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.

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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. 

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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.

Charlton 0-2 Forest: Blaming the Players Achieves Nothing

An incredibly frustrating Saturday afternoon, but if you want someone to vent your fury at, spare the players who ran relentlessly all game.

A needless kick from Kermorgant, but the reaction of Halford
and the entire Forest side went unpunished

Charlton started with the same XI who put in an excellent performance at Leicester on Tuesday, which meant a 4-5-1 set-up. The only issue with this style is that success it achieves it away from home, where teams are set up in more attacking formations. But until shortly before half time, it had done its job and kept Forest at bay.

What was irritating about the first half was no necessarily our incapability of stringing passes together. We weren't playing fluently at all, but against a side with the amount of quality Forest possess, it was always going to be a tough ask, and defensively we held our own. The most frustrating part was the impatience, anger and lack of support from many in the crowd. Playing poorly is not an offence worthy of booing. With well over a half of football to play, 0-0 is a perfectly acceptable scoreline against a team of that quality.
Then came the moment that turned, and ruined, the match. A long ball towards Kermorgant on the left flank. Forest had expertly committed niggly fouls as Charlton players attempted headers, and Yann had been targeted all game. They'd been successful in their task thanks to a referee unwilling or incapable of penalising these offences. This time, again Halford blocked him off, twice pushing him dubiously close to a foul. The ball went out for a throw as Kermorgant kicked out at Halford, who went to ground and then reacted angrily to the Frenchman. Forest's players piled in on the referee, who was calming Halford down, pressuring him into punishing Kermorgant. The nearside linesman had little conclusive evidence to go on, but the linesman over by the West Stand apparently had the clearest view in the world. On the word of a man stood 80 yards away, the referee made a decision to send off Charlton's main attacking threat, simultaneously destroying the afternoon for the home side. It was an incredible decision, and the explosion of the Easy Stand should say a lot. I've heard there was a man in the block of flats behind the Jimmy Seed Stand who had an even better view of the incident...

Accuse me of being a Kermorgant-loyalist. Fine, I probably am. Kicking out at an individual and giving the referee an excuse to send you off is incredibly stupid, but so many times you see something like that given a yellow. In the end, perhaps it was the right call, but it was simply unbelievable to see the ultimate decision being made by a man in a different post code to the actual event. From that moment on, though, there was absolutely nothing Charlton could do to salvage things. Give a side of Forest's quality an extra man and of course they will dominate the game.

Half time, 0-0, but little hope as to what the second half promised. Sure enough, Forest could easily dissect the press and create chances. A well taken first goal from Majewski as he burst into the box, and a poor second from Charlton's perspective as Hamer fumbled a tame shot into the path of Lansbury, but in truth if Forest had further ambitions they could easily have scored more. Majewski blazed over when he could've added a third after an excellent counter-attack. Forest dominated, but blaming the 10 men on the pitch for that is ludicrous.

That's what made the final 30 or so minutes so infuriating. Forest had the spare men so that any press Charlton attempted could easily be undone by a square ball. Individuals in the crowd suggesting it was as woeful effort from the chasing players, "showing no passion" made me incredibly angry. What on earth do you expect when you're a man down? Character-assassinations of players left on the pitch who "aren't good enough" did my head in. The speed with which people turn on players in ridiculous. Powell threw on Haynes and Fuller, but because we were a man down, it was almost impossible to get close to scoring. Nevertheless, the referee still had time to further infuriate the crowd. A handball appeal close to the tunnel inside the box was turned down despite frenzied protests from the North/NorthWest stands. Halford scythed down Fuller when arguably he was last man, but it was only deemed worthy of a yellow. Jackson was so knackered you knee his free-kick wouldn't go in, but it wasn't far off the top left corner.

Billy Davies had decided to secure a point, which seemed odd as goal difference can be important in the playoff race. Part of that can be put down to the dogged defending from the home side. Powell switched from 4-3-2 to 4-4-1 as it became apparent all hope of drawing level was futile. Andy Reid was taken off and deservedly received warm applause from the home crowd as well as away. He was excellent in midfield, showing what quality a large amount of money can provide you with.

