Birmingham City 0 Charlton 1 (Stephens 56).

When diminutive referee Scott Mathieson ordered three added minutes at the end of this tense, scrappy game, an unmistakeable frisson of deja-vu caused hairs to stand up on necks in the away end of this pleasantly scruffy old ground.

Squirming anxiously behind the goal, 855 travelling fans had gone through this before. Twice in fact last season when Birmingham City salvaged 1-1 draws with last gasp equalisers in both league games. To concede once could be dismissed as misfortune; to lapse a second time just has to be carelessness; but a third added time disaster was not only unthinkable but unendurable. City substitute Peter Lovenkrands clearly sympathised because, in a hectic conclusion, he ended Charlton’s agony by blasting a six-yard sitter wildly over the bar.So it was uncomfortably close at the end but the Addicks held on to this second successive 1-0 victory away from home.

Depleted by injuries to Richard Wood and Yann Kermorgant during last week’s clash with Wigan, Chris Powell reacted with his usual resourcefulness. Bringing in the admirable Dorian Dervite and the invaluable experience of Johnnie Jackson, he changed his formation to a counter-punching 4-5-1 and was rewarded by impressive stubbornness from every member of his resilient side. This fourth consecutive clean sheet was built on defensive solidity, which began up front with the tireless endeavour of Simon Church, ran down the spine of the team and was supported at the back by the flawless goalkeeping of Ben Hamer.

This was, it should be said, no desperate backs-to-the wall feat of resistance. Hustling and harassing all over the pitch, the Addicks soaked up everything City had to offer, sapped their resolve, then polished them off with an opportunistic 56th minute goal of their own. Masterminded by their streetwise manager, this was the text-book away performance.

Entertainment was admittedly in short supply, particularly during a sterile first half, in the drab course of which the visitors created the better chances. As early as the second minute, Jackson’s close range header was repelled by Darren Randolph’s face; Church glanced Jackson’s precise cross wide; Church exploited Kyle Bartley’s slip to set an opening for Jackson to drag a shot wide. It was hardly one-way traffic but the best the Blues could offer was Lee Novak’s rasping drive which Hamer saved brilliantly at full length. Novak’s foul on Hamer ruled out Dan Burn’s “scoring” header.

Nine minutes after the break, the visitors stepped up the pace and lowered the boom on their weakening hosts. Tricky left winger Cameron Stewart had already shown a willingness to cut inside right back Paul Caddis to let fly right-footed. His first effort was painfully blocked by Burn but his sights were set. A second drive brought Randolph down to save awkwardly at his right post, Jackson nibbled at the rebound, Randolph parried gamely but sent the ball spinning towards the far post, where Stephens was waiting to tap into an empty net. In sublime form recently, the stylish midfielder had added an overdue goal to yet another masterful contribution in Charlton’s cause.

Laboured and predictable in their intention to batter the Addicks into submission, City aimed everything at Nicola Zigic’s lofty head but Dervite and a rock-like Michael Morrison dealt capably with the crude aerial assault. Alongside their resolute centre backs, stalwart full backs Lawrie Wilson and Rhoys Wiggins snuffed out wide men Chris Burke and Demarai Gray, with Bradley Pritchard improving on an erratic first half  to do his usual indefatigable bit on every blade of grass available to him. Jordan Cousins continued to belie his extreme youth and Stewart is combining his defensive duties with attacking menace on the left flank. So solid was this Charlton crew that Powell’s first and only substitution was the 90th minute replacement of an understandably weary Jackson by Jordan Cook. From start to finish, this remarkably plucky team were a credit to their boss. And it was no surprise that they did it again. This lot would go through walls for him.
Birmingham: Randolph, Caddis, Bartley, Burn, Robinson, Burke, Reilly, Adeyemi, Gray (Lovenkrands 62), Novak ( Ferguson 62), Zigic. Not used: Doyle, Mullins, Lee, Shinnie, Brown. 

Charlton: Hamer, Wilson, Morrison, Dervite, Wiggins, Pritchard, Stephens, Cousins, Jackson (Cook 90), Stewart, Church. Not used: Alnwick, Hughes, Evina, Sordell, Harriott, Lennon.

Referee: Scott Mathieson. Att: 14,070.

Charlton 0 Wigan Athletic 0.

Kevin Nolan reports from The Valley.

This earnestly contested stalemate featured Charlton’s third consecutive clean sheet, an achievement which eluded them during their first ten league games. With a paltry total of nine goals so far, only three of them scored at The Valley, it’s just as well they’ve defiantly clamped down at the other end. Their spirit might be bruised but remains unbroken.
Boosted by the return of Yann Kermorgant, the Addicks probably looked to this fixture for a change in attacking emphasis. Unfortunately, their wretched luck continued, as the Big Yann limped off after just 35 minutes, with a recurrence of his ankle injury. He had started brightly by dominating in the air, screaming blue merde over every decision as usual and generally exuding that air of bristling menace so clearly lacking in his absence.

Kermorgant’s departure significantly altered Charlton’s approach to this important game. Though Marvin Sordell proved a capable deputy, their priority became corporate solidarity and defensive discipline, with an eye to catching their visitors on the break. To a man, each player did his bit in securing a point which might prove invaluable. If you can’t win, make damn sure you don’t lose, so they say; it’s their five draws that currently keep Charlton off the bottom of the Championship table.

