Charlton Athletic 0 Middlesbrough 1
The third defeat in a row, with no goals scored and into the bottom three for the first time this season. This is not for the feint hearted.
At the end of the day it was another defensive blooper that saw us lose, Ben Purrington gifting the ball away in the 17th minute that ended with McNair scoring the winner.
Defensive mistakes are one thing, but much more alarming was the lack of bravery or any signs that this team is ready for a fight. What the heck happened, a week or so ago we’d won three from five.
Confidence and it appears any semblance of structure and attacking fortitude has been sucked out of them. Yes, this division is relentless and bloody hard, but where’s the courage and backbone?
The 2nd half was better and Bonne – who has to start at Hull – had our best two chances, but it was Boro who left with the points and dumped us into the bottom three.
I love listening to Bowyer, but words are starting to sound a little cheap. I’m still with him 100%, and questions over ESI will have to wait, although they are starting to stack. We need leadership now, and that doesn’t just sit with the manager.
Pearce, Solly, Taylor, Phillips, Williams, Sarr, Cullen and Pratley.. We’ve been here before gents.
Addick at The Valley: Drinking During the Game; Blackheath Addick;
Bow: “Just stick together, it’s what I’ve just said to the players. Don’t turn on each other and try and pin the blame on someone else. We have to all stick together and fight.“
Elsewhere: Wigan and Luton was 0-0, Barnsley lost at home to Cardiff 0-2. Leeds beat Huddersfield 2-0 and Stoke beat Hull 5-1.
Photo: @pedwards72
Chicago Addick 
ESI have no money, it’s becoming obvious. Bowyer has run out of ideas. The players are simply not good enough. Lyle Taylors heart isn’t in it, he knows he’ll be away at the seasons end.
I won’t be surprised if ESI back out of completing the purchase of the whole of CAFC, with
relegation looking very likely now.
Good morning Daggs. That’s cheered me up no end!
Sorry Chig. let me tell you a personal tale.
One year ago (St Patricks day) I was taken seriously ill. It was only the work of the paramedics and hospital staff that got me through.
The first match I was able to attend after that, was the Doncaster play-off home game. Followed by the great day at Wembley with my son, to see us promoted.
I had many reasons to be elated that day.
Now I’m just deeply depressed that the wonderful end to last season looks soon to be wasted so needlessly.
The lack of suitable defenders was again obvious, Purrington was bought as cover for the injured Page, when it became obvious that Page’s injuries were serious and long term a suitable recruit should have been signed. You may recall that from early in the season I was concerned that available players for both full back positions were not of a suitable standard for the Championship, thankfully Matthews has proved a good recruit on the right hand side.
How does Hemed justify a place on the bench he is beyond poor. Some players with potential get severely criticised but older players who are frankly nicking money get away Scott free.We are lucky to have a veteran like Pratley who is genuine and earns his money.
The only postitive I can see from the game was that unlike the last few games, we did at least create a few goal scoring chances. Shame we didn’t take any of them though. Further possible negative news is that our new owners (albeit part owners) are reported to be interested in buying Dinamo Bucharest, whom it is feared Charlton could become a feeder club for.