THE Match Report: Charlton 1 - 1 Barnsley

2007-10-07T16:43:00.000+01:00

Very busy again! So heres the skysports.com report.

I would really appreciate some help on writing articles here on TalkCAFC.co.uk. If you think you can give a hand, please email cafcbois@gmail.com .

Charlton lost ground on Watford at the top as they were held to a 1-1 draw by Barnsley.

The Addicks looked to have snatched all the points with just eight minutes remaining as Zheng Zhi headed home.

But Barnsley - themselves flying high in the top five - fought back and grabbed an equaliser in the final minute through Kim Christensen.

The Tykes could and should have won it in stoppage time but Grant McCann fired wide from point-blank range.

THE Match Report: Charlton 2 - 0 Leicester

2007-09-24T17:38:00.000+01:00

Another great performance by the lads in red meant the Addicks climed to second in the table, just 2 points behind Watford.

We dominated a match where Leicester really didn't pose any threat, and 2 casual goals, one from Varney getting his first goal for the club and one from Iwelumo meant the Addicks had secured 3 points as early as half time.

The second half wasn't too interesting and no real threat was posed from either team, but it was good to see us crusing and see a performance which, if continued, will win us the league!

An away trip this Saturday to ex-manager Iain Dowie's Coventry will be a tough challenge, but one we are fully capable of winning if we keep playing like we have been for the last too!

Up The Addicks!

THE Match Report: Charlton 2 - 2 Norwich

2007-09-20T18:05:00.000+01:00

Well, I had returned from my trip to the USA and as it was my first match back in the Valley and the first I would be seeing Charlton playing Championship football, I didn't know what to expect! BUT I was dead chuffed with what I did see!

So I took my seat, with the band and my drum, and saw a completely different Charlton squad emerge from the SE7 tunnel! It was good to see Luke Varney make his home debut after his injury he sustained in pre-season.

Charlton maintained dominance all match but never really managed to finish, with Andy Reid hitting the bar from a free kick, but narrowly missing a header. The referee seemed to miss around 3 blatent penalties due to Norwich fowls, but eventually after coming on 3 minutes earlier, Izael McLeod ran into the area and was felled by a yellow shirt. PENALTY!

Andy Reid could do nothing but score and blasted the Addicks into a 1-0 lead with 5 minutes to go! All fans thinking we had managed to win this were much relieved when 2 minutes later, McLeod was felled again at the edge of the area with the ref awarding a penalty once again. Reid stepped up and secured the points for us with a strike in the same direction sending the Addicks fans wild and the club up to 3rd in the Coca Cola Championship!

Seconds before the final whistle, Norwich's Dion Dublin let Danny Mills get the better of him and shoved him to the ground, causing referee J Singh to produce a straight Red.

It was all over and I was thoroughly relieved to have seen an awesome Charlton performance and 3 points in the bag. Oh and seeing Chrissy Powell do his tunnel jump again was amazing!

James - Head Writer

THE Brag: Crystal Palace 0 - 1 Charlton

2007-09-05T03:30:00.000+01:00

YES YES YES - we beat the scum!

1 nil!

Get in!

James - from the USA

THE Match Report: Swindon 0 - 2 Charlton

2007-08-16T18:41:00.000+01:00

Carling Cup.

THE Match Report: Charlton 1 - 1 Scunthorpe

2007-08-12T21:12:00.000+01:00

So a new season, a new league, and new times at The Valley. A summer of changes, with Darren Bent and Luke Young the most prolific of our departures, meant a completely different looking team started yesterday's match in the Coca Cola Championship. This is only a brief report as I am not in the UK at the moment, but come September you will have full Match Reports when I return, with the passion I carry from watching the match first hand.