While the hatches were being battened down following the early disruption, nobody was more prominent than Dale Stephens, who has come into his own with a series of fine performances recently. He took this game by the scruff of its neck and inspired his teammates to increased effort. His stylish ability to break up the opposition’s play, then turn defence into attack with authoritative passing, was vital to Charlton’s re-adjustment during their brief period of vulnerability. Stephens’ blistering drive, following hardworking Simon Church’s lay-off early in the second half, would have been a worthy winner. From my angle, it seemed destined for the top left corner but instead shaved the woodwork.

Singling out Stephens for mention in no way diminishes worthy contributions elsewhere. Centre backs Michael Morrison and Richard Wood were immense in keeping Grant Holt under control and consigning the highly touted Nick Powell (playing in the hole behind Holt, if my astute tactical eye served me right) to the margins. Holt pushed, shoved and out-moaned Kermorgant but got nowhere; gifted Manchester United loanee Powell supplied the miss of the match by blasting a six-yard sitter wildly over the bar just past the hour. Right back Lawrie Wilson, meanwhile, put James McLean in his pocket, finding time also to make several marauding runs down the right flank.

Providing his customary sturdy support to Stephens and a slightly subdued Jordan Cousins, Bradley Pritchard won’t appreciate being reminded that he was responsible for squandering Charlton’s best chance. Intelligently tracking the inroads made by Rhoys Wiggins’ perceptive pass to Cameron Stewart, he was perfectly placed to meet the flying winger’s precise cutback but haplessly shovelled a left-footed shot over the bar from the edge of the penalty area. Before the interval, Wood nodded Stephens’s outswinging corner down inside the left post but young goalkeeper Lee Nicholls scooped the ball away.

Improving Wigan had the better of the second half and were desperately unlucky not to take the lead when Chris McCann’s fierce header sent McLean’s corner thudding against the bar. Ben Watson blasted a good chance wide, while James McArthur ended a series of ricochets by doing likewise. McLean’s deflected effort flew into the sidenet and it was becoming hectic around Ben Hamer’s goal by the time substitute Callum McManaman’s sliced shot wasted the Latics’ last opportunity.
The depth of Chris Powell’s squad had already been further depleted by the inconvenient 57th minute loss of Wood to injury. His replacement Dorian Dervite, not for the first time, plugged the gap superbly but the list of available personnel gets thinner.

The boss’s talent for imaginative re-deployment of his assets will immediately be tested by next Saturday’s awkward trip to Birmingham City. His patience knows no bounds, his grace under pressure seems unshakeable. He’s going to need both qualities in keeping Charlton’s heads above water. They’re in safe hands.

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS HERE! SPONSOR REQUIRED FOR CHARLTON ATHLETIC MATCH REPORTS – email rob@greenwich.co.uk

Charlton: Hamer, Wilson, Morrison, Wood (Dervite 57), Wiggins, Pritchard, Stephens, Cousins (Jackson 84), Stewart, Church, Kermorgant (Sordell 35). Not used: Pope, Hughes, Evina, Green. Booked: Pritchard.

Referee: S. Martin. Att: 23,600 (775 visiting).

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.

Charlton 0 Blackpool 0.

Kevin Nolan reports from The Valley.

Though lacking the pizazz of the midweek barnburner which rattled Notts Forest, there was still something tangible for Charlton to savour after this dour stalemate against promotion seekers Blackpool.

Not least among its merits was the point that kept their nose above the Championship’s relegation waters. That temporary edge provides psychological relief, as did their first clean sheet of an already troubled season.

Both plus points were achieved by a threadbare squad, deprived of five potential starters, but fully committed to papering over the cracks. It’s almost possible now to forget the miserable capitulations to Millwall and Burnley. Almost but not quite. But his selection problems might usefully be borne in mind by the minority of theoreticians routinely second-guessing Chris Powell and regularly rhubarbing for his removal. Tactically switched-on thinkers, every one of them. And privy, of course, to everything that goes on inside Sparrows Lane.

Charlton’s chances this term will depend rather less on formulaic systems than on sheer heart and ability – that is until football is turned over to dust-dry analysts to be mulled over by cost-conscious accountants. If and when that day arrives, you can keep it -or, better yet, stick it down that tactical “hole” they go on about. And chuck the “diamond” after it. Some of us are still coming to terms with the “W” formation
The heart and ability Charlton need has been epitomised recently by 19 year-old Academy graduate Jordan Cousins. Asked to step up from the Development Squad to plug gaps in a dwindling squad, the tall, athletically-built kid has responded magnificently. He followed an outstanding midweek contribution with another man-of-the-match performance on Saturday. As one appreciative fan was overheard to remark, “he’s a proper footballer”. He’s certainly one opponents find difficult to bully off the ball. That’s an important quality the likes of Callum Harriott would do well to emulate.

Partnered unselfishly by a revitalised Dale Stephens, Cousins dominated central midfield under the frustrated gaze of self-styled “Guvnor” Paul Ince, an expert better qualified than most to evaluate the youngster’s dynamic all-round qualities.
Neither Stephens nor Cousins shied away from the uglier requirements of tackling, covering or, in Stephens’ case especially, lending last ditch support to redoubtable defenders Michael Morrison and Richard Wood in the Addicks’ penalty area. That last ditch boot or head which lustily cleared its lines when all hands were called to the pumps frequently belonged to Cousins but even more often to Stephens.

While hardly a spinetingler, this honest-to-goodness game was no scoreless bore. Chances were few, defences remained largely in control but there were moments when a flash of inspiration -or more likely a lapse in concentration- might have settled the issue.