The game ended 0-2, and the crowd had either completely dispersed or run out of energy to vilify the officials. A few, including myself, applauded the efforts of the players, who trudged off downhearted. Stephens had a poor first half, and was rightly replaced by Fuller to provide us with a focal point in attack. Dervite struggled to pass all game, but defended solidly, and Jackson, Pritchard and Wagstaff ran themselves into the ground in an attempt to steal the ball and prevent Charlton from being cut open. Fuller didn't really have too many opportunities, and Haynes also struggled to get the better of the visiting defence. Wiggins coveted behind the back four very well, and its great to have him back playing again. Hamer made that one costly error, but on the face of it, what is criticising him going to achieve? Forest easily had the upper hand with the extra man, the result was an inevitability. In fact, what is criticising anyone going to achieve?

Ultimately, if you want to point the finger, blame Yann. He made a costly error that prevented any chance of securing a point or stealing all three, but he's been our talismanic figure this season, who's tireless efforts have gained us so many points. A moment of rash stupidity in kicking out. It remains an incredible piece of officiating, given the way the far-side linesman made the call, but ultimately the sending off ruined the game. As Billy Davies has said afterwards, Forest dominated the half before the match-defining incident. But what was the score? And how many clearcut chances had they created? Yes, Charlton were poor, but they were very much still in the game, and a half-time change could've made a positive difference. Instead, the angry brigade are out in force, accusing players of a lack of passion, despite having won at Leicester after one of the best performances this bunch have ever put in.

Comparing the wealth of the two sides, the Addicks were always going to be up against it. Powell has had his hands tied behind his back in the transfer market - there's been no money to build on last year's side. The mid-table position is a testament to the fantastic job he and the squad have done this season. The sending off ruined the afternoon, and decided the result. As a man who asked me the result at London Bridge said, "oh well, there's always the next game." I doubt too many will offer such sensible, measured views after that frustrating afternoon.

Blame Kermorgant if anyone, as ultimately the sending off ended our chances of being competitive in the game. (Or blame the ref, as I did at the time.) Having finally brought myself to see the incident, it was probably red. A lot worse happens on a pitch, but the ball was 5 yards away, and its giving the referee a reason to send you off. But in a league where we are financially inferior to most, have some sense and understand that we aren't going to outplay teams every week. Especially not with one less player.

Edit: If Powell says its a red card, then we have to accept it. I am still not convinced from the view I had, and I still take issue with the way it was dealt with by the officials. I was no closer than the linesman who had the final say, so why did the referee not make the decision initially, and play restarted with a throw, so why was there no foul given if it was a red card offence?

Second Edit: A foolish, rash kick from Kermorgant that brought to an end our chances. Its something he'll instantly have regretted, and pointless vilification of him achieves absolutely nothing. People are suggesting Powell gives him a bollocking or fines him, for "costing us three points." Are some of these supporters serious? He's cost us the chance to get three points, for sure, but missing three games is punishment enough. Both he and Powell know he's made a mistake. Compounding the misery is not the way to deal with a player who has done so well for the club since arriving. Comparisons with Cantona are growing, it seems...

Fantastic fighting spirit sees Addicks win thriller

On a bright New Year's Day, the Addicks travelled to Watford on the back a run of six games without a win. Anxiety had started to kick-in, and the short away trip offered a good chance to get back on track.

Powell was forced into two changes from the side that drew to Derby: the suspended Morrison replaced at the back by Dorian Dervite, and the injured Danny Haynes replaced by Ricardo Fuller, who partnered Kermorgant up front. Watford fielded at least five imports from Udinese, part of the reason for their successes this season.

The Addicks began kicking away from the travelling fans, and were certainly in the game, playing some effective football going forward. But for all their work came no reward, as it was the Hornets that struck first. Some good passing play saw the ball worked into the box from the left, and a shot was well saved by Ben Hamer, but only in the direction of Pudil on the eight, who fired home low across goal to score, and wake the home crowd.

Despite the scoreline, the Addicks grew into the game. Initially a poor touch in the build-up had scuppered any forward progress, but as the half wore on the touch became sharper. For all their attractive passing, Watford could not penetrate into the box and create another clear-cut chance. Forestieri challenged Hamer for a bouncing ball on the edge of the box, was out-jumped but led with his hand, tipping the ball past the goalkeeper. Referee - Trevor Kettle of Oldham fame - booked him for a cynical act. If you asked me whether Watford's Italian influence had brought with it that gamesmanship element, then I couldn't possibly comment.