Charlton were unable to start on a winning note after drawing 1-1 at home to Championship newcomers Scunthorpe. Marcus Bent put Charlton ahead on 62 minutes, but new signing Izzy Iriekpen levelled on 69 minutes. (skysports.com)

Charlton: Weaver; Moutaouakil, Thatcher, McCarthy, Bougherra; Sam, Semedo, Ambrose, Reid; Bent (Iwelumo 74), Todorov (McLeod 66).

Subs (not used): Randolph, Fortune, Sinclair.

James - Staff Writer

The Seasons Over: Liverpool 2 - 2 Charlton

2007-05-15T23:16:00.000+01:00

An amazing way to bow out of the Premiership boys. CHARLTON - you did us proud!

Holland '2
Bent '71

I am looking forward to next season now. Lets hope we can keep some of the amazing players we already have.

Up The Addicks

James - Staff Writer

CAFC - Thanks for the memories 2006/2007

2007-05-09T22:50:00.001+01:00

Here's a little video I compiled.

James - Staff Writer

Game, Set and Match - Charlton Relegated - Charlton 0 - 2 Spurs

2007-05-09T21:46:00.000+01:00

It's over. Not much to say about this match, apart from the crowd were immense. Some of the players showed how much it meant to them, but some others I have no time for.

It will always stick in my mind our fans standing on the seats, arm in arm, singing Valley Floyd Road and Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life. Boy, it was emotional.

All I do know is that relegation is a kick in the arse for us. As sad as I was on the night, I look forward to next season and hope we have some silverwear at the end to show for it.

James - Staff Writer

Operation Ewood: Blackburn 4 - 1 Charlton

2007-04-30T22:11:00.000+01:00

Don't really know what to say. Apart from the fact it was such a great away day despite the result. The buzz at the airport, the atmosphere at the Fernhurst and inside Ewood were amazing. But conceding 4 goals :(. I really am devistated. We aren't down for definate but we are making it more tough than it needed be!

Big up for all you who made the travel up north

J

THE 30 Million Pound Match Report: Charlton 1 - 1 Sheffield Utd

2007-04-22T17:52:00.000+01:00

Well, not literally the £30 Million match, but dubbed by the media and press, Charlton entered this huge 6pointer knowing it was a must win affair.

Most fans knew that we had to win, although it wouldn't be too bad with a loss/draw, a win would ease the pressure of the three tough upcoming fixtures.

The Club had gone a long way to lift the atmosphere by giving out free clappers and also arranging Bjorn Again as pre match entertainment. Add that with the usual drumming and flag, the atmosphere should be immense.

Charlton started the first half well and seemed to be egged on by the 'Up-For-It' crowd. Unfortunately the first half ended up being a bit dull, so half time was welcome relief.

Once again Charlton started well in the second, at at '59, The Elk hit a shot towards the United goal, it deflected against one of their defenders and the net bulged. I havent seen the crowd go so crazy in such a long time. It was amazing! Then the whole stadium stood while singing "Stand Up, If You're Staying Up". Immense

But United pissed on our fire 10 minutes later when Jonothan Stead gave the visitors a way back into the match and a point. Which it stayed.

Absolutely gutted, like many fans in the ground after the final whistle. But it aint over til the fat lady sings!

So next week at Blackburn bring your singing voices and cheer the lads to victory and Premiership survival!

James - Staff Writer

THE Match Report: Everton 2 - 1 Charlton

2007-04-15T18:41:00.000+01:00

A dramatic ending to a critical match resulted in Charlton not picking up any points at all, which are so crucial at this stage of the season.

A disapointing first half from the Addicks meant the Toffees dominated, but a half time break seemed to lift the players spirits.

We kept on attacking the Everton goal and Darren Bent and Zheng Zhi had two shots just miss, but it just didn't seem to be. We had so many chances throughout the second period of play, but against the flow, Everton managed to scramble a goal home in the 82nd. After a magnificent save from Scott Carson, denying Andy Johnson, the rebound fell to the feet of a blue and they were one infront. Exactly 9 hours of clean sheets were over!