For the Seasiders, savvy old pro Ricardo Fuller needed constant supervision. It was his meaty header from one of Jack Robinson’s huge throws near the end of a cagey first half, which forced an excellent, full stretch save from Ben Hamer.
“Before you could say Jack Robinson” was, by the way, a meaningless boast in this bloke’s case. That seemingly endless delay as he laboriously crisscrossed the field prior to heaving the ball into Charlton’s penalty area meant you could namecheck his entire family tree while waiting for play to resume. Stick a time limit on throw-ins and “Jack” might have heaved the ball back in play before we realised his surname was “Robinson.” Just an idle thought.

Carrying most of Blackpool’s threat, meanwhile, was Ince’s son Thomas, a much coveted 21-year old in no need of nepotism from this dad. Dangerous if allowed to hit his stride, he was handled with authority by Rhoys Wiggins but popped up with a chance to steal the points in the closing moments. Gifted clear sight of goal by a misplaced header from Lawrie Wilson, the normally accurate sharpshooter dragged an unconvincing low drive harmlessly wide of the left post.

Ince Jr’s miss effectively confirmed the scoreless stand-off, an outcome Cousins had earlier placed in doubt with a 25-yard rasper which Matt Gilks smuggled around an upright. Unhibited shooting is another of his assets. A useful goal or two would come in handy.

Teetering nervously one place and one point above the bottom three, the Addicks will use the international break to assess their parlous position and work on the walking wounded. On Saturday, Powell was down to the bare bones in naming an 18-man squad, his lack of options obvious to all but his remorseless detractors. Skint as he is, he might have grasped the irony that Blackpool, having presumably sold their soul, are sponsored by Wonga, those compassionate champions of the financially oppressed underdog. He could do with a bob or two himself but that ain’t the way to go. Got Faust into more trouble than he baragined for.

Charlton: Hamer, Wilson, Morrison, Wood, Wiggins, Gower (Pritchard 57), Cousins, Stephens, Harriott, Sordell (Pigott 86), Church (Stewart 76). Not used: Alnwick, Hughes, Evina, Dervite.

Blackpool: Gilks, Broadfoot, Cathcart, MacKenzie, Robinson, Basham, Osbourne (Gosling 74), Ince, Bishop, Dobbie (Barkhuizen 83), Fuller (Davies 79). Not used: Orr, Chopra, Grant, Martinez.

Referee: Keith Hill (spot-on all afternoon). Att: 15,487.

Kevin Nolan’s Match Report is brought to you in association with , 294 Burnt Ash Hill, London, SE12 0QD.

Charlton 1 (Sordell 58) Notts Forest 1 (Reid 2).

Kevin Nolan reports from The Valley.

This cocklewarming performance by resurgent Charlton swept away the gloom enveloping The Valley, following three dispiriting defeats. More composed finishing might even have improved the mood further but recovery sometimes starts with the smallest of steps. We’ll know more when Blackpool hit town on Saturday.

For the time being, the Addicks are entitled to savour a hugely encouraging evening, one they began disastrously by surrendering a potentially morale-destroying goal after just two minutes.

It seemed obvious, even to the tactically naive, that with the winklepicking left foot of Andy Reid in Forest’s line-up, the concession of needless free kicks in Charlton’s defensive third should be kept to a minimum. No doubt Chris Powell had drummed home this message but the exuberance of youth betrayed Jordan Cousins, who carelessly nudged Reid in contesting an innocuous ball near the right touchline. The Irish visionary promptly used the opportunity to swing over a deceptively swirling delivery, which embarrassed a poorly positioned Ben Hamer on its way into the top left corner of his net.

If Cousins was crestfallen, it didn’t show. He buckled down immediately  with a magnificent contribution to Charlton’s recovery. Not 20 until March, he showed the confidence, not to mention the swagger, of a seasoned pro. There’s the body language of Steven Gerrard about him, with his ability to pass accurately short or long, a willingness to shoulder personal responsibility and based on the late drive which unluckily rattled the woodwork, power in his shooting boots. This kid’s on his way up so let’s enjoy him while we can.

Alongside Cousins, Dale Stephens continued his steady return to form, while full backs Rhoys Wiggins and Lawrie Wilson were rampaging raiders along the flanks. They were the stand-out quartet but every member of this depleted side earned credit for digging down into reserves of pride to deliver for a boss who, God knows, deserves no less.

But, oh, those missed chances! In the first half alone, the profigacy began with Wiggins’ deflected cross looping up conveniently for Simon Church, who headed awkwardly down into the turf and allowed Karl Darlow time to gratefully turn the effort over the bar; Church’s challenge for a Mark Gower centre made space for Stephens’ powder puff tap into Darlow’s arms; Church then made a mess of converting the rebound after Darlow superbly parried Stephens’ rocket, with Stephens’ follow-up attempt shaving an upright.

All through an exciting first half, the Addicks were driven on by a solidly supportive crowd, at the heart of which the North Stand stayed fanatically committed. The ball was either sucked or blown towards Forest’s goal and, three minutes after the break, the sideline heroes were rewarded by an overdue equaliser.

Charlton’s early build-up was, frankly, inelegant, with Callum Harriott’s wildly miscued shot whistling untouched in the direction of the far touchline. Staying alert to its possibilities, Wilson kept the move alive by retrieving the loose ball to square intelligently for Marvin Sordell to shoot home on the turn.