A good move instigated by a long ball to trouble the Hornet's defence culminated in Jackson running on to a bouncing ball in the box. He controlled it and skirted it home across goal, but the linesman had flagged, suggesting Jackson had handled the ball in positioning it for his shot. From 100 yards away, with the player's body in the way, I had no idea whether it was the correct decision, but naturally you feel hard done by.

Soon after, Charlton won a corner. The ball was flicked on at the front post before it ricocheted into the back of the net. The travelling support erupted, the building sense of injustice released. The loose balls from the ensuing kick-off fell Charlton's way, and they were urged on by a rejuvenated support. Three minutes after the equaliser, Evina burst down the left, dragging two defenders towards the by-line before cutting inside onto his right foot. He slid a ball into the box for Pritchard, who stood a brilliant cross up to the back post. One player jumped for it but could not stretch, and with the goal gaping, Kermorgant was able to launch himself onto it and power his header into the back of the net to put the Addicks ahead. The travelling support exploded this time, a quick-fire double, which many would feel was deserved, on the back of such a dry run in terms of results meant this was a big goal. The score remained the same at the break, with Charlton fans far happier with proceedings.

The second half did not begin well for the visitors. Hamer initially denied an equaliser with a brilliant one-on-one save to deny Forestieri, which would have capped a lovely passing move, but more tricky play from Watford's front two - both on loan from Udinese - led to a penalty. Dervite was caught on the wrong side of him, and following a tangle of legs he crashed to the ground. Kettle immediately pointed to the spot, and the penalty was coolly slotted into the bottom left-corner leaving Hamer with little chance. Scores level again. 

Three minutes after the goal, Jackson spurned a golden opportunity to bring the scores level once more. Kermorgant flicked on into the box, and the ball fell for the skipper, but he couldn't slot past Almunia, who denied him well with a solid stop. You got the impression it was a big miss, and on 68 minutes that assumption seemed correct. The hosts struck what felt like a crushing blow. Another good move saw the ball worked into the box for Geijo, who slotted home and made it 3-2. 

The Watford fans, silent all game, suddenly started chants of "you're not singing anymore", which was both untrue and unwise. With the home support still settling after their third goal, Charlton took the ball up the other end. Fuller worked the ball past two defenders on the by-line and cut into the box, his cross angled away from goal. Kermorgant stretched, his effort hammering into a defender on the line, but another ricochet saw the ball nestle in the back of the net. Ecstasy! And, somewhat gloriously, the chant was thrown right back at the home fans, who once again descended into a nervous silence. A great line following our chant of "sit down shut up" was offered by one fan, who shouted "they've been sat down and shut up most of the game." 

The travelling fans were far from quiet, though, as they urged their team on. There was a real feeling that the game was there for the taking, despite the regular threats from the tricky Udinese pairing up front. An offside flag, correctly raised, saved Charlton from going behind for the third time. 

Twelve minutes from time, the decisive blow was struck. Wilson departed for treatment, an apparent broken nose, as Stephens whipped in an out-swinging corner. Jackson ran forward, rose above the defenders and powered his header towards goal. Time seemed to slow down, before the ball crashed into the top corner of the net. Four three up! The crowd went absolutely beserk. Jackson ran towards the fans, his knee-slide stopping right on the edge of the pitch. The players flooded over, with pure joy everywhere. The perfect moment. 

Each goal had been greeted with more vigour than the last, and the culmination of that was a minute of pure delirium. It was as exhausting as it was special. The small matter of holding on to that lead remained. 

Vicarage Road was stunned. Watford took a while to recover from the sucker punch that was the fourth goal, but the rest of the game was not without its nervy moments. Two more disallowed goals for off-side - again, correct - as well as a scrambling save from Hamer as the ball threatened to loop behind him and land in the goal. The Hornets' frustration became apparent, with a number of poorly timed challenges resulting in yellow cards. Arguably one could have been red, with an appalling scissor-kick lunge from Ekstrand that scythed down an advancing Pritchard. Kettle only waved his yellow card. Leon Cort had to go off injured, so Charlton brought on Taylor to see out the remaining five minutes of stoppage time. A large proportion of that time was wasted. Cook was booked for scooping the ball into the away support, but what followed was a very entertaining minute, with the collective refusal to throw the ball back to Almunia. Instead, a bit of volleyball broke out among the superb away support. 

