Charlton Athletic 2 Sheffield Wednesday 1
That became very uncomfortable but it was another 3 points as we reach the first season marker sitting nicely in 9th place.
Another big crowd watched a very good first half, and then got the Addicks across the finish line to bounce back from the defeat at Preston last time out.
It was somewhat surprising, although we keep saying this, that Nathan Jones started with TC and Kelman, but he did, and Burke was chosen in over Ramsey.
The early exchanges were fairly even but on 17 minutes an assertive run from TC led to him putting in Carey, who had an initial shot saved but the rebound fell nicely and he put the ball into the roof of the net to give us the lead.
We were cruising pretty well after this but there were few real scoring opportunities. However in injury time Burke headed in what turned out to be the decisive second goal with another goal involvement from James Bree widening the smiles around the half-time drinks.
Early 2nd half I was disappointed to see us not take the game to Wednesday and go for the killer blow, but I wasn’t expecting the power play to completely change.
Even before Lowe pulled one back they were on top, and following that I was shifting quite uncomfortably in seat 4B of the American Airlines flight from San Francisco to Charlotte.
Jones’ subs seemed to initially change the momentum and there were some very nervy moments and the Wednesday fans smelt another goal. The Owls have been down but certainly not out and have been no walkovers this season despite their off-field problems.
Nonetheless by the time the injury time board went up we had wrestled back the inertia.
There was a strange end to the game that finished way past 5pm. The referees have been shocking in this league and this one was no different. Firstly he failed to give Knibbs an obvious free kick and then in our next foray upfield Docherty put through Oloafe one on one with their keeper who proceeded to take him out Harald Schumacher style.
The game was stopped for the collision but not for a foul and after a few confusing minutes I think at an assistant’s suggestion the referee then sent off Horvath and gave us the free-kick.
Sadly Gillesphey couldn’t add the sugar on top.
Tough game, but a big win. Now for a busy week ahead.
🎙️“You won’t find an easier decision to make in the world of football – barring if he had clubbed him over the head with a baseball bat.” – Nathan Jones
⭐️ Sonny Carey
🏟️ 23,009 (3,090 Wednesday)
📸 Paul Edwards
We made hard work of a win that looked comfortable at half-time.
Wednesday came out in the second half looking to fight back. Once they scored I feared the worst.
Fortunately we held on to three valuable points.
The referee was a disgrace, he missed several incidents throughout the game and topped it all off by being reluctant to deal with the assault on Olaofe by their keeper.
The mystery of why N.Jones continues to start every game with Campbell and Kelman rolls on. It ain’t working and we can all see it ain’t. Olaofe has more about him than Campbell and Kelman put together.
We need Godden back ASAP. But I have a nagging suspicion things are worse with him than we’ve been told.
Maybe we should be looking at giving Fullah a chance from the bench? Or recalling Kanu in January, if that is possible?
We definitely need the club to start looking for a striker in January. Loan or purchase.
Nonetheless for all of that, 9th in the league at this early stage is arguably better than many of us expected.
Daggs been saying this about Godden since the start of the season and will he be the same player as last year and here is hoping he is a huge miss.
It is difficult to explain the lack of form being demonstrated by TC and Kelman unless it is the obvious reason, i.e that they just are not good enough for the Championship. I sincerely hope that is not the case, though, because I have always appreciated TC’s level of effort and I wouldn’t want Kelman to be a waste of precious spending money.
Unlike you to make a mistake, CA, but we lost to PNE last time out. Your regular flights must be tiring you out!
Whoops, thanks Brian.
Totally agree with you on everything Daggs. As we sat pre match in the cafe, we all said bet he still keeps the same front two even though between Kelman and TC, they have had just one effort on goal in 9 games, now 10! Surely Olafe has to start Tuesday, as you have said, he must be wondering why he signed for Charlton, along with Apter, who was really playing well and taking on players and now can’t even get on as a sub!
Plus what is the point of putting crosses into the box, apart from corners and free kicks when Jones & Co come up, when you have two smallish frontmen players who can rarely get their head anyway to a ball, especially against tall defenders, it just doesn’t make sense?