Clearly unwilling to settle for a useful draw, Charlton hunted down their rattled visitors. Harriott’s raking low cross barely eluded a sliding Richard Wood at the far post, Sordell twisted sharply to shoot narrowly wide, before Cousins’ ferocious effort almost uprooted a post, following Stephens’ inswinging corner. It was one-way traffic with Forest struggling to survive and lucky to do so.

Church’s limping withdrawal at least allowed young Joe Pigott to shake off the unwarranted criticism which marred his full league debut against Millwall and show character with a spirited cameo. And there was still time for Cousins to crown a stirring display by sliding in fearlessly to block Chris Cohen’s point-blank “sure thing.”

If Forest have been largely ignored in this account, they will be consoled by the addition of a valuable point to their promotion push. And I hope they won’t mind me calling them “Notts Forest”,  a liberty for which some outraged Trentsider put me in my place last season (that was actually fine by me because I quite like living in London). Apparently it’s “Nottingham Forest”, “pronounced “Nott-num Forest”. It’s OK to call the other team “Notts County”  but not “Nottingham” or even “Nott-num County”. I’m getting a bit bogged down by apostrophes so talk among yourselves while I disentangle myself.

Anyway, where were we?  Oh yeah, I remember. No offence, pal, but cobblers. Everyone in the country calls “Notts Forest” ” Notts Forest”. I mean, we don’t go around calling ourselves “Charlt-un” Athletic”, do we? Well, we do sometimes but only among ourselves. Notts Forest. Slips off the tongue. With or without apostrophes.

Gosh, I hope I haven’t gone too far. That bloke was really annoyed and we’ve got to play them away yet. It’s only our little joke, mate.

Charlton: Hamer, Wilson, Morrison, Wood, Wiggins, Gower (Hughes 74), Stephens, Cousins, Harriott (Dervite 90), Church (Pigott 78), Sordell. Not used: Alnwick, Evina, Cook, Stewart.

Forest: Darlow, Lichaj, Collins, Hobbs, Lansbury, Chalobah (Harding 55), Cohen, Mackie, Reid, Blackstock (Henderson 70), Derbyshire (Cox 55). Not used: DeVries, Halford, Jara, Abdoun.

Referee: Fred Graham. Att: 15,587.

Kevin Nolan’s Match Report is brought to you in association with , 294 Burnt Ash Hill, London, SE12 0QD.

Burnley 3 (Ings 37, Vokes 67,87) Charlton 0.

Kevin Nolan reports from Turf Moor.

This comment hardly qualifies as blinding insight but the early season signs are that Charlton are already knee-deep in a relegation quicksand. In fact, make that hip-deep and sinking fast. And that’s not a panicky overstatement by any means.

The manner of this abject capitulation to buoyant Burnley, as much as the not unexpected defeat itself, sent shivers of apprehension through the 313 dogged loyalists who followed them up to Lancashire. Those were their natural reactions to an apparent absence of ability and a much more obvious lack of fighting spirit, the same qualities which made them so hard to beat on the road last season. They were sent packing by opponents who chewed them up before spitting out the remains. The Clarets scarcely broke sweat in dealing with such flimsy pretenders.

Let’s do try to be fair, though. The Addicks didn’t actually manage too badly for over a half hour but were beaten in the instant Danny Ings expertly swept his side in front on 37 minutes. Their chronic inability to keep a clean sheet meant that the goalless draw which was clearly the extent of their ambition was now beyond them. They could have played all day and on through Wakes Week without scoring themselves. As soon as Burnley went in front, all bets were off.

Not much had been seen of Ings during the opening half hour. A fine block by Dorian Dervite had snuffed out his only chance and the game was pottering anonymously along, much to the visitors’ satisfaction, until he popped up in precisely the right place at exactly the right time to open the scoring. Timing his run to the far post as the impressive Kieran Trippier outwitted Rhoys Wiggins on the Clarets’ right flank, Ings made routine work of converting the full back’s low, hard-driven cross. It was a lesson in cold-blooded finishing, which was lost on the inept visitors. In the first half, they managed only a limply wide shot from Dale Stephens and a wicked free kick from Wiggins which Tom Heaton bravely collected under pressure from Simon Church. They didn’t do much better in the second period so we’ll draw a veil over their puny efforts.

Operating in Ings’ shadow, meanwhile, Sam Vokes had wasted an early chance, glancing another of Trippier’s sweet centres wide when scoring seemed an easier option. Like his strike partner, he bided his time before extinguishing Charlton’s faint hopes with an excellent second goal. Played through by Dean Marney’s astute pass inside Lawrie Wilson, he drew Ben Hamer from his line, then smoothly lifted a deft chip over the keeper into the right corner. Earlier this season, the Addicks had pulled back a two-goal deficit at Barnsley: the chances of a repetition were minimal. There’s a smell of defeat hanging over them right now.

Full of themselves, Burnley were winning as they pleased. Ings’ clever header from Ben Mee’s left wing cross beat Hamer but smacked against the bar and it was left to Vokes to add a final flourish to their victory with three minutes left. Meeting Junior Stanislav’s waist-high corner on the volley, he gave Hamer no chance from 10 yards. Ings and Vokes, between them, have accounted for 12 of Burnley’s 17 league goals this season.

It’s recommended, of course, to search for positives in the bleakest of situations but on this occasion, you’d be reaching to find even one. Even the late substitute appearance of Yann Kermorgant seemed to backfire or was it imagination that the all-important striker limped through the closing moments? With skipper Johnnie Jackson ruled out pre-kickoff and Chris Solly already a mysterious long-term absentee, Chris Powell could do without further worry concerning Kermorgant’s immediate prospects.