Fans at Goodison Park and across the country were down, but the players were not! In the final minute of normal time, Darren Bent equaled the scored making the Charlton bench and section of the ground jump with joy. We seemed to have salvaged something from a game we deserved to win.

But, to our utter dismay, James McFadden decided to ruin our day by volleying home a certain winner. Carson had no chance. Charlton had lost. So unlucky, all pundits throughout the country saying how we should have won.

This makes next Saturday's 6pointer against Sheffield United even more important! And then onto Operation Ewood. We need maximum points now. We ARE staying up!

James, Staff Writer

THE Operation!

2007-04-13T09:35:00.000+01:00

Yes, another Operation is underway. Not for Riverside this time, but for Ewood! Charlton have secured 7,500 tickets for The Addicks penultimate away match this season against Blackburn Rovers.

Planes, Trains and Buses will take The Valley faithful ooop north on the 28th of April, and myself and my cousin are one of many who have got tickets! We will be travelling by plane, which is soo cool!

Hehe, updates will be right here as soon as more is known!

James - Staff Writer

THE Match Report: Charlton 0 - 0 Reading

2007-04-10T09:33:00.000+01:00

Taken from premierleague.com

Charlton Athletic picked up another point in their battle for Barclays Premiership survival following a goalless draw against Reading at The Valley - but will know it should have been more.
After hitting the crossbar early on through defender Talal El Karkouri, the Addicks, much-improved under new boss Alan Pardew, struggled to create many further clear-cut chances.
However, given the amount of possession they had, this was perhaps an opportunity lost for the south-east London side to put daylight between themselves and the bottom three.
With fellow strugglers Sheffield United still to come to The Valley later this month, destiny would appear in their own hands - but much hard work remains ahead for Pardew’s battling troops over the next five games.
Following a rousing pre-match performance from a Freddie Mercury impersonator, Charlton ran out with The Valley already rocking.
The home fans did their best to stoke up the atmosphere, but it was Reading - themselves already secured of top-flight football next season - who started brightly.
However, the Addicks slowly took control of midfield and came within inches of taking the lead in the fifth minute.
A free-kick from the right touchline was sent over by Darren Ambrose and centre-half El Karkouri crashed a free header against the underside of the crossbar from six yards.
Reading regrouped following that let-off and again looked dangerous going forwards.
However, Charlton pair Alexandre Song, on loan from Arsenal, and Zheng Zhi were breaking play up well in the centre.
On 15 minutes there was a brief flare-up between the young Cameroon midfielder and Steve Sidwell. Song was cautioned by referee Graham Poll when calm had been swiftly restored.
Charlton broke quickly after defending the resulting free-kick and Darren Bent skipped clear down the right, but his low centre into the area was gathered by Marcus Hahnemann.
Song and Luke Young then combined well but the England defender's 18-yard shot lacked real venom.
Reading midfielder Seol Ki-Hyeon then walked his way through midfield and into the Charlton area, before his low shot was well saved by Scott Carson.
Addicks defender Hermann Hreidarsson had injured himself in trying to make a tackle on the edge of the box, and had to be replaced on 24 minutes by Ben Thatcher.
Reading enjoyed a good spell as the half-hour mark approached.
The hosts were forced to make another change when forward Marcus Bent pulled up with what looked like a hamstring problem, and Matt Holland went on as Zheng was pushed upfield.
The change in personnel did not seem to affect Charlton too much as the home side slowly started to build pressure of their own.
Jerome Thomas skipped away down the left and felt he had a shout for a penalty when going down following a tussle with Ulises de la Cruz. Referee Poll, though, was unimpressed.
At the other end, just to be safe, Carson touched over Sidwell’s looping header from a corner.
In stoppage time, Thomas almost picked out Bent with a through ball, which just had too much pace on it into the area.
Reading made a bright start to the second half as, on 50 minutes, El Karkouri bundled over Leroy Lita some 22 yards out, just right of centre.
Andre Bikey hit the resulting free-kick well enough, but it spun up off the defensive wall.
There was then a good chance for Charlton. Zheng took the ball down the left flank, and charged across the area, where possession broke for Bent.
The striker hit a 15-yard effort first time, and the ball flashed just wide of the far post.
China international Zheng soon forced a low save from the Reading keeper as Charlton pressed.
The visitors, however, refused to lie down.
With the match still finely balanced heading into the last 30 minutes, you could begin to sense the tension growing inside The Valley.
Sidwell flashed a low shot just wide of Carson’s left-hand post following good work by Stephen Hunt on the edge of the area.
Suddenly, the Charlton faithful found their voice - and the team responded.
Zheng burst into the left side of the area, but Hahnemann was out quickly to smother the danger at his near post.
El Karkouri headed clear from under his own crossbar following a goalmouth scramble - before Thomas dashed clear down the other end to cause panic in the Reading box.
With 10 minutes left, there was a renewed sense of urgency about Charlton, however too often the front men looked isolated - summing up much of the night.
Hunt could have snatched victory for Reading late on, but his diving header went across goal and wide.
In stoppage time, Zheng’s looping header fell kindly for Hahnemann.

