Charlton Athletic 2 Plymouth Argyle 0

We played like a team of Lee Bowyer’s..

Off the pitch we haven’t yet got our Charlton back, but on it yesterday under the management of Lee Bowyer we appeared to move a big step in the right direction.

After the rigidity of Robinson, Bowyer talked afterwards about being flexible in his formations, picking them based on who we are playing. The caretaker went with two up front, Zyro and Ajose. He played a diamond in the middle to nullify a threat from Argyle that he had picked up on after watching them during the week. JFC and Reeves were the north and south points with Aribo and Fosu wide. He relied on additional width from his full backs welcoming back Page and giving Dijksteel a start at right back. Pearce was installed as captain and played alongside Bauer with Amos in goal. Interestingly there was no place on the bench for new assistant manager Jacko.

It was a dream start. After 3 minutes a cross from Dijksteel was headed out and it fell for Page who hammered it in the net from fully 30 yards. It send The Valley into raptures and it was memorable moment for Page who has had a hellish Charlton career so far. Amos then saved brilliantly pushing a Taylor goal-bound effort onto the post.

So rarely this season have we been able to add a second goal, but Bowyer’s team did just that when Zyro headed in an Aribo cross in the 17th minute. Breathing space, smiles and wave a goodbye to Robinson circled a buzzing Valley.

Bauer and an great effort from the point to prove Ajose could have added to the score before the break, but Plymouth proved they were a good side creating chances themselves in front of their 3,000 travelling fans.

The Addicks continued to dominate in the 2nd half, playing with a confidence and a hunger missing for weeks, if not months. I was told last night that the team’s collective attitude was reminiscent of way Bowyer himself used to play.

More chances came often with Zyro at the heart of attacking moves, and at the back Pearce, who to me is the obvious leader, marshalled his defence well against a lively Pilgrims strike force. Marshall provided fresh legs coming on for a seemingly rejuvenated Ajose, Page ran his socks off and was rewarded with a standing ovation when he was substituted late and debutant Taylor Maloney came on for Reeves as the game approached what was a panic-free injury time.

No false team huddles after, just smiles around The Valley and a tunnel jump from Jason Pearce.

Finally I have been thoroughly impressed with Lee Bowyer in front of the media. Measured, thoughtful and calm. It is a nice difference to Robinson’s impassioned, often mystifying speeches.

Quote: “I don’t think you can say this is my formation [and just stick with it]. How can you do that? Each team is different, you can’t just have one formation.”
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