High flyers Nottingham Forest and Blackpool are due this week at The Valley prior to the international break, neither of them opposition you’d choose to face while out of form. Defeats by that formidable duo could see the sands closing over Charlton’s head. And once you go under, it’s one helluva job to reach the surface again.

It’s a bit early to be using a word like crisis. So what should we call it -a blip? Face facts. It looks like a crisis, feels like a crisis, sounds like a crisis. Chances are it’s a crisis.

Kevin Nolan’s Match Report is brought to you in association with , 294 Burnt Ash Hill, London, SE12 0QD.

Burnley: Heaton, Trippier, Shackell, Duff, Mee, Kightly (Stanislav 60), Marney, Arfield (Treacy 85), Jones (Edgar 90), Ings, Vokes. Not used: Cisak, Lafferty, O’Neill, Stock. Booked: Marney.

Charlton: Hamer, Wilson, Morrison, Dervite, Wiggins, Pritchard (Harriott 46), Stephens, Cousins, Gower (Sordell 68), Stewart (Kermorgant 83), Church. Not used: Alnwick, Evina, Wood, Hughes. Booked: Wilson.

Referee: D. Coote. Att: 10,645.

Charlton 0 Millwall 1 (McDonald 38).

Kevin Nolan reports from The Valley.

As an exercise in the “bleedin obvious”, predicting the result of this game took a bit of beating.

In the red corner, Charlton were trying to improve a “record” of 11 victories in 66 previous games; coming out of the blue corner, Millwall hadn’t lost to them since the previous century and traditionally have only to turn up to win. “They want it more”, you see.

So imagine your correspondent’s surprise to learn that our normally hard-nosed turf accountants had installed Charlton as 6-5 favourites, with Millwall offered at a juicy 5-2 (they were 2-1 when cruising home 2-0 last season). On both occasions, the fixture screamed horses-for-courses but the bookies, bless their largesse, wouldn’t have it. They positively insisted on dispensing “money from home” as Damon Runyon called it.

No doubt many Lions’ fans -not to mention more than one pragmatic, world-weary Addick-filled their boots on the generous odds. It would have seemed churlish not to. On a personal level, my lips must remain sealed. As a freelance hanger-on, I can’t indulge. I’m bound by the Hippocratic Oath.

So much anyway for crass commercialism; football is a game of passion, commitment and courage, qualities lamentably lacking in a Charlton side which submitted meekly in the latest of these so-called local derbies. As usual, they pottered about, went through the motions and didn’t appear to be too gutted to lose. Not for the players the fans’ avoidance of certain pubs, the temporary removal of phones from the hook, the low profile until the dust settles and the misery happens again on March 15th. It helps if you live in Essex. And drive there in large lorries with tinted windows.

The scenario is all too familiar to Charlton fans. The Lions always approach the fixture in disarray before miraculously pulling themselves together in the immediate run-up. The Addicks, on the other hand, sportingly ensure that several of their best players (in this case Chris Solly and Yann Kermorgant) are unavailable on the day, talk tough about their determination to shed blood in the cause, then roll over for their tummies to be tickled.

To be fair, on this 67th occasion, there wasn’t a whole lot between the sides. The visitors were hardly scintillating but allowed their hosts just one authentic chance, a gilt-edged opportunity that didn’t arrive until 75 minutes had elapsed. They were split open by substitute Marvin Sordell’s exquisitely judged pass, which played Simon Church through the inside left channel. Opening his body as per text book to shoot across the advancing David Forde for the far corner, Church messed up his angles and managed only to find the keeper’s midriff. There were one or two other bits and pieces but that’s all, folks! Church’s miss was what we shall refer to officially as The Chance.

It had taken Millwall 38 desultory minutes to convert their first genuine opportunity, which fell conveniently to Australian striker Scott McDonald. Picking up the slack after Bradley Pritchard carelessly lost possession, McDonald shook off Pritchard’s guilty pursuit, moved inside and let fly as much in hope as expectation. His shot caught Dorian Dervite’s heel and left Ben Hamer helpless as it flew past the hopelessly wrongfooted keeper. Forget the element of luck because the goal was waiting to happen. It always does in this fixture because, as stated, Millwall “want it more.” It’s a state of mind.

The current Lions bear little resemblance to the teams which included violent twerps like Hurlock, Stevens and Thatcher; these blokes are hard but disciplined. They give and take knocks, stay on their feet when whacked and show impressive team bonding. They should have made the points safe when Richard Chaplow set up Scott Malone to shoot wastefully wide near the end but Charlton’s bolt had already been shot. Admittedly, Forde just beat Sordell to Church’s deflected cross before Cameron Stewart concluded proceedings with a low drive saved competently by Forde. But they were merely the last throes of a beaten team.

Hurt, angry but mainly resigned to the inevitable, the fans took their leave with dignity.

That might be because they’re used to it. After all, the fabled victories over Millwall (yeah, yeah, the snow already) in 1995-96 were themselves the first by the Addicks since October 28th 1978, besides which two of Charlton’s eleven wins were registered in their debut league season of 1921-22 and deceptively put them 2-0 up.

But hold the phone, there were other moments. There was the league double (both 3-1) in  the Division Three championship-winning season of 1934-35 , which meant the sides didn’t meet again for 31 years due to an obvious gulf in class. At which point, of course, the Lions started to catch up. They win so often nowadays that it’d be the decent thing to declare and put Charlton back in. I’m bloody embarrassed by it and I bet you are too.