Also yet again his subs are mystifying, as he brings on the same ones at the same time, Olafe, Leaburn and Knibbs. Olafe and Leaburn are pretty similar so don’t really compliment each other, so start Olafe with either Kelman, TC or even Apter and then bring on Leaburn later with one of them, as currently its so predictable, which opposing teams have worked out. As for Knibbs, apart from his goal at Watford, he has done absolutely nothing since and is either not fit or out of his depth, as he looks woefully slow and doesn’t track back a player at all, if they go past him.
I know quite a few supporters are clambering for NJ to sign his latest Luton favourite Bree, yes I agree he is great with free kicks and going forward, but not only myself, others around us have noticed, without Ramsey behind him backing him up, which he hasn’t been for these last two games, he has looked very suspect at defending and is easily beaten for speed, with either Jones or Gilsphey having to cover for him! Whereas Apter was taking players on and beating them and putting decent crosses in, albeit the two forwards never getting on the end of them, which caused at least two players having to continually mark him. Plus he also had the speed to get back and help out when needed, but now appears to be out of favour, since Bree’s arrival.
Nevertheless it’s great we held on to get the three points as we really needed them, as the next two games, against Ipswich and Hull will be a much tougher test, like Preston and even a point would be much welcome at this stage.
What a surprise Jones keeping the same front too and again not one minute for Apter, but TBF Bree has been sensational and well Carey no words.
TC got bullied a lot but did set up Carey for the first goal. I do think against big defenders starting with Olaf’s makes more sense. Watching from the covered upper it was surprising to see how wide Kerman plays. He needs to be more central and I’d love to see Apter and Bree link up.
We are going ok, few tough fixtures coming up but we are solid if a bit low scoring. We aren’t a very exciting watch but let’s survive the season and build.
Not a spectacle, but will take three points however they come. As already said, ten games in and our front two have zero goals between them. Why does NJ keep starting them together when he has fit,other options on the bench. Olafe must be wondering why he left Stockport. Two really tough away games this week, where I think we will have to score, to get anything out of either game.We will need our front two (whoever Jones picks) to be strong and sharp.
Seat 4b? Mine is usually 34b!
☺️😃
Weds put up a fight but it was clear to witness they are struggling to survive….I am sympathetic at the actions of the owner and can’t understand his actions and motive.
We were in total command of the game and I’m absolutely baffled why the referee was so so so slow notvshowing a red card immediately….woeful !!!
I meant not sympathetic
It amazes me how people are still unhappy with our performances. We are 9th with 15pts after 10 games ! Come on be positive when some were indicating that we would be down in the bottom 3 all season. So let’s give credit to NJ and his players for this achievement. We are above Birmingham and Wrexham who have spent a lot more on transfers including ‘high rated strikers’ on big wages.
I have no problem with us playing Bree, he delivers quality balls and anyone who played any level of football knows that delivery yesterday was high class. Sorry apter whilst good is not in the same league at the moment. As my old football coach said, a person who can deliver high quality set pieces is worth 10-15 team goals a season. Bree’s deliveries have delivered goals when we have struggled to score, something people were quick to point out on here. He goal was sublime, in the yann kermongant category…so not sure what the debate is about him over apter. Southampton fans are now calling for his return after another goalless result yesterday.
However I am concerned about TC and would agree with some of sentiments being talked about . For me he is ‘hiding’ when the ball gets into to the box. He is not attacking the back post 6 yard areas when the ball is crossed from the opposite side. He stays back and never moves. That anticipation comes with confidence and arguably is a basic training skill. His lack of goals not just this season but it started in the run in and playoffs games is a concern.
Sorry but Kanu is not the answer, he is not at this level atm nor is Fullah. The step up is massive from U21 football, you simply can’t compare it. I do like fullah and he has massive potential. I would like to see olafe start in place of TC. I would continue to back Kellman upfront. I guess we have opinions and it makes for an interesting debate.
I remain positive about our start, all these games are tough and 3 pts are crucial. How we have been dealt 4 away games in 5 games is a mystery. 2 tough away games, missing the Ipswich game which is a same as always enjoyed that one sort from the 6-0 ! Which infamously Bonne acknowledged, interestingly to see him languishing in the lower ends of non-league football, jumping in a club FACup run.
