Charlton 1 (Church 37) Doncaster Rovers 3 (Keegan 2. Brown 17,23).
Kevin Nolan reports from The Valley
Abandoned at half-time due to waterlogged pitch.
It’s obvious that being reprieved at half-time by a biblical deluge when 3-1 down at home, has to be considered a massive break. And it’s just as obvious that if you’re leading at the time of the abandonment, you’re entitled to curse your luck.
This particular case, though, wasn’t quite so clearcut. Not quite. It’s true that Paul Dickov’s wild Rovers had taken the Addicks apart with three ruinous goals inside 23 irresistible minutes and that, had the game proceeded without interruption, they would almost certainly have completed a rout. The on-song visitors had almost to be frogmarched from the field when referee Lee Collins ordered a half hour moratorium after 26 minutes play to assess the situation. Their mutinous reluctance to break early for tea was perfectly understandable but it got worse.We found out later what becomes of the brokenhearted.
By the time Mr. Collins brought the teams back with about 18 minutes of the first period remaining, however, the situation had drastically changed. Donny’s keen edge had been blunted, their lead promptly reduced by Simon Church’s opportunistic goal, a setback quickly followed by the dismissal of opening goalscorer Paul Keegan for two of the more boneheaded yellow cards you’re likely to come across. Rovers faced an awkward second period.
The momentum had certainly switched but it was an incident shortly before the long-delayed interval which possibly helped the indecisive official to make up his mind. With the goal at his mercy from six yards, two-goal Chris Brown was foiled in his efforts to complete a quickfire hat-trick by a treacherous riptide, leaving Ben Hamer the simple task of paddling out to retrieve the ball. The increasingly farcical conditions were sportingly brought to Mr. Collins’ attention by a caring home crowd, responsibly alive to health and safety considerations and equally anxious that the pitch wasn’t irreparably damaged.
During the interval came confirmation that Mr. Collins shared their concerns. The game was called off. Charlton were off the hook. Or was it Doncaster? Nah, probably Charlton. They were, after all, two goals down. Mind you, Rovers had been clearly shaken by the twin blows before the break and had already depended on keeper Ross Turnbull for three outstanding saves, the best of which kept out Bradley Pritchard’s fulminating volley. They were in a bit of a pickle. Nah, still had to be Charlton. Who wants to resume at two goals down? So definitely Charlton.
His normal, calculating self after the drama, Chris Powell’s private relief won’t lead him to sweep under the carpet the debris left by that disastrous opening spell. Charlton’s resistance was minimal as the visitors moved effortlessly into a 3rd minute lead through Keegan’s spectacular header. Powell will probably require explanation of the dozy defending that left an unmarked Theo Robinson space to collect a routine throw conveniently held up by the worst section of the pitch, then pick out the onrushing midfielder with an accurate cross to the penalty spot. Keegan will be chagrined to learn that while his “goal” will be expunged, his dismissal means punishment. Silly boy!
The manager will also pinpoint the simplicity with which Robinson used James Hubbard’s pass into his feet to twist past Michael Morrison and set up a near post chance for Brown to double the lead; not to mention the confusion that reigned as David Cotterill’s outswinging corner was headed goalward by Bongani Khumalo, before cannoning freakishly off Brown’s nose past a startled Hamer. Heads might roll.
So we’ll do it all again some time in the future, much to an unusually restrained Dickov’s displeasure. He will fear, as an experienced pro, that the outcome might well be different then. On the other hand, It might be a good idea to steer clear of Powell if this humiliation is repeated. No two ways about it. This is a manager with problems to solve.
Kevin Nolan’s Match Report is brought to you in association with , 294 Burnt Ash Hill, London, SE12 0QD.
Charlton: Hamer, Solly, Morrison, Cort, Wiggins, Pritchard, Gower, Cousins, Harriott, Kermorgant, Church. Not used: Pope, Dervite, Evina, Green, Sordell, Wilson, Pigott. Booked: Gower.
Doncaster: Turnbull. Wabara, Jones, Khumalo, Husband, Cotterill, Wellens, Coppinger, Keegan, Brown, Robinson. Not used: Quinn, Furman, Syers, Duffy, Paynter, McCullough, Maxted. Booked (twice) Keegan:sent off.
Referee: Lee Collins. Att: 13,633.