Speaking of March 15th, which we touched on briefly above, remember to contact your cheerful bookie. You’ll know him by his florid complexion, checked suit and well-upholstered physique (no such thing as a skinny bookie). Find out Millwall’s price and lump on. Because remember the bleedin’ obvious. Charlton lose to Millwall. Again and again. It’s what they do.

Kevin Nolan’s Match Report is brought to you in association with , 294 Burnt Ash Hill, London, SE12 0QD.

Charlton: Hamer, Morrison, Dervite, Wood (Stewart 57), Wilson, Stephens, Pritchard (Harriott 72), Jackson, Wiggins, Church, Pigott (Sordell 72). Not used: Alnwick, Evina, Cousins, Gower. Booked: Jackson.

Millwall: Forde, Dunne, Robinson, Beevers, Woolford, Bailey, Abdou, Trotter (Chaplow 79), Malone, Waghorn (Martin 70), McDonald (Morison 59). Not used: Bywater, Easter, Connolly, Osborne. Booked: Waghorn.

Referee: Andy D’Urso. Att: 15,917.

Huddersfield Town 2 (Vaughan 45, Lynch 65) Charlton 1 (Stewart 79).

Precisely three weeks after Charlton shlepped up the M1 to Huddersfield for`an unwanted  Capital One Cup tie, the Championship fixture compiler probably split his sides laughing to be puckishly sending them on the same gruelling journey, during which they were again struck by a bolt of lightning calling itself Joel Lynch. For the second time too, against all meteorological advice to the contrary.

Allow me to explain. Lynch is a useful left wingback who has nailed down a place in Mark Robins’ workaday side. He does his stuff up and down the touchline, tucks in defensively and is well regarded at the John Smith Stadium, the hackneyed old name presumably used by the Galpharm when it’s playing away and booking in to an hotel.

One thing Robins doesn’t count on from the estimable Lynch is goalscoring. Except, of course, if Charlton are the opponents, which is when his appetite perks up somewhat. He opened the scoring in the Cup game with a raking low drive from distance, which embarrassed Ben Hamer at his near post. We didn’t know it then but he was merely warming up for a bigger prize.

In the 65th minute of this rather more important Championship match, Lynch picked up an innocuous ball just inside Charlton’s half, ambled forward, then without warning unleashed a 35-yard left-footed cannonball. Startled by its ferocity and trajectory, Hamer backtracked desperately but was unable to prevent the missile from zeroing into the top left corner of his net. He’ll need convincing that lightning never strikes twice. Best not mention it.
Lynch’s latest howitzer proved vital to the outcome of this earnest, if uninspired, clash of evenly matched rivals. It not only doubled the lead given the Terriers by an altogether more prolific source in James Vaughan but buffered them against the panic which spread alarmingly when Addicks’ debutant loanee Cameron Stewart reduced the deficit with an even better strike 11 minutes from time.

With nine league goals to his credit already this season, Vaughan is currently on fire. He had been kept relatively quiet during a largely soporific first half but remained alert as two added minutes were signalled. Anticipating the flight of a left-footed cross delivered by Adam Hammill from the right touchline, his clever movement won him enough space to glance a deft header across Hamer into the left corner. A born striker never sleeps.

The sickening suddenness, not to mention the cruel timing of Vaughan’s goal, knocked the stuffing out of the visitors. Without the injured Yann Kermorgant to spearhead their attack, they had at least managed to stifle the Terriers throughout a desultory first period. Their sole attacking contribution had been the header which Simon Church directed too close to Alex Smithies a minute before the break but their hosts had hardly been going like gangbusters themselves. The plan, however negative, was working until Vaughan stuck his oar in.

With their priorities necessarily altered, the Addicks began the second half with more urgency. Their striking deficiencies were, unfortunately, spotlighted, by the mess made by Marvin Sordell of volleying Dale Stephens chipped pass goalwards and, to a lesser extent, by the possibly harsh booking for diving meted out to Simon Church.

Chris Powell was actually in the process of replacing the out of touch Sordell with eager Callum Harriott and introducing the unknown quantity that is Cameron Stewart for a blameless Richard Wood when, smack in front of the distracted boss, Charlton’s nemesis Lynch struck his ultimately decisive goal. It briefly took the wind out of the boss’s sails though he was rewarded with lively contributions from his substitutes.

A mixture of pace and skill, Stewart revitalised the visitors. He had already showed menace when, with 11 minutes left, he set out on a left to right solo dribble, leaving a tiring posse of defenders labouring in his wake. A final drop of the shoulder provided him with a sight of Smithies’ goal and a fulminating right-footed drive from fully 25 yards did the rest.

A truly wondrous goal, Stewart’s bombshell even eclipsed Lynch’s fine effort for sheer quality but went for nothing as the Addicks, despite a spirited rally, failed to close the gap. They reduced the Terriers to yapping terror, there were abortive shouts for a penalty,  a succession of corners brought Hamer up in attack and the stadium was reduced to a molten mass of nerves so familiar to regulars at The Valley. But the points stayed in West Yorkshire.

So what’s next then? Oh blimey, yeah, it’s the fixture that “dare not speak its name” against the chaps from Bermondsey. Early to bed on Friday night then (especially for Yann Kermorgant). Then hopefully a walk in the park.

Kevin Nolan’s Match Report is brought to you in association with , 294 Burnt Ash Hill, London, SE12 0QD.

Huddersfield: Smithies, Hammill (Norwood 79), Clarke, Gerrard, Dixon, Scannell (Richards 70), Clayton, Hogg (Gobern 50), Lynch, Stead, Vaughan. Not used: Bennett, Woods, Paterson, Carr.

