Middlesbrough 2 Charlton Athletic 2

A pretty decent result up on Teeside today, although a little annoying that we gave away the two-goal lead so late after dominating the 1st half and racing into a lead.

The result ended our away campaign with one of the best records in the division, even though Tony Mowbray thinks massive teams like Middlesbrough should roll over little teams like Charlton!

I’ve stared at the table and it is hard to see how we would have crept into the top six, even if we’d got all 3 points at The Riverside, and then all the moons aligned next Saturday afternoon over SE7. I think we’d be looking at Bolton getting thrashed at home by Blackpool and Palace needing to lose their last two games, and heck that would take all of the fun out of the their game with Millwall on Tuesday.

It is a small shame that the slim opportunity doesn’t go to the last game, but after a roller-coaster of a season, if we look at how the table looks with just one game left we should be very proud of the team’s achievements.

Then there is the gaffer. I have always trusted him to do the very best for our football club, we took on a rookie but an intelligent, passionate and articulate one. We gave him our blessing and our patience, which had worn pretty thin. I don’t know about you, but two and a bit years later I have no complaints.

Hundreds of Addicks celebrated the love for Powelly today wearing face-masks and their best whistles and those that travelled said there said it was a carnival atmosphere amongst the away fans.

One game left then of a long, arduous and often gripping season and I look forward to being at The Valley next Saturday.

Around the corner in South East London there is fear and loathing. I have kicked off my slippers and opened the popcorn. Bring it on.

Addick Bloggers at The Riverside:
Powell-ometer: He surprised a few of us by bringing back Danny Hollands instead of incorporating Danny Green or playing Florent Rouamba even. By all accounts Hollands and Gower did well.
Elsewhere: Quite a day around the country. Cardiff lifted The Championship trophy after drawing at home with Bolton but Hull can’t get out of their own way. The Tigers lost at Barnsley 2-0 and the Tykes are one of 6 teams fighting to avoid the last two relegation places. Millwall were beaten at home by Forest whilst Wednesday, who looked safe a fortnight ago lost at Peterborough. Huddersfield have the worst goal difference despite a crucial win at already relegated Bristol City and Wolves are on the brink after a disastrous home defeat to Burnley. Blackburn are virtually safe after holding Palace at home and Ipswich and Blackpool are safe after beating Birmingham and Derby respectively. Back at the top Brighton are guaranteed a play-off place after beating Leeds away.