Northampton Town 0 Charlton Athletic 5

Absolutely no idea where that performance came from, but happy that it did. Take nothing away from the team today, they were excellent.

Our most dominant performance away from home for many a season, and chuffed for the 2,000 Addicks who more out of devotion than expectation spent their Saturday before Christmas in Northampton.

I will say first that Northampton were very poor, yet you can only beat what is put in front of you, and frustratingly we don’t do that anywhere enough.

We scored as many goals in that first half as we had done all season, and despite all the front-footed nonsense we have rarely started games well, but they did today and as Northampton’s caretaker manager said, we looked like scoring every time we attacked.

Emboldened with some actual width TC and Small were a menace down the sidelines. Leaburn interchanging with Campbell was turning their defence around and all supplemented by some creative movement and passing from our midfield.

The performances from Berry and particularly Docherty, were what I was hoping from them after they signed in the summer. The skipper has been a real disappointment so far, but he showed some real quality in his movement and awareness today. I particularly liked the way he finished his second goal.

In all honesty Northampton showed no signs of making any kind of a comeback in the 2nd half but it would have been easy for us clear our lines, sit behind the ball, and stick to what they had achieved at the break, but Charlton looked hungry for more and it was funny to see Hylton get his goal to silence the home fans who were giving him so much stick.

Every goal was good. Docherty finished his first goal well, Leaburn’s pass and TC’s finish for the second was clinical and even though Miles was assisted by an opponent’s wayward header, he still had to bring an awkward ball down and finish.

Towards the end I was thinking who was our MoM, and for the first time this season it was really hard as they all played well.

Despite our attacking play getting the plaudits tonight, I do think Lloyd Jones is so important if we are to do anything this season. He provides an unflappable base at the back, which gives both Mitchell and Gillesphey clear confidence.

For once a good day to be an Addick. Feliz Navidad 🎅

🎙️”I’m proud of the level of performance because when you play for Charlton, you’re under a lot of pressure. There’s expectation, there’s a weight on the club, there’s a weight on you when you come here. It’s not a normal club to play for in League One. And they’ve had to suffer a bit lately.” – Nathan Jones

⭐️ Greg Docherty

🏟️ 7,015 (1,186 Addicks)

📸 Kyle Andrews