Right back to current season – if we can avoid back to back away defeats I will be happy.
Well said RA.
Re TC. I just think that instinct is not there. It can be coached but naturally he is a wide man, and not a goal sniffer. I understand why he plays and he got an assist yesterday but it’s like having a lone striker in this system. However he can drag players away and allow more space which someone like Carey can profit from.
I too would start with Olaofe and Kelman.
Also agree that Kanu (good to see him score yesterday) is not ready / might never be ready for The Championship. Fullah is too inexperienced. I would not be surprised to see Hernandez play at part at Ipswich.
An interesting article..
https://www.thewrexhaminsider.com/opinion/three-reasons-charlton-athletic-are-thriving-in-championship-while-wrexham-flounder/g
Thanks RA.
Very interesting article if you can ignore the ads.
Looking at some other social media I’m concerned at how often some of our ‘supporters’ scapegoat our players, especially our home grown ones. We’ve gone up a level and it’s really important that we are patient and trusting in the culture of the club to help everyone best evolve in the Championship. We saw it a few years ago with how bizarrely Albie Morgan could be targeted, one of our most naturally gifted home grown players, and we are seeing it now with Tyreece, who like any young winger can be mercurial and unpredictable but is easily one of our most talented players. Is it envy – why players that have grown up locally, come through our youth system and exhibited loyalty get picked on more? And in TC’s case, sometimes, some underlying, perhaps unconscious, racism. Being a supporter is first and foremost about supporting, and at this key moment we need to create that supportive encouragement around our team, especially the young players.
Oh come on!! let’s not play the racism card.
Regardless of whether TC is homegrown or not. He is not contributing sufficiently. Yet starts every game. He would be better deployed as a substitute.
Agreed on the daft comment above, purely objective I get that.
That said, I do think TC does things that others can’t, picking the ball up deep, carrying forward with pace, incisive passes…he was bullied a bit Saturday but also laid on the first goal so it goes around really.
Also wouldn’t by surprised to see Tanto start tomorrow, a rest after the international games wouldn’t go amiss
Absolutely not racism. In my mind that is long extinct at The Valley.
Agree totally with your comment…Paul Elliott and Chris Powells legacy drove out any hint of racism at Charlton.
We celebrated our annual Black,White and Red day at The Valley last Saturday that highlights the achievements made in this area.
Chris Powell erased racism when he was at the club
Another thing TC is a fabulous player and should be brought on as a sub I ve said before how much i admire him NJ must start oloafe I think
Agree and then TC can come on and really stretch tiring defence’s late in the game.
Solid if a little unspectacular and I love it.
As we know, we do like a moan, for the habitual complainers cast your minds back to L1 and Michael Appleton but no, 9th in the championship not good enough and surely Jones needs to change the formulae!
If you had offered me 15 points after 10 games I’d have absolutely taken that and so despite my in game complaints i am happy with the start we’ve made.
I’ve said on here previously that i think NJ is quite rigid in his team sections, subs and tactics and i do think the oppo must know what we are going to do. But i guess we are performing the tasks well enough and so he’s not going to change it anytime soon.
I do think the TC debate is interesting. From my seat in North Upper i spend a lot of the games criticising him and wanting more from him. Then he goes and puts a thru’ ball in to Carey and we score. His pace does scare defenders, and i think he is a very good out ball from defence. Especially if we are in the lead. The diagonal or ball down the line to start a counter gets me onto the edge of my seat.
Oloafe does look to have more of a physical presence about him, and has looked effective when coming on. I’d like to see him start, and surely TC’s pace would be more even more effective as a ‘game changer’ later on when defenders are tired.
When NJ joined us, all the reports from fans of his previous clubs commented that he has always had his favourites and tends to stick to them. This week will test that. 3 games in 8 days following international call ups surely gives NJ the excuse he needs to try a different front pairing.
But like i say, 15 points, 9th in the league. Good start and if we average that for the rest of the season I’m happy.