Addicks collect three vital points from lively Bolton encounter

Alarming home form this season and a couple of bad results has seen the Addicks slide towards that frightening relegation scrap, and though the three points were well deserved and incredibly welcome, more wins for lower clubs means there is still no justification in relaxing - and Chris Powell will certainly know that. Whilst the scrap is a frantic one, the game today highlights the spirit, hunger, desire and determination that the squad possess should mean safety isn't too far away.

Hamer returned in goal, whilst Dervite filled in for the presumably injured Matt Taylor at centre back. Pritchard played right midfield with Jackson accompanied in the middle by Andy Hughes, after a lengthy injury absence. Harriott continued on the left whilst Kermorgant and Fuller started up front. Bolton fielded a strong team, including David Ngog, who scored twice in the reverse fixture, and Jay Spearing, in on loan from Liverpool. 

Charlton got off to a terrible start, with Bolton's inter-linking play between midfield and the forward line cut the Addicks apart. Hamer was forced to make an excellent early save to his left, but a goal was coming. Sordell was free in space near the edge of the area - Dervite leaving too much room for him - and the striker took the ball, beat his man with ease and fired home. 0-1 inside four minutes. 

Charlton improved after initial lifelessness, but Kamara wasn't closed down on the edge of the box, and his shot curled into the bottom corner, in off the post. Hamer scrambled but couldn't save it. A good shot, probably too easy for him to hit it. 0-2, with some pockets of booing heard above the cheers of the travelling Bolton fans. 

The two goals had thankfully shocked the hone side into life, with the greatest threat being posed down the left. Harriott was a livewire, and Wiggins arrived on the overlap. A number of crosses and shots came from that side, until the half hour mark arrived. Jackson made a darting run through the centre, and Fuller managed to avoid obstructing his progress and instead laid the ball off nicely for the skipper who fired a left-footed shot across goal into the bottom right corner. 1-2, the crowd roaring encouragement.

The sides traded blows until half time, with the Addicks seeing a couple of shots deflected behind, and a frantic mis-punch from Lonergan almost presenting a chance from one resulting corner, but the sides went in at the break with the score 1-2. The home side were applauded off after their positive efforts to get back into the game, drowning out any who thought booing would be a good idea. The game was well poised, and almost irrationally I still felt Charlton could win it, despite the dreadful home form. 

Charlton threatened, and continued to trouble down the left. Harriott enjoyed perhaps a few too many shots, but he was the most creative player, and his performance was a real plus. 

It could be argued that just before the hour mark was the game's real turning point. A long ball towards Fuller saw Knight and Ricketts close towards him. The Charlton striker won the header and was brought down immediately after by Ricketts in attempting to play the ball. A free-kick was given 30 yards out, and somewhat to the displeasure of Dougie Freedman, the defender was given a second yellow card. It definitely looked like a yellow card offence, given Fuller had nodded the ball towards goal and was looking good to get on the end of it, although all three had made an honest attempt to get the ball, so perhaps you could argue it was a tad harsh. Immediately Sordell was brought off and Butterfield sent on. It presented the Addicks with a golden opportunity to steal the three points.

Jackson and Kermorgant were both poised, ready to strike the free kick. The whistle went. Yann stepped forward and curled his typically sublime effort towards the bottom left corner of the goal. Lonergan sprawled. The ball clattered the post. Players flung themselves towards the rebound, the ball deflecting slightly off Pritchard, making Hughes attempt at a header look comical given the ball was nowhere near when he completed his dive. It travelled past them. Dervite, free in the area, rolled a first time left footed shot, resembling more of a pass, into the wide open right side of the goal. A frantic few seconds capped off by a calm finish, and another great roar from the home crowd. One man advantage, with half an hour to play. What an opportunity.

Not long after that, Fuller again won the ball in the far corner, and flicked the ball past Butterfield into the penalty area. In the process of chasing back, Pratley clipped the leg of Fuller who was forced to ground. Trevor Kettle pointed to the spot. What a chance. After the initial protestations, it became clear who was going to take the penalty, although a couple of double-takes were necessary. Yann Kermorgant was waiting by the spot. It would be his first competitive penalty since the infamous chip that was saved in the playoff semi-final - the reason Leicester gave him so much stick. He placed the ball confidently on the spot. It was the pressure of a normal penalty, heightened by the terrible home form this season, the desperation to secure three points to climb away from the dropzone, and yet the overriding feeling was that of fear, for the talismanic striker who was about to take a step into the unknown. 

