Blackburn Rovers 0 Charlton 1 (Church 7).
Kevin Nolan reports from Ewood Park.
A devilishly timed thunderstorm of biblical dimensions descended on homely old Ewood Park in almost the exact minute that referee Kevin Wright’s final whistle ended six interminable added minutes and spared increasingly haggard Charlton prolonged agony.
In mere seconds everyone was drenched to the skin by stair-rod rainfall, not that a small pocket of intrepid travelling fans so much as noticed. They were far too busy celebrating a magnificent performance and a priceless result against the odds. A mere spot of inclement weather was unlikely to dampen their ardour. Apres le deluge there were three precious, sorely needed points to savour.
Those same fans would cheerfully admit that their heroes had spent the closing stages of this epic victory pinned firmly inside their own half. Defending their 7th minute lead as if their lives depended on the result, they had long since tossed style to the winds and unapologetically resorted to clearing their lines anywhere and anyhow. It was hair-raising stuff but it distorted what, in many important respects, was an admirable away display. For make no mistake, Charlton deserved to win this gruelling game.
Boosted by Simon Church’s excellently constructed goal, the Addicks organised themselves solidly, counterattacked intelligently and gave at least as good as they got until Rovers’ sheer pressure told. That recent dip in form, which included spiritless concessions to Millwall and Burnley were forgotten as this latest of three vastly improved performances revitalised their prospects. The welcome returns from injury on Saturday of skipper Johnnie Jackson and Yann Kermorgant, who announced his 68th minute arrival with an audacious (and only narrowly wide) effort from the centre circle, contributed to the new feel-good factor.
Church’s matchwinner warrants special attention. The initial momentum was provided by Dale Stephens’ firm recovery tackle on Josh King and as defence was quickly turned into offence, by the midfielder’s brilliantly chipped pass to the goalscorer. Expert chest control provided the time and space Church needed to adjust his shape before slotting calmly past the advancing Jake Kean.
Up front for Rovers, meanwhile, prolific Jordan Rhodes had been warmly favoured over Church to open the scoring. It was clearly vital to the buoyant visitors’ chances of retaining their lead that the Championship’s hottest marksman was kept under control. Outstanding centre backs Michael Morrison and Richard Wood were coping impressively until Rhodes was picked out by Leon Best’s pass. A velvety touch set up a venomous volley which was heading inside the right post but was spectacularly touched aside, at full length, by Ben Hamer. A glancing header into Hamer’s arms, followed by a wild effort shovelled over the bar from close range, were the best Rhodes could manage later on. Thanks to the vigilance of Morrison and Wood, this was one of his quieter afternoons but he remains a striker of rare quality. Blackburn’s dependence on him was aptly underlined by the dreadful mess made by Best of converting a point blank chance after Hamer’s inconclusive punch.
Just as important to Charlton’s success was the burgeoning midfield partnership of Stephens and rookie Jordan Cousins. The older player’s ability has never been in doubt; his skill in keeping the ball moving with short or long passing is complemented by a ferrety, foot-in knack of stealing possession, a fierce shot and underrated strength in the air.
Cousins has stepped up from Development Squad football to the Championship with nerveless authority. An eye for the correct pass fits in neatly with precocious decision making. He can shoot accurately and also does his bit with his napper. The kid would be wise to hone his trade with Charlton. No sense in disappearing into some Premiership cul-de-sac.
Deliberate if ponderous in their build-up play, Rovers were driven to distraction by the tireless hustling of their determined visitors. Rarely given time on the ball as Bradley Pritchard joined Stephens and Cousins in a ball-hunting trio, they also came up against full backs of the highest quality in Lawrie Wilson and Rhoys Wiggins, back in the form which marked him out as the Championship’s best left back. All in all, there’s the makings of a useful side capable of climbing the table. With not a bean to spend and beset by injuries to key players, Chris Powell is proving a wizard of improvisation. Even the torrential rain couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. It’s clear he has the dressing room. All we need to do now is convince the few stubborn dissenters that he is the best -indeed only- man for the job. Then we’ll all be on the same page together.
Blackburn: Kean, Kane, Cairney, Lowe, Spurr, Kilgallon, Marshall (Campbell 84), Lowe, Dann, King (Judge 77), Best (Williamson 66), Rhodes. Not used: Eastwood, Taylor, Marrow, Morris. Booked: Dann, Kane.
Charlton: Hamer, Wilson, Morrison, Wood, Wiggins, Pritchard, Stephens, Cousins, Stewart (Evina 75), Church (Jackson 77), Sordell (Kermorgant 68). Not used: Alnwick, Dervite, Green, Gower.
Referee: Kevin Wright. Att: 13,915.
N.B. All things must pass. So it’s with regret and gratitude that I part company with Maybridge Consultants, generous sponsors of my reports during the last two seasons. They have been good friends but have ceased to trade. They seemed sincere when assuring me that their decision had nothing to do with me and I choose to believe them. I have to admit, though, that there’s a bit of the Jonah about me.
The top and bottom of it anyway, as my old pal Johnny Yarnton used to say, is that I’m seeking a new sponsor to keep me going. This website is run very much as a one-man band enterprise by an affable, touchingly altruistic chap called Rob Powell, who struggles to pay me.
Is there any chance that out there somewhere is an understanding entrepreneur who ius willing to get involved? Enquiries should be e-mailed to rob@greenwich.co.uk and will all be acknowledged.
Might be embarrassing if there are no takers but there you go…I found out a long time ago that there are times when you can’t please any of the people any of the time. Meanwhile, the reports will continue until I start falling asleep over the half-time soup. Kevin Nolan.