The Championship Relegation Battle begins in earnest

In modern day sport, it is increasingly common that tense occasions are over-hyped. Take for instance the Premier League Darts on Thursday evening. The massively exciting prospect of "Judgement Night", where four players faced elimination from the competition, essentially boiled down to those four players all losing, and the two players with the least points going into the night went home anyway. That's not really drama. What's often more intriguing is something that goes unnoticed for a great length of time, before gradually culminating in a very exciting finish. Like a good Test match. For that, you need to look no further than the Championship.

The league table at this stage, with the majority of teams having six games remaining, is one that either excites, or horrifies. 11th placed Birmingham, on 52 points, are only 5 places above the relegation zone. Teams such as Barnsley and Peterborough keep churning out results to keep their survival hopes alive, and crucially, prolong the battle for safety that the rest of the division faces. Charlton have had a great season in many respects. Few additions to a League One squad, some brilliant results along the way (the 5-4 win at home to Cardiff, and 4-3 at Watford especially), and yet the total of 51 points - good enough for 14th position - leaves the side only 4 points above the drop. It really is an incredible table.

I would argue that today is the first Significant Day in this crazy relegation dogfight. Forget the ludicrous clamour for coverage of Di Canio's political history, or the mad frenzy surrounding England's supposed failure out in Montenegro (it was a good point, honest), the Championship is really where there should be great intrigue. Yet, as the 'big clubs' are supposedly where the media feel they ought to devote their coverage, there is a risk that this superb battle for safety won't be covered anywhere near as much as it deserves. 

Significant Day, no. 1 then. There are some huge fixtures in the Championship, and not just at the bottom. Cardiff travel to Watford for the evening kick-off, with the visitors struggling to cross the line required to reach the 'promised land', with its high-quality football and incessant media coverage. Leicester also travel to Brighton, in the fight for one of the coveted play-off spots. Naturally, the games between the lower-placed sides won't be given as much notice, and you could argue that's fair - people want to know which teams will be playing Premier League football next season more than they want to know who will be playing in League One. And yet that's a cheap way of arguing that we should just ignore the battle because the stakes aren't high enough. But they are. The Championship, evidently, is such a competitive league that teams lower in the table this season can suddenly leap forward and challenge for the Premier League. Look at Crystal Palace, seemingly perennial relegation candidates, yet they are up there challenging for promotion. As Charlton found out, League One is an equally competitive league, and it takes time for teams to readjust to it before they manage to clamber back out of it. Hence, this fight matters.

Today sees the following crunch games:
Huddersfield (47pts, 22nd) vs Peterborough (46, 23rd)
Sheffield Wednesday (47, 21st) vs Blackburn (47, 19th)
Whilst these are the most significant given the proximity of the teams to the relegation zone, others are not safe. Charlton v Leeds is a big game, as there is a risk that the loser slides closer to the drop. Its about time the Sky people stopped talking about how far off the playoffs Leeds are, and instead focus on how far above the drop. Both should be safe, with 51 and 52 points respectively. Yet with the chaos this season has served up, who knows where safety will prove to be. Burnley also host Bristol City, in a game that could compound the misery of the visitors, who are already 7 points off safety, and see the hosts climb clear of trouble. Blackpool travel to Forest, Ipswich travel to Derby, and Barnsley - the form team, really - visit Palace. Two games where points could prove a real boost given wins are not expected. Wolves also travel to Bolton, and with three victories on the spin, the team spirit should give them hope of stealing something from the game.

So, a big day in the Championship. Typically, we won't be much closer to finding out which teams will eventually go down after today, as there are still clashes to come between bottom-half sides. But despite that, the cluster of teams at risk of being dragged down is large enough for today to mean a great deal to many teams. A few can claw their way towards relative safety, while others could find themselves drifting towards the impending doom of Carlisle away. (Its a distance thing.) 

Completely randomly, I think 54 points will mark 21st position come the end of the season, and hence mark safety. With 13 teams not yet reaching that mark, and lots of matches still to be played, nobody can afford to relax. 

Watch this relegation battle, because its going to be exciting. And if you're involved, good luck, it feels horrible for us as well.

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My match report from the subsequent 2-1 victory over Leeds can be found 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.

Addicks avoid slip-up, making it five games unbeaten

The Addicks' strike-duo of Ricardo Fuller and Yann Kermorgant,
back from injury, both found themselves on the score-sheet

Not a vintage display by any means, but an important victory. To say 'the mark of a good side is winning when you play badly' may not be the best to describe the 2-0 Addicks win, but it was a first effort to come away with three points on a night the visitors could easily have stolen them.

After an early effort from Kermorgant was pushed away, a rasping 25 yard volley after a skilful turn, it was Peterborough who looked the most threatening. Holding width on both sides of the pitch, their five man midfield worked the ball well, aiming for an inside pass in behind the Addicks' midfield duo. They suffered from only having the one man up front, as well as woeful finishing when chances did come.

Charlton made poor decisions on the ball, and with a packed middle of the pitch, the ball was continually pushed wide. The final ball throughout the first half was woeful, though, with nothing falling to an Addicks Jess. Jackson spurned a glorious chance when Kerkar broke into the box and squared, with it seemingly easier to score than miss, but the scores were level at half time.

