Charlton Athletic 2 Cheltenham Town 1

My, that was turgid stuff. But, a win is a win although there wasn’t much to encourage a race into the play-off’s despite Michael Appleton missive that it was his “most satisfying victory I’ve had since I’ve been here.”

Easily pleased I guess.

We were poor all over the pitch. Passive, slow, distracted even. The midfield was particularly bad. McGrandles and Fraser watched the game go by, and Dobbo just looked like he was trying too hard.

Cheltenham deserved their lead. A fine cross was headed in by a player watched by two Charlton defenders. Fortunately we equalised quickly thanks to a sloppy tackle just inside the angle of the box and byline by a Town player on Leaburn.

Incidentally Miles Leaburn was taken off later in the 1st half with what looked like a hamstring injury. His play was a rare plus up to that point.

Alfie May often looking forlorn against his old team playing out wide smashed home the penalty. After that was nothing but satisfying until the final minutes of the half when we upped the ante and Tedic, Watson (T) and Blackett Taylor all went close. The latter hit the post after a trademark burst into the box.

I’d have hoped we carry that degree of commitment into the 2nd half, but it was the team bottom of the league that took the game to us, and credit to a very low Valley crowd sticking with it on what looked like a very cold evening.

Tedic fired over in front of goal, but other than that I don’t remember a worthwhile chance.

Then in the final minutes Campbell (T) got to the byline and hit a cross that fortunately hit a Cheltenham player’s hand and the assistant referee gave us another penalty.

From 12 yards May smacked it as hard as he could, the net rippled and he forgot that he said he wasn’t going to celebrate against his old team.

3 points it is, but despite Appleton’s proclamation it was a rubbish performance that has mid table mediocrity running through it like a stick of rock.

MoM: Had to be Alfie

Appleton of my eye: I’ll tell you what would be satisfying…. a decent bloody set piece, Michael!

Elsewhere: Oxford and Bolton was goalless, Pompey won away at Burton 2-0 and Peterborough came from 2-down to draw 2-2 at Stevenage. Northampton had a good win at Blackpool, but the win of the night was Reading’s 5-1 demolition of Carlisle. Sam Lavelle was on the scoresheet again…. at the wrong end!