Charlton: Hamer, Morrison, Dervite, Wood (Stewart 68), Wilson, Stephens, Jackson (Pigott 85), Pritchard, Wiggins, Sordell (Harriott 68), Church. Not used: Alnwick, Evina, Cousins, Gower. Booked: Dervite, Church, Stephens.

Referee: Stuart Attwell. Attendance 12,248.

Watford 1 (Pudil 71) Charlton 1 (Kermorgant 46,pen).

Kevin Nolan reports from Vicarage Road.

Charlton will travel up the motorway for Tuesday’s fixture at Huddersfield in good heart. They weren’t expected to fetch anything back from Watford except the experience of a good hiding but sheer stubbornness remains one of their endearing features. This draw was just reward for a sturdy, resilient performance during which they gave almost as good as they got.

There were admittedly moments, particularly in the throes of five interminable added minutes, when the Addicks’ backs were pinned firmly to the wall but, make no mistake, this point was earned not pinched. You might struggle to convince Gianfranco Zola’s moaning men that justice was done as they surrounded referee Andy Woolmer at the final whistle; but they conveniently overlooked the massive favour he did them by declining to add a yellow card to the penalty he awarded against Essaid Belkalem for scything down Lawrie Wilson a minute into the second half. Belkalem had been booked for a first half fracas with Simon Church and should have been sent off.

Settled now into the their solid-looking 3-5-2 formation underpinned by three equally uncompromising centre backs and two nippy wingbacks, the visitors had clearly no intention of serving as cannon fodder for Zola’s talented imports. While strikers Yann Kermorgant and Church worked tirelessly to close down passing movements at source and the inexhaustible Bradley Pritchard inspired the midfield resistance of back-to-form Dale Stephens and Johnnie Jackson, the Hornets found it difficult to make fluent progress from back to front. To their credit, they stuck to their principles but weren’t above launching the occasional up-and-under ball to Troy Deeney where necessary. Deeney received mainly short shrift from the excellent Dorian Dervite but did find time to miss a glorious chance to snatch victory in added time, bless him. We’ll proceed to that unchronologically.

Kevin Nolan’s Match Report is brought to you in association with , 294 Burnt Ash Hill, London, SE12 0QD.

New Scottish international Ikechi Anya had been unleashed on the tiring Londoners as replacement for Davide Faraoni shortly before the hour mark and ran them ragged with a scintillating solo run which carried him from his own half deep into Charlton’s defensive ranks. His work done, Anya slipped a short pass inside to Deeney, who spooned the sitter haplessly (and helpfully from certain perspectives) over the bar from 10 yards. An abortive appeal for handball against Dervite poured further oil on Watford’s troubled waters but they had no need to apologise for their point.

Still a villain to Charlton fans for his diving antics at The Valley last season, Fernando Forestieri carried the early fight to the Addicks, cutting in from the left to send a low crosshot, then a clever curler, both wide of the right post. The Hornets continued in charge and Diego Fabbrini eluded Michael Morrison but blasted narrowly over the top. At the other end, Manuel Almunia barely beat Church to Wilson’s fine low cross, then Richard Wood forced Kermorgant’s header past Almunia but was correctly flagged offside.

Give or take the odd awkward moment, Charlton could be satisfied with their first half efforts; twenty seconds into the second period, their prospects positively bloomed. Split open by Pritchard’s astute pass and Wilson’s heads-up run into the penalty area, a still dozing Watford were all at sea until Belkalem hurtled across to take care of the emergency. Over in a blur of arms and legs went Wilson for as clear a penalty as you’re likely to find. Oddly, Mr. Woolmer needed confirmation from his linesman but Kermorgant was in no such doubt in drilling the spotkick efficiently into the roof of Almunia’s net.

Falling behind had been no part of Watford’s agenda and they buckled down immediately to a search for parity. Deeny’s low drive tested Ben Hamer; Lewis McGugan drove Deeney’s pass narrowly over the bar; the suddenly galvanised Deeney volleyed dangerously close to the left post; Wilson’s magnificent tackle foiled Foresteri. The pressure was briefly relieved by Almunia’s alert save from Stephens but the inevitable equaliser was not long delayed.

Making space for himself inside the area, Fabbrini’s low shot was brilliantly saved by Hamer, who was helpless to prevent Daniel Pudil from converting the rebound. It’s customary to blame goalkeepers in these circumstances. You can forget about it. Hamer was blameless. As were his teammates. Goals just happen sometimes. It’s a sod but there you go.

If they were rattled by the setback, Charlton didn’t waver under intense pressure. They will cheerfully admit that they were the side more grateful for the final whistle, although they came close themselves to a late winner when a sliding Jackson turned Rhoys Wiggins’ low centre over Almunia’s bar. Their main concern will be the 65th minute withdrawal of Kermorgant with an apparent ankle injury. The marauding Breton might be spared the Huddersfield trip. He needs to be fit for next Saturday’s fixture. You know what I mean -the one that dare not speak its name.

Watford: Almunia, Cassetti, Angella, Belkalem, McGugan, Faraoni (Anya 57), Pudil, Fabbrini (Murray 83), Iriney, Deeney, Forestieri (Acuna 73). Not used: Battochio, Doyley, Smith, Bond. Booked: Belkalem, Faraoni, Iriney.

