of Mason Burstow a nagging thorn in the visitors' side. This mouthwatering tie never quite exploded into life but you couldn't take your eyes off it.

An absorbing first half pitted the patient probing of MKD against Charlton's well organised defending, at the heart of which was the hugely reassuring presence of Inniss who, to Jackson's relief, completed 77 impressive minutes before being replaced. By the time he left, Deji Elerewe, an old head on young shoulders, had slotted in to assume responsibility.

Shortly before the break, home hearts missed a beat as Tennai Watson's solo run was halted inside the penalty area by Souare's desperate tackle from behind. Watson's instinctive effort to stay on his feet possibly worked against him but you've certainly seen 'em given. Charlton's best chance was created by Burstow, who reacted to a defensive ricochet and set up Leko for a close range finish which Zak Jules smothered at source. The Burstow-Leko combination would be heard from much later to more decisive effect.

Attacking an empty North Stand in the second half, the Addicks were more purposeful, with Kirk setting up Leko to force a sharp save from Franco Ravvizoli and Blackett-Taylor arriving a split second too late to convert Kirk's deep cross at the far post. But midway through the session, Charlton had the jaw-dropping brilliance of Harness to thank for staying in the tie. At the end of a mesmeric sequence of one-touch passing, David Kasumu was left with only the young keeper to beat from no more than eight unhindered yards; his venomous shot was bang on target but somehow Harness not only saw but saved the screamer; a disbelieving Kasumu could be forgiven for muffing the rebound. Harness' fine save from Mo Eisa, a scorer in MKD's 2-1 league win back in August, was routine in comparison. He had already done his bit.

Ninety scoreless but far from boring minutes were up and the penalty takers were preparing themselves when, in the first of four added minutes, the quarter-final slipped from Manning's ready hands and into the grateful grasp of Jackson. A late attacking flurry by the hosts saw Souare cross from the left touchline to the far post, where Burstow waited to head back across goal for a stooping Leko to nod past Ravizolli. It was Charlton's name, not that of the Buckinghamshire arrivistes, which entered Thursday's quarter-final draw. Where, swear to God, they will be sent to hell... or Hartlepool.

Charlton: Harness, Matthews (Elerewe 61), Gunter, Inniss (Ness 77), Souare, Blackett-Taylor (Williams 67), Watson, Kirk (Davison 81), Henry (Dempsey 87), Leko, Burstow. Not used: Harvey, Gavin. Booked: Watson.

MK Dons: Ravizzoli, Watson, Jules, O'Hora, Darling, Kasumu, Eisa, Robson (McEachran 88), Boateng, Bird (Martin 60), Ilunga. Not used: Fisher, O'Riley. Twine, Harvie. Booked:Kasumu.

Referee: Lee Swabey. Att 1653 (170 visiting).

Dedicated to my brother Tony, who died in Mill Valley, California last week.
"You're gonna make me lonesome when you go" - Bob Dylan.
Well, you're gone now, Tone, and he's right. I'm lonesome. Kev.

Filed Under: Sport

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