The whistle went. Kermorgant charged towards the ball, side-footing a powerful effort that curved away from the diving Lonergan and crashed into the back of the net, sparking an even greater roar than before from the home supporters. Yann celebrated properly, once again illustrating his commitment to this club. The goal completed the comeback, from the depths of despair at 0-2, to the joy and ecstasy of 3-2. However, there was the small matter of defending for the next 25 minutes, which Chris Powell unfortunately seemed all too eager to do. 

Hughes was withdrawn after a fine comeback on 70 minutes, replaced by the impressively calm and clinical Mark Gower. Kermorgant dropped off Fuller and played more of a covering central midfield role. Charlton sat deep. Worryingly deep. 

The chances still came, but the intensity in attack was significantly reduced, given the desire not to give a goal away. Kermorgant had acres of space on the right and chose his target when crossing for the far post, only to see Harriott mishit the shot which went wide. Pritchard almost turned in a cross from the left but the effort was superbly blocked by a flying Wanderers defender. Towards the end of the 90 minutes, Kermorgant rose above Butterfield at the back post and his header was touched superbly over the bar by the jumping Lonergan. 

Bolton attempted to salvage something from the game, bringing on Craig Davies. It was an odd change as his sole objective throughout the short period he spent on the pitch seemed to be to just act like a complete idiot and make as many fouls as possible. He used his arms, elbows and all to try and get the ball, all to no avail. He was booked for shoving Michael Morrison, and when the ball dropped for Wiggins to hoof clear, his lunge from behind flattened the left-back, and earned him a deserved second yellow card. A quite magnificent display of incompetence and ineptitude from the former Barnsley front-man. 

The final 20 minutes weren't entirely pleasant to watch. The Addicks initially held the ball well up the field, but that soon turned to panicked clearances and brave headers as Bolton heaved the ball forward in an attempt to steal a late equaliser. Hamer collected a fierce low ball across goal, as well as a couple of tame shots, while dealing with crosses well. With a linesman being replaced injured, we knew there would be some added time to come, but we weren't prepared when the board was raised and the number 7 was staring back at us. SEVEN? I clicked my stopwatch into action and let the panic commence. A couple of nervy moments were well negotiated, and the sending off occurred too, but despite Bolton's best efforts, the Addicks defence held firm, and three points were secured. Get in.

-

It was a superb team performance, one where picking a standout player proved extremely difficult. 

Hamer dealt with everything he had to, and save for one dubious moment when challenging for a high ball, he was very solid on his return to the side.

Solly was immense, yet again. He cleared up at the back when Bolton threatened to break, proved extremely difficult to beat at right back, and made one of the most heroic charging runs late on that you'd wish to see. The ball was hoofed clear, with nobody chasing, so Solly took it upon himself to sprint after it. He managed to win the ball, before being spectacularly hauled to the ground, winning a free kick. He really is f---ing quality. 

Wiggins was superb as well, defending solidly and linking up beautifully with Harriott down the left. Though his crosses didn't find the target, the main threat came down the left and he deserves credit for creating space for Harriott to exploit. 

Morrison had a tough task in dealing with Ngog all game, but he did so resolutely. There were a number of balls contested where fouls could have been given either way, but weren't, hence it was a real scrap to win. He did so more often than not. 

Dervite had a rather terrible first half. He was five yards off Sordell and was beaten too easily in the process of scoring the first goal, and threw himself into 50-50 situations where he was taking too much of a risk, many of which he came off second best. But come the second half, he had become far more solid. He took his goal calmly, and won a number of headers to keep Bolton at bay. 

Pritchard was the bundle of energy he always has been, charging up and down the right flank all game. There was some good inter-linking play when he got forward, but the combination down the left showed that an out-and-out right midfielder offers more. However, he's in the team because of his tireless efforts and defensive assistance, and as ever he gave his all. 

Jackson was once again excellent, he leads the team incredibly well. He took his goal superbly, and calmed the game down when he got the ball by spreading the play, as well as tackling when necessary. A great leader.

Hughes played a similar role. A number of first-touch passes opened the play up nicely. His strength is that he brings other players into the game, and it was clear he plays a big motivational role in the centre as well. We've missed him. A great guy to have in the middle, and at the club.

Harriott was lively for the whole game. He runs around ceaselessly like Pritchard, and had a number of efforts on goal. Only one really found the target, which was well saved, but the number of chances he created with his trickery down the left prove he really is a valuable asset to have, and a threatening attacker. Really promising performance. 