Charlton: Hamer, Wilson, Morrison, Dervite, Wood, Wiggins, Pritchard, Stephens, Jackson, Kermorgant (Pigott 65), Church (Cousins 90). Not used: Alnwick, Evina, Sordell, Gower, Stewart. Booked: Stephens, Church.

Att: 16,431 (1,784 Charlton). Referee: Andy Woolmer.

Charlton 2 (Morrison 27, Kermorgant 59) Leicester City 1 (Drinkwater 62).

Kevin Nolan reports from The Valley.

You can forgive Leicester City for being sick of the sight of Charlton right now. And if they never see their former employee Yann Kermorgant again, it’ll probably be a day too soon. So cut them some slack.

A pair of 2-1 losses to the Addicks last season effectively cost City an automatic promotion place and sentenced them to the misery of play-off defeat. Kermorgant scored in both games, as cast-off strikers often do when nursing a simmering sense of injustice; the contentious circumstances surrounding the burly Frenchman’s departure from the King Power Stadium have, of course, been exhaustively discussed so let’s not re-hash them here.

Established as 5-4 favourites at The Valley on Saturday, the unbeaten Foxes were entitled to feel confident of turning the tables on their struggling hosts. A third away win of the fledgling season looked likely to settle an irritating old score.

Having found a little form of their own, despite the midweek defeat at Huddersfield, the Addicks had other ideas. Newly secure in their 3-5-2 makeover, they swarmed all over the visitors on their way to completing a hat-trick of odds-busting victories over them. They won 2-1 yet again with Kermorgant, twirling an enormous villain’s moustache, inevitably scoring what amounted to the winner in a pulsating entertainment.

A subtle re-jigging of the side which performed so well in Yorkshire meant recalls for left wingback Rhoys Wiggins and striker Simon Church, with Dorian Dervite, as expected, replacing Richard Wood as part of a solid-looking centre back trio. The absence of Chris Solly, meanwhile, gave the believers in pre-deadline day conspiracy plenty to chew on. But not in this report.

Although Charlton’s determined start offered evidence that they’re improving, it was City’s unruly behaviour that was to prove their eventual undoing. Matty James’ needless 12th minute booking for tripping dynamic Bradley Pritchard was to have significant repercussions later on but it was their obsessive targetting of Kermorgant that not only distracted them but began their downfall.

A malevolent foul by Ignasi Miquel on the ex- Fox conceded a free kick, which Johnnie Jackson curled in from the right and Kaspar Schmeichel pawed nervously away for a left wing corner. Back to form Dale Stephens’ inswinger was pounced on by Michael Morrison and the big defender’s emphatic header finished the job.

Simon Church should have doubled the advantage but spooned Jackson’s corner haplessly over the bar from close range. With Liam Moore’s long throws their only offensive weapon, these Foxes were proving easy prey so far; A bit ominous at the time really.

Further lawbreaking after the interval – in fairness, Charlton weren’t always scrupulous themselves- continued the unravelling process. In vain pursuit of Kermorgant, Danny Drinkwater’s cynical trip from behind gave his victim the chance to curl a devastating free kick, which Schmeichel saved superbly at his right post.

Kevin Nolan’s Match Report is brought to you in association with , 294 Burnt Ash Hill, London, SE12 0QD.

In no mood for reform, City’s ill-discipline boiled over shortly before the hour. Following up alertly as Ben Hamer left his line to brilliantly block David Nugent, James’ effort to reach the rebound ran into steely defensive resistance. Convinced he’d been impeded -and maybe he was- the energetic midfielder carried his passionate protests too far and was handed a second yellow card by  Darren Deadman. Be fair, we can’t have foxes going around saucing humans, especially referees. Next thing you know, it’s back to 1984 and you’ve got pigs taking over again.

City were instantly punished for their indiscretions by a second goal. Jackson’s deadly corner was met by Kermorgant’s prodigious leap and unstoppable header at the far post. At which decisive point, the Addicks predictably faltered and allowed their victims back into it.

A lightning break and cross on the left by Jamie Vardy was scuffed awkwardly away by an off-balance Dervite but efficiently drilled into the roof of the net by Drinkwater. These ten men had no intention of going quietly.

Unruffled by the setback, Kermorgant continued to be unplayable. His tailored knockdown of Lawrie Wilson’s accurate cross was uncharacteristically shovelled over the bar by Jackson, then a ferocious header, from another of Wilson’s excellent crosses, produced a miraculous save from Schmeichel, with Church bundling the rebound against the woodwork. With Charlton anxious to cross their eyes and make the teas after an important victory, impressive young substitute Jordan Cousins should have eased the mild pressure but finished a clever run on to Pritchard’s incisive pass by shooting against the advancing Schmeichel.

But no matter. Even six added minutes were a doddle. With an old head planted on young shoulders, strapping Joe Pigott spent most of them messing around near the left corner flag in a mini-match of his own. It’s hard to think of a time when Charlton have been more relaxed during the last knockings of a game. Well, maybe not relaxed. No, definitely not relaxed. Can’t think what made me say that!

Charlton: Hamer, Wilson, Morrison, Cort, Dervite, Wiggins, Stephens (Cousins 75), Jackson (Gower 75), Pritchard, Church (Pigott 90), Kermorgant. Not used: Pope, Evina, Sordell, Harriott.

Leicester: Schmeichel, De Laet (Kockaert 56), Morgan, Miquel, Sclupp (Dyer 72), Moore, Drinkwater, King, James, Nugent, Vardy (Wood 67). Not used: Whitbread, Danns, Bakayogo, Logan.

Referee: Darren Deadman. Att: 15,542.