Full-time arrived, met by an enormous cheer. By that stage, I was so drained that the feeling was pure relief. The players skipped over to the us behind the goal where the famous winner was scored, applauding the supporters. Chants of "Chrissy Powell's Red Army" rang out, among others, as the fans gave the players a fitting send-off after their more than valiant efforts. Chris Powell was the last man left, doing his two tunnel-jump-esque waves to satisfy the crowd. His own fighting spirit was embodied in that Charlton performance. A famous win!

Trevor Kettle had a good first half, but a number of his decisions in the second were questionable. The increasingly cynical play from the hosts was not adequately punished, especially when Neuton - who deserves a special mention for his hilarious, and pathetic theatrics - was touched in the chest by Fuller, and then went down grasping his face. Not even booked, predictably given he was already on a yellow. New Year, same old moaning etc, but it really is the kind of thing that needs to be eradicated from football. The Italian influence really did see Watford exhibit a more cynical edge, with late challenges when breaks were launched, as well as the diving of Forestieri, who collapsed for the penalty once he felt contact, and the pathetic attempts to deceive the gullible Kettle. He missed some glaring fouls, but thankfully his assistant on the far side was able to raise his offside flag to rightly deny Watford on occasions.

Aside from the gamesmanship, the Hornets played some very nice football, and as much as Charlton should try to emulate the style, our more direct approach was effective given the inexperienced trio of defenders for the home side. Nobody seemed able to challenge Kermorgant or Fuller consistently, and both were excellent in winning the ball, holding on to it and releasing other players. Yann was especially good today, with some sublime touches, a goal, and a lot of fight to lead the line well. Fuller shone with moments of quality, too. Evina was bright down the left, and having a quick, pacy left-back improves Jackson's game no-end, as he was absolutely superb in leading the side today. Pritchard was once again energetic, making both decisive tackles and probing leads up front. Stephens was good at spreading the play, and he made his fair share of challenges, though a few too many breaks through the middle were allowed.

Solly and Wilson were not quite at their peak as a partnership, but the right-back was again superb, making vital challenges and overlapping runs down the wing. Dervite looked a bit unsteady at times but Cort won pretty much everything in the air before his worrying injury departure. Evina showed how much we have missed a real, pacy left-back.

Chris Powell keeps on invoking that fighting spirit into his side. Twice behind away from home to a team sat in the playoff places, but still the players kept their belief. Scoring the third so quickly after going behind again was one of the great displays of that belief, and provided a wonderful moment for the supporters to mock the suddenly silent Hornet fans. Not since Carlisle has a goal been celebrated to such an extent, but the winner today capped an unbelievable performance from a group of players who just will not admit defeat. A proud day to be an Addick.

Bolton scoreline no fair reflection of battling Addicks performance

Seven games unbeaten, off the back of two good draws against Millwall and Brighton, the Addicks travelled up to Bolton with hopes of extending that record. Bolton, lying eighteenth, possess numerous quality players, and their league position represents a significant under-achievement for the recently relegated side. Managed by Dougie Freedman, who has struggled to make his impact felt, Bolton represent a side who could either unleash their quality, or stutter and fail to produce a cohesive performance. We were hoping for the latter, and whilst it largely came true, it was two moments of quality that determined the result, despite an excellent effort from the visiting side.

View from the away end at the Reebok as the teams emerged before the start

The long trip up to Bolton began before dawn. The Valley Express, driven by a man in an Arsenal hat, departed, carrying hopeful Addicks up North. Typically, it was cloudy and damp - isn't it always up there? Arriving at the stadium with over an hour before kick off allowed us a good time to take in the surroundings. Thankfully, the Reebok is not built in central Bolton, which appeared bleak and miserable - for most of the game, so was the home support. The ground, situated in a retail park, is a smart one, and a good contingent of over 600 Charlton fans filled a few blocks in the away end.