Kermorgant was superb, as ever. He made two excellent sliding tackles and managed to somehow swing round the other leg when on the ground to pass the ball. His free-kick was quality, desperately unlucky not to go in, and he showed his bravery when stepping up to take that penalty. It was an emphatic finish. He won headers to link the play up, and put himself about like he always does. Great man.

Fuller flitted in and out of the game. In the first half he did nothing until getting the wrong side of Knight and firing a shot wide. In the second half, his trickery won the penalty, and his header won the free-kick that resulted in the sending off. Apparently he popped his shoulder out again, so to fight through that pain was a truly brave effort.

Gower showed he is a composed midfielder during his 20 minute spell on the pitch, offering a lovely calming influence, similar to the role Hughes had carried out, but with a little more conviction in the final ball. Haynes came on and should probably have outpaced the defence to score, but slowed the ball down and passed the ball wider to create a chance. Wilson did his duties.

Chris Powell was prevented from doing his usual celebratory tunnel jump by a grumpy Trevor Kettle, who had been heckled by Freedman continuously on his way off as a result of the first red card he'd given. The manager deserves great credit for instilling that confidence and belief in his Charlton side. They showed superb fight to come back from 0-2 down, and though there was a red card to assist the victory, we were very much in the ascendancy before that red was given. Powell really deserves a lot of credit for his work this season.

Though ultimately the result did not alter the points difference between us and the bottom three, a performance like that illustrates that the squad has the fight to come up with another few results to make Championship status secure for next year. Hopefully we might be treated to the luxury of another home win in the process!

A vital three points, well deserved. Up the Addicks. 

-

Video of Kermorgant's penalty can be seen here. (Credit to @Strayslacks for uploading it.)

An excellent article from Valley Talk on Chris Powell's position can be read here. 

Peterborough 2-2 Charlton: Industrious Addicks fight for Posh point

A large Charlton following travelled to Peterborough hoping that the excellent away form this season would continue. One win in the last seven games, and no clean sheet in 15, it was a big game for the Addicks. Add to that Peterborough's plight, sat in the dropzone seven points behind Charlton, which heightened the importance of the game even further.

Chris Powell signs an autograph before the match.

Charlton lined up with an attacking 4-4-2 formation. Button kept his place in goal, Solly came in at right-back, pushing Wilson forward to right-midfield. Matt Taylor played in place of the presumably injured Leon Cort, whilst Wiggins played left back. Jackson and Pritchard were charged with controlling central midfield, and Callum Harriott was given a start after some encouraging cameo appearances. Haynes and Fuller were the strike pairing.

Charlton started much the better side, playing good inter-linking football down the wings. Before five minutes had passed, Lawrie Wilson rifled a shot from the corner of the box which ricocheted off the crossbar. Soon after, a ball across the face of goal had nobody waiting to tap in, and the score remained level. Peterborough grew into the game, taking advantage of space in the middle of the park, and after two threatening attacks, their third brought the opening goal. Swanson ran straight from the centre circle into space, and Morrison's challenge was weak, allowing him a straight one-on-one with Button, who was powerless to stop the lifted effort on goal. After that, both sides pressured but aside from a Haynes header that went wide, there was little action at the far end of the pitch, and despite a brilliant start to the game, Charlton went in at the break one down.

A small patch of fans booed this apparent failure, which I found incredible. It was a frustrating half, typical of our season, where things haven't quite fallen our way, and the efforts of the players only warranted applause and further encouragement. Harriott had struggled, failing to land any crosses in play and getting caught out a couple of times. He clearly had talent and ability, it was just a tough introduction into the side. Peterborough were taking advantage of Charlton's overworked central duo, and the threatening Mendez-Laing and Gayle were playing on the shoulder of the last defender, waiting for aerial balls to be played. Charlton were clearly good enough to compete, they just needed a rallying cry to give them the confidence they needed.
The second half started with an immediate Posh attack, where seemingly Charlton were switched off, and were fortunate not to concede. But after that scare, the following 15 minutes saw a sustained spell of pressure that brought two goals and pandemonium in the away end.

The first came from good interplay down the left. Jackson was played the ball on the left corner of the area by Harriott - a lovely ball. Jackson touched it towards the six-yard box and lifted a beautiful left-footed shot over the keeper and into the net. He celebrated in front of the ecstatic away end, and the passion was there for all to see. A comment that he's been our best finisher in the box this season was not far wrong.

"Johnnie, oh Johnnie Jackson runs down the wing for me!" The adoration went on for a good three or four minutes. For all the stick he gets, he's a great captain, and worked tirelessly all game in midfield. He also pops up with vital goals. Write him off at your peril.

