Charlton Athletic 0 Shrewsbury Town 1
Came up short..
A fantastic strike from Jon Nolan was the difference last night as Shrewsbury took their chance, and in what has been the hallmark of our season, we didn’t. The tie is only at half time, but we need to produce something a bit special now on Sunday for our season to go to the final game.
Kicking the wrong way we started like a house on fire using pace and width to get at them and created havoc in their box on a couple of early occasions. Sadly we couldn’t sustain that as we were outmuscled in the middle third, and when we did have possession everything became hurried after we would dwell on the ball too long. Kashi and JFC were unable to influence and we struggled to get any pattern of play going.
The first half ended pretty even, but Shrewsbury were strong and quick on the break, and at times reminded us why they finished 16 points ahead of us. There was constant backing from the stands and no-one could fault the players’ work rate but it was never to the levels of Portsmouth or Blackburn, and as the 2nd half wore on we looked tired and lacked finesse and quality and if anyone was going to score it looked like them.
We played in small triangles very well but lacked a final ball, or anyone to snuff out half a chance. We seemed to concentrate ourselves down the left but so often Mavididi or Dasilva ran down alleys and Reeves was not an attacking force at all leaving the front two isolated, chasing and jumping for headers a long way from their goal. There was plenty of free-kicks and corners, but other than a late Megennis header I don’t remember any that threatened their keeper.
The much missed Fosu was lively when he came on and suddenly we had some attacking intent, but we fell short on a huge night and us Addicks are left feeling pretty disconsolate this morning, even though we have another 90 minutes to play.
Addick Bloggers:
Quote: Lee Bowyer on being asked about Andrew Muir’s attendance at the game: “I’ve been given no information. I’ve got no idea, I’ve got no interest whatsoever. All I’ve got to do is focus on tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday – and then go from there.”
I didn’t think the combination of DaSilva and Mavididi worked very well they tended to exchange passes over very short distances which led to slow progress forward, neither player was able to use their pace as defenders closed them in. Reeves was again ineffective. Magennis won more than his fair share of headers and a more direct approach might pay dividends. To do this Magennis would need a more effective partner than Ajose. I would play Mavididi in that role and bring Fosu in wide left. I would have Lennon on the bench as he plays good long forward passes,remember the Oxford game. Aribo should replace Reeves.I know its Wimbledon 1990s style but although our midfield provides good cover to our defence they lack creativity.
I kept wishing last night that we’d knock it long. Ajose and Magennis often were too far apart.
I suggested to my brother last night I’d play Mavididi up front where he has more room to be effective.
Not over quite yet.
Agree with rierti re: DaSilva and Mavididi; the first half they were constantly being boxed in and were well contained by Shrewsbury’s defenders. Seems Bowyer isn’t the only manager who does their homework and watches videos of their opponents.
I really didn’t credit Nolan’s shot at the time. It seem to come from nowhere, looked like a miss-hit fluke and then rattled the bar and was in the net… all of which pretty much silenced the Covered End who couldn’t believe what we saw. Having watched it back, I think any of us would be glad of such “luck” had one of our boys hit it.
We arrived a bit late (combination of several train delays and a 10 minute queue to get in through the turnstiles) so missed the first 10 minutes and (again, thanks to the highlights) many of our better chances. I still thought generally we seemed to lack a spark of creativity and a level of class in finishing and for everything we had/gave they absorbed it and gave better back.
Once again I cannot fault the supporters. Incredible to the last with volume and passion that left a lasting impression on both my boys and their friend who joined us for what was otherwise a long & disappointing evening.
Still… it’s one goal and we took 2 the last time we visited them.
Spot on CA except for Fosu imo who I used to love until his greed in shooting when he should’ve laid if off led directly to the breakdown and their goal – inexcusable.
We looked exactly what we are, a team full of grit and determination but can’t bloody well score. Three games one deflected goal just don’t do it – I fear the worst in Sunday.
The one consolation, and it’s a massive one, is it looks like the bigger prize is within our grasp.
As much as it depresses me to think of another season of league 1 drivel, can only hope that funds dropped on the squad will finally put us back where we should be. Muir by all accounts sounds like a decent guy and will have seen at first hand our ineptitude in front of goal – he’ll need to get his cheque book out.
Some really good assessments from you and other commentators CA. I’d like to see Marshall start and giving us width and crosses to Magennis and Mav (really think he could be better than Ajose) I was quite glad to get to halftime at 0-0, and would have taken that at the end, My son and I are off to Salop on Sunday in hope, but not expectation. Steve’s comments about the bigger prize being ownership are spot on – promotion will just be a bonus.The reverse would be a long term disaster. The ticket sales fiasco and absence of ball boys in the East stand A block are just small tasters of what a state that cnut has left our club in.
Pembury Addick