The team selection was again a bold one, but also clever from Chris Powell. Solly returned to right back, with Seaborne on the left. This allowed Wilson to push forward to right midfield. Jackson, Stephens and Frimpong formed the central trio, Haynes starting wide left, and the talismanic Yann Kermorgant up front on his own.

In the opening stages Bolton were allowed possession, whilst Charlton got men behind the ball. The pressing was effective. Bolton passed well but failed to break down the defence, misplacing passes and exhibiting a lack of control in crucial areas. The Addicks took a while to get into the game, but soon were calmly passing the ball round the back. Occasional breaks were made, utilising the width of the five-man midfield. A few corners were won, but none were effective.

The first real chance came after Bolton gave in to the impatient crowd, tired of their inaccurate passing, when they lumped the ball forward to Kevin Davies. A corner was won, and after a flick on the ball fell to Eagles around eight yards out. He fired a shot on the turn that was well saved by Ben Hamer. After more battling between the boxes, two chances fell to Charlton before the break.

Wilson turned brilliantly deep in the visitors' half, and passed in to Frimpong. The right-midfielder continued his run forward, showing his bundles of energy. Frimpong interchanged with Kermorgant, and the ball was worked out right where Wilson ran on to it, having beaten the defender. His cross fell at the back post where Haynes was free, level with the post. His free header was directed agonisingly wide.

Soon after, a long ball was won by Kermorgant, who controlled superbly, turned and fired a left-footed shot that was well saved by Bogdan. Half time arrived, and the hone side were booed off. A mark of their poor performance, but also an indication of how well the Addicks were executing their game plan. You still felt the game could go either way, though, given the quality Bolton possess.

Charlton continued in the ascendancy after the break, another golden chance arriving. Threatening down the right flank, with support found inside, Kermorgant's link-up play was instrumental in the way Powell wanted the team to play. The fiesta chance came when Wilson crossed and Kermorgant out-jumped his marker, but could only direct his header back across goal, wide of the target. A bigger chance came about from the remnants of a corner. Kermorgant from the corner of the box curled a cross towards three Addicks players, all onside. It fell to Wilson, but the header was again wide of the mark. Charlton had let the home side off the hook a couple of times.

As 70 minutes approached, you felt that the first goal would decide the game. The home support was beyond restless, clearly unhappy at their sides showing, rarely singing in support. The Addicks kept the faith as ever, hopeful that the next chance that arrived would this time be taken.

The two managers made their moves. Powell took heart from the success in playing through Bolton's defences, and instructed Haynes to go up front, switching to 4-4-2 from 4-5-1. Freedman put on Martin Petrov and David Ngog - two players who wouldn't look out of place in the Premier League. Add to that Kevin Davies, Chris Eagles and Jay Spearing, and you can see the makings of a potent attacking force. Ultimately Bolton benefited from the changes, taking advantage of one less red defender in their way. Ngog got the ball on the edge of the box and shaped to shoot. He drew a diving slide to try and block the shot from a defender, and turned to pass them. He fired a close-range shot past Hamer and put Wanderers one up.

The relief in the stadium was palpable. Suddenly, from being downbeat and depressed, the home support were cocky and cheerful in poking fun at the loyal away following. Despite attempts to draw level, Ngog found himself in a similar situation minutes later. He again beat a defender, shot, and despite a touch from Hamer, he doubled the advantage.

The Addicks looked crushed, and despite attempting to score, the game appeared to be lost. One moment of controversy remained, however. Kermorgant crossed from the by-line, and Bogdan took an awkward catch standing on his line. He took a couple of steps back into his goal, attempting to hold the ball outside of the goal line. It looked like he failed to do so. We were incensed, and despite our dubious viewpoint perpendicular to the line, the jubilant reaction of the Bolton fans in line with the incident suggested out angered appeals were warranted.

Charlton couldn't create any significant chances, despite the introduction of a lively Wright-Phillips and Jordan Cook with under 10 minutes to go. The unbeaten run came to an end, in a game where Charlton had dominated for large periods. The performance deserved a point, but in this league you have to take your chances, and that process the difference today. With the quality on Bolton's side, its by no means a defeat to worry about, despite the frustrating nature of the match itself.The tactical shifts were key to the change in direction of the game, and Powell's gamble in an attempt to nick a goal backfired. That said, his tactics from the start had been spot on, and had we taken those chances we could well be celebrating on our way home. Instead, Bolton rode their luck, created two golden opportunities and scored from them. As we've found all season, the margins in this league are fine indeed.