Charlton continued to pile on the pressure, and won a corner on the right. Jackson swung it in dangerously. The ball went back out to the right, and Solly took the ball into the box and clipped a cross to the back post. Morrison headed towards goal, and there were appeals that it had crossed the line. The block fell to Haynes, barely a few yards out, who absolutely hammered the ball up into the roof of the net, triggering chaotic joy on the terraces. He had been pumped up all game, and it was great he was rewarded with a goal. Though his pace had nothing to do with the goal, the danger he poses makes him a vital player for this club.

The goal took the noise level up another notch, with sublime chants praising the magnificent effort of the Addicks to turn things around.

Harriott looked like a man transformed - his trickery troubled the defence and he could lay the ball of to the marauding Rhoys Wiggins. Jackson and Pritchard gathered the loose balls and spread the play wide. Fuller interlinked, but it was Haynes causing most trouble, with his pace and determination.

Further pressure came, and a third goal was a distinct possibility. The ball didn't quite fall on a couple of occasions to allow a shot in and around the box. You got the feeling - you always do - that failure to convert would be followed by an opposition goal.

And that's exactly what happened. A mid-range shot from 18 yards low to Button's left wasn't saved and hit the back of the net. I failed to hear who scored, but heads dropped in the away end. Button was slightly late down on it, and many ere disappointed with the effort. The word "Hamer" was at times audible above the groans.

The ensuing 20 minutes saw end to end football. One Charlton chance almost arose after some excellent one touch football around the right hand corner of the box. Haynes chipped in front of Wilson who was beaten to the ball by a defender. But after that, it was Posh pressure, particularly in the final ten minutes of the game. It was familiar backs-to-the-wall defending, with corners being won and free kicks being given. A melee in front of goal invoked a ridiculous sense of panic, and I was expecting the net to bulge and pile on the misery, but somehow the ball was cleared. Dervite came on late, and for all the defensive assurance he brought, there was no outlet, so it was constant pressure. Full time eventually came, with the point secured. All things considered, a good point, and a fair result.

The whistle was part cheered, part applauded by us. There was recognition of the value of denying Peterborough three points, and keeping the gap between the two sides at seven. The Charlton players walked over towards the faithful supporters after shaking hands. Another rendition of the Jackson song was gloriously launched. The warm applause afforded to the squad was well deserved, as the Posh looked a threat for much of the game. Before we turned for the exits, there was time for a song for Chris Powell, who thanked the support. A fairly satisfactory result.

Addicks fans applaud after the final whistle

Jackson gets my man of the match. His goal was taken calmly and clinically, and his tireless effort in the middle was vital to breaking down play and spreading the ball wide. He's not just a quality finisher, but also a hard worker, and a superb motivator. The passion was there for all to see tonight. He truly is a Great Man.
Haynes was the better of the two strikers, winning as much in the air as Haynes, who himself posed a much greater threat in and around the box. After his difficult first half, Harriott was superb, and perhaps a little defensive naivety was made up for by an inability to stop running in the team's cause. I'd definitely start him on Saturday. Wiggins and Solly were useful going forward, as always. Wilson also had a good game, and was unlucky not to score early on. Pritchard also ran himself into the ground in midfield. That the central duo were overrun at times was not through fault of their own, but a consequence of the clever passing play from the Posh. Morrison made the key error that brought the first goal, but he and Taylor did well to win the majority of headers. Posh liked the lifted ball in behind the defence, and largely this was dealt with well. Button made an excellent save to keep the score 1-0, and collected crosses and high balls flawlessly, but most will only remember the second goal, which is a shame, but it happens.

As for Powell, a big thumbs up for the team selection. The scoreline at the break didn't reflect errors in selection or tactics, and the occasional threat through the middle was a consequence of the will to attack and score goals. He must have done a phenomenal job at half time. He's brilliant at instilling that belief needed when things haven't quite gone right for his side. With five minutes to go his decision to go defensive and take the point was brave, running the risk of conceding another late goal, but ultimately it was a great showing from the Addicks, who certainly deserved their point, if not more.

There are always goals at London Road. Peterborough's good recent run highlights the value of a point. More importantly, the fight, desire and energy shown after half time embodied the spirit of the squad. You can never be certain, but the squad seem to have too much fight to go down. The point tonight actually lifts us to 14th, showing how crazily tight this league is. There's no denying that there are big games to come, and that a few more wins are needed before we can rest easy, but after tonight's performance there's no justification in manning the lifeboats just yet.