The Addicks created two chances in the ten minutes after the break, but other than that it remained an uninspiring effort going forward. Kermorgant's header slid wide of the back post - a chance made difficult by the presence of a leaping defender just in front of him. Pritchard's diving header clipped the front post as he diverted a cross towards goal. But Peterborough's functional football continued to cause the Charlton defence problems. They made good use of the extra midfielder down the flanks, and broke into the box on a numbers of occasions. Hamer gathered mis-directed crosses, a number of shots flew into the stand, but the one shot that was destined for the bottom corner was brilliantly kept out by a full-stretched Hamer.

After 72 minutes, Danny Green was finally introduced, to balance the midfield with his width, and three minutes later the deadlock was finally broken. The ball was played to Fuller by Kermorgant, and with few optimal up front with him, he glanced at goal, thirty yards to his left, and fired a screamer of a shot that dipped over the keeper and hammered into the back of the net. A stunning goal, but the primary emotion was one of relief, as Charlton could easily have found themselves behind. Immediately though Fuller went to ground, clutching an injured hamstring, and had to be replaced. It was the sort of night where you'd take an injury for a goal, such was the desperation to score.

On 85 minutes, after further nervous moments in defence, a Charlton counter found Green with the ball close to the by-line, and he fired in a fierce ball along the ground. Fuller's replacement Hulse stretched to reach it, diverting the ball at an incredibly slow rate towards the back post. Yann pounced. He slid at full-stretch, ensuring the ball made it into the goal. Anybody can score from 30 yards out, but only the magic Yann Kermorgant can poke it in from less than a yard out. The chants of his name as he left the pitch showed just how much love the fans have for him.

After yet more frantic defending, the full time whistle was blown. Uninspiring, yes, but also a gritty, hard-fought, important victory. You'd take any performance if it meant there'd be a Chris Powell tunnel-jump at the end of it.

The Beast Is Back!
Picture © Keith Gillard

MOTM: Ben Hamer. Just the sort of tidy performance you want from your goalkeeper. Collected (almost) every cross/shot fired from the angle, was good with distribution and made an excellent, and made vital saves with the score at 0-0 - the first a flying stop to divert the ball away from the top corner in the first half, and later the strong hand to prevent the ball nestling in the bottom corner. His name was deservedly sung by the Covered End as he made his way towards the tunnel.

Super Yann: I'd love to have given MOTM to Kermorgant, as he was winning headers left right and centre, had that outrageous effort in the first half diverted away, and scored, but his involvement was intermittent given the weak midfield showing. He's scored a number of fabulous goals in his career, and I'm sure tonight's won't be right up there with the best. But in terms of satisfaction, it could be. He's gradually securing cult status, and whilst a team of Kermorgants might be a distant pipe dream, you can see why Addicks fans often wake thinking it might be true. A warrior, but also audaciously skilful with his feet. He's already my hero, but with a continual presence on the pitch this season, you can definitely see him winning yet more over.

Midfield issues: The addition of Frimpong has brought an element of quality in the middle, shown by his superbly timed crunching tackle early on, but he doesn't quite have the passing ability of Stephens, who was missed tonight. Jackson struggled in the middle, with Peterborough often able to pass in behind and threaten the back four. In part, tonight's issues were down to the visitors' extra man, which they paid for in front of goal, but still the middle four failed to penetrate with everyone behind the ball, and the crossing took a long time to get right. It will be an important area on Saturday, when we travel to Millwall, but I'd prefer to see Jackson wide left and Stephens restored, as he adds that bit more quality, as long as Frimpong can sit in front of the defence and tidy up.

Dynamism up front: Haynes came into the side and made a big difference, with his ridiculous page ripping through opposition defences. The absence of such a threat proved a big miss. Whilst Kermorgant and Fuller offer huge quality, the pace to get in behind the defence was not there. Ultimately, Fuller's quality told, as his staggering goal proved, but to have the pace of Haynes would perhaps have given the Addicks that extra dimension in attack that could have led to an earlier breakthrough. If Fuller is injured, which seems likely, having Haynes for Saturday could be key, but Rob Hulse is an able replacement - securing his signature in January would be a welcome move.

Tactics: Chris Powell, as brilliant a man he is, has never been one to preside over a tactical masterplan. Victories tend to come from winning individual match ups, moments of quality, but tonight could easily have seen Darren Ferguson outmanoeuvre him. Peterborough's width caused problems, leaving gaps in the middle which were exploited. Nothing went for them in front of goal, a mark of the poor run of form that leaves them rooted to the foot of the table, but there is hope that things can be turned around. Charlton need a better plan of attack, or at least to cross it better. Defensively the midfield were caught a bit too often, and too often the visitors could exploit the flanks and break into the box. Tactical issues, yes, but in all honesty with better individual performances would negate a lot of these issues anyway.

Powell knows it wasn't our best performance at all, but he's a master of motivation, building that team spirit that has made the difference this and last season. That spirit, fight, determination will be key when travelling to 5th placed Millwall on Saturday. Another tough away trip, but this squad have shown they are up for any challenge.

Not a memorable night, but an important three points. 13 out of a possible 15 in our last five games - a handy run to lift spirits and avoid the relegation doom-mongering. Big game on Saturday, but we are well enough placed not to be too despondent if we don't come away with a victory.

Keep The Faith, and Up The Addicks.