Aside from the odd mistake, and lack of clinical finishing in front of goal, you can't really fault any of the players today. The midfield three worked tirelessly all game, Stephens and Frimpong in particular winning tackles, beating players and spreading the play with good passing. Jackson worked well but in advanced positions he struggled. Solly and Wilson worked brilliantly on the break, creating overlaps and putting balls into the box. Kermorgant dropped off in order to link up play, often with Haynes. Not only did he battle hard in the air, but on the ground his skilful touch created a number of openings. Haynes did struggle playing wide left, but a couple of times his pace really threatened to create a goalscoring opportunity. Hamer was solid in dealing with crosses, distributed well, often aiming at Kermorgant who would win header after header, and choosing the right moment to roll it out and set up a counter-attack.

Dervite had again been preferred ahead of Cort, and his efforts alongside Morrison were valiant. They kept Bolton quiet for large periods of the game, but struggled against the niggling fouls that Kevin Davies cleverly makes almost every time the ball is hit towards him. He's an expert in nudging defenders off balance, and making it look like he's the one being fouled. Despite a brief five-minute period after half time, the referee failed to penalise these fouls, and the poring goal came following more physical fouls on the back two. With a stronger ref, Bolton would have struggled, particularly as the same tactics were employed against Kermorgant, who was often nudged off balance prior to jumping, preventing him from rising to head the ball.

A frustrating loss. Charlton needed three things today, but lacked them: a clinical edge in front of goal; a bit of luck; a competent referee. On the whole, it was an admirable, battling performance, and the scoreline didn't reflect the dominance the Addicks had for large periods of the game. Feeling soured after being denied after Bogdan's back-pedalling, and conceding twice from a man I have long maintained is useless, the trio back is unlikely to be a jolly one. But play like that next weekend against a struggling Sheffield Wednesday side, and the travelling fans could well return along with three points. A frustrating result, but I have no complaints with the efforts of the players. Missing those chances proved key.

Powell continues to extract performances from his squad, and playing like that we should be confident of a mid-table finish. All good runs end eventually. Let's hope the next one can start next Saturday.

Up The Addicks

--

Tapped up on my phone on the way back home. A good away trip, just not the result you want. As its my first away trip of the year, it would probably be fair to blame me for the end of the run.
For less long-winded views on the Addicks, follow me on Twitter: @ramblingaddick.
Thanks for reading.

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.

Nine Goals, Three Points - Five Star Charlton Stun Cardiff

Jackson led from the front, and showed just how much
his goals meant to him.

Five four. How do you even begin explaining that? Most people inside the ground would have no idea, let alone all those trying to work it out from home. To put it simply, the extremes of emotion will have left every fan, everywhere, feeling completely drained by full time. But bloody hell, what a result it was!

The worst possible start. Corner to Cardiff three minutes in, Jackson awaits the ball at the front post but Helguson nipped in front, glanced the ball goalwards and put the Blues one up. Not much was going for Charlton, starting with a 4-4-1-1 formation, Jackson playing in behind Hulse. It was proving fruitless in attack; Hulse was isolated and whilst Haynes had pace, his crosses were ineffective. Cardiff doubled there lead from a similar corner - whilst the flick-on was saved, a scramble ensued. The ball kissed the bar, was hooked back across goal, when Hamer flew out to save it, but the clearance fell to Mason who powered home. 0-2.

A subtle change made by Powell saw Jackson drop into a midfield four and Haynes join Hulse up front. Cardiff still looked comfortable, but the move gave their defence a problem, as the centre backs could no longer double-up on Hulse. The midfield created space and a break resulted in Hulse challenging Marshall - the blues' keeper - for the ball. It fell to ground, and after a poor clearance it rolled to Jackson to slot home coolly into the top corner, pulling one back. That was a vital goal before the break, but things got even better just before the 45 was up. A Salim Kerkar corner was met by an unmarked Jackson who headed down, hard, into the corner. Two all. Game on.

