Charlton Athletic 2 Barnsley 0
A very nice win today against one of the most consistent performers in this division. Charlton attacked with real pace and purpose and two goals from Karlan Grant gave us our first win in four and inflicted defeat on Barnsley for only the second time this season.
I was following along from Florida, and the result never seemed in doubt with the returning Bielik strengthening our back four and our midfield excelling doing both the pretty and ugly stuff with Josh Cullen at the centre of it all.
Barnsley had scored 7 in their last two league games against Peterborough and Luton but Grant’s pace, alongside Taylor’s commitment was too much for the league’s promotion favourites as The Addicks once again showed what they can do.
The break came at a good time for Bowyer’s spluttering team. If the 8-0 Checkatrade cup win renewed belief then today reinforced it.
Great day. Come on you reds.
Addicks at The Valley: Addicks Third Division Diary;
Bow: “That was our best performance. They’re the best side we played. I’ve just said to the lads – that’s what we’re all about.
Elsewhere: Pompey are 6 points clear at the top after beating Fleetwood 1-0. Accrington continued their remarkable season winning at Peterborough and Sunderland won at Shrewsbury. Coventry got another late win at Southend and Burton also won late at bottom placed Plymouth.
Photo: @K_AndrewsPhotos
Chicago Addick 
A great result, but Taylor, Bielik and Pearce all picked up severe knocks which could make one more of them doubtful for Tuesday. Bowyer said during the week that his January priority is a left back to cover for Page.Cover for Page is required but cover for Taylor is also needed. Fosu and Vetokele could cover for Grant. Although Vetokele joined as a centre forward his injury record leads me to believe that he should play alongside a stronger player as a support striker. Vetokele missed yesterday’s game having picked up an injury in training!
We definitely need defensive cover – we only have Sarr and we need a left footed defender as cover for Lewis Page. To be fair Lee Bowyer tried hard before the transfer window closed to get one or two defensive players in but couldn’t. Either there was no one suitable available or we were being quoted silly money but I think he’ll be on the case in January. Will Vetokele and Bauer be traded on in January? They are both out of contract next summer and I suspect the club might want to get some cash rather than see them walk for nothing. Yesterday was as expected a tough game, we looked a bit sharper and Karlan took his goals well, he looks a lot more confident than he has in the past and is getting into the right areas to score them and as the first goal demonstrated he is prepared to run at defenders and make chances. I don’t think he would have score that goal in previous years.
Nothing more dangerous at this level than a quick striker running at defenders. Great to see.
Many lost faith in Grant, not me, after all he is younger than Dijksteel and Lapslie(a few days) – too much was expected too soon!!!