Cherries picked
Charlton Athletic 1 AFC Bournemouth 0
One tries to temper the hope the first Saturday of the season brings. Last season Norwich and Swindon were great examples of how much the first game means in the whole context of the season but nonetheless getting that first win on the board is always important and that is exactly what we did this afternoon.
From the commentary The Valley faithful sounded right behind the new-look team and Akpo got the goal that our early pressure deserved. Kyel Reid tormented Bournemouth first half before understandably running out of steam in the second. Sodje himself impressed, and came in for some good praise on the radio.
My mate called me after the game and selected Solly as man of the match, which is great to hear but sadly for Waggy he couldn’t stamp himself on the game unlike Lee Martin who had a skilful late cameo. For me Wagstaff remains an impact player best used from the bench.
I heard mixed reviews on McCormack, what did those there think? And do we have enough firepower from midfield? As for Semedo, the commentator had him off instantly but others have since said otherwise and PP is considering an appeal to his automatic 3-match ban.
Perhaps my sponsoring of Semedo’s training kit on Friday will prove better value than his home and away kits, which incidentially had already been snapped up.
Addicks at The Valley: New York Addick; Addicks Diary; Deepest Darkest; Stickleback; Drinking During the Game; Charlton Casual.
CA fact: Sodje’s opening goal was scored at the same time as our first goal of the season a year ago – 21 minutes.
Hey Mate,
I thought McCormack was very good,very much an all action get stuck in sort of player.I thought he played better than Semedo before his Red Card.The only think about McCormack was I did not think he offered so much in the final 3rd but he did make the pass to Reid who set up the goal.Well pleased for Sodje who looks very trim.Abbot tried but looked very slow but needs high crosses in box,he did not get that but was his 1st game.Overall looking good but need a fast striker.Leyton Orient will be a tougher test On Friday me thinks so we will see how they get on there.
New look suits you CA!
I think DJ-R has it about right on McCormack. But with Martin and Reid on the wings perhaps we won’t need so much goal threat from him.
Thought the Semedo sending off was outrageous. Having wathced the Football league show replay a few times both players slid in, but neither was aiming for the other. Had Semedo been persistently fouling beforehand I could have understood it more.
Not sure the if the ref should have given them a second half pen though?
We also had Solly as our MoM.
I think the crowd now attending the Valley have more realistic expectations – and were right behind the team
Pembury Addick