Cardiff looked stunned as they walked off. The home crowd were overjoyed, singing the players off with a rendition of Chrissy Powell's Red Army that had gone on for much of the first half, aside from at 0-2 when everyone feared the worst.

The second half. What a half. Early on, a free kick near the left touchline was taken by Stephens. I hopefully muttered 'goal' as he went to pick it, expecting the curled effort to be met with a strong header. But no, it lifted as it rotated, curved toward the top corner. It had sucked Marshall under it, and he was helpless to prevent it flying into the back of the net. Three two! Stephens looked incredibly sheepish - finally our luck seemed to have changed.

Stephens was running the game. Cardiff seemed to give Charlton vastly more space than Middlesbrough had just days earlier, and paid the price. Solly played a superb diagonal ball, which was pulled down well by Pritchard level with the far post, and his centre was met by another unmarked player, Danny Haynes, who nodded in. Four!

This extra space as well as the huge lift in confidence stemming from the first half fightback allowed Charlton to flourish. Again the ball was worked down the left, utilising the free space. Kerkar had time to pick out his ball, and despite cries from the crowd warning of an approaching player from behind, he dispatched his cross into the middle. It was inch perfect, splitting the centre backs, and Hulse was in position to glance it past Marshall. FIVE!

Pandemonium. Delirium. Shock. What on earth was going on? Where had this come from? Two down to a team top of the league, missing key players and having to play others out of position, on a run of four winless games, no home victory since August, and yet we had just seen five unanswered goals fly in. Absolutely unbelievable. And only 67 minutes gone.

For the rest of the allotted 90 it was fairly comfortable for Charlton. The luck seemed to have changed. Second balls were falling to red shirts not blue, loose balls as well, and attacks had occurred with a clinical cutting edge. But then the ref seemed to decide Charlton were time-wasting and added SIX minutes. Cardiff pulled one back, the defence had gotten sloppy, the midfield knackered. Then three minutes later a fourth. No. Just no. Surely not. The renewed, panicked energy meant defending became more frenetic. A free kick on the edge of the box probably caused numerous fans to have a heart attack. The attack was absorbed, nullified. The torturous added time expired. The game was won.

Relief was the primary emotion at full time, but that quickly turned to ecstasy. As the players left the field they were cheered, applauded like heroes. And quite right too. It was a herculean comeback. Too many players had great games to single out a man of the match. Pritchard ran himself into the ground, won balls all night, energised attacks and assisted the fourth. Stephens ran the show, scoring and providing killer passes. Hulse fought hard and linked up well with Haynes, who himself showed how useful pace is - though concerningly he was forced off with cramp. Dervite dealt with everything, putting in a solid shift at centre back - although conceding four was perhaps not ideal. Solly coped superbly at left back, and played an exquisite diagonal for Pritchard in the run up to that fourth. And Jackson led by example, scoring twice, winning tackles and orchestrating the fightback. A quite remarkable team effort.

After they exited the field, there was the brief pause for the ritual booing of the ref - once again richly deserved - before the man himself came into view. Chris Powell. A lot had been said after Saturday. A lot had begun to question his position. A completely illogical knee-jerk reaction, and the home supporters were out to prove their point. Chris Powell's name was sung regularly. There was a refusal to be negative - though the goal to make it 1-2 was key in preventing many from turning on the players. But it was Powell who once again showed he's successfully instilled that never-say-die attitude in this squad. In those circumstances, going five two up was close to taking the mickey. Powell approached the tunnel. Yet again his name was sung. He reluctantly appeared for his victory tunnel-jump salute, but we all knew how much it meant to him. This will act as a lift - a huge and crucial lift - not just to the squad, the fans, but him as well. Unfairly his job was put under pressure from certain individuals, and these three valuable points were the perfect answer to banish the nay-sayers. He walked down the tunnel, triumphant, a win that meant so much.

The Evening Standard contained an article which had Chris Powell quoted in the heading: "We've got too much fight to go down". And where does that fight, desire and determination stem from? Chris Powell himself. Be thankful he's our manager, and doubt him at your peril.

Five four. Wow.

Three vital points. Up The Addicks!