THE Match Report: Manchester City 0 - 0 Charlton

2007-04-08T18:37:00.000+01:00

Due to me working ridiculous hours, I have taken this report from Premierleague.com. I will be back to write after Reading!

James - Staff Writer

Charlton Athletic clambered out of the Barclays Premiership relegation zone for the first time since September after an action-packed draw at Manchester City.

Down and virtually out when Alan Pardew became the Addicks’ third manager of the season 13 games ago, Charlton have transformed themselves into a dogged, fighting force.

And the seven-point chasm to safety Pardew had to bridge has now been closed completely by a five-match unbeaten run, with the Londoners now above Sheffield United on goals scored.

The advantage may be slender but if the battling qualities on display at Eastlands are any guide, Charlton will collect enough points from their final six games to secure top-flight status by the middle of May.

Successive wins at Middlesbrough and Newcastle United may have virtually ended any fears City had of falling into the Coca-Cola Championship themselves - but this was the 10th time in the Barclays Premiership this season Pearce’s men had failed to score on home soil.

It is five games since Georgios Samaras scored their last home goal - against Everton on New Year’s Day - with five goalless draws among the home Barclays Premiership results as well.

Nedum Onuoha wasted the Blues’ best chance to pick up maximum points, nodding wide from seven yards when completely unmarked just after the hour mark.

Although 10 points from four games was confirmation of Charlton’s current momentum, Pardew must have expected City to make a fast start.

So it proved. Emile Mpenza may only be six games into his City career, but already he is proving of far greater value to the Blues than fellow strikers Samaras and Bernardo Corradi.

The burly Belgian gave Charlton’s defence plenty of early headaches and his ability to retain possession - a trait which eludes both Samaras and Corradi - allows City to build some momentum.

Mpenza had already seen one effort saved by Scott Carson before he rose to meet a Joey Barton corner, forcing Amady Faye to clear off the line.

Talal El Karkouri then threw himself in the way of another Mpenza effort as the hosts’ pressure continued to mount.

After Mpenza’s flurry came one for Barton. The first and last of his four shots belied Barton’s new status as an England international.

But the middle two efforts did have Charlton worried. Carson plucked the first out of the air but the second, an instinctive curling strike after Barton had been set up by Mpenza, brought a good low save from the prospective England 'keeper.

Charlton were a sporadic threat, their efforts summed up by the knowledge it was City skipper Richard Dunne who came closest to scoring for them as he headed Jerome Thomas’ cross just wide of his own goal.

After an impressive first-half, Carson was almost embarrassed at the start of the second when he failed to control Hermann Hreidarsson’s back pass.

In the end, it took a bit of quick footwork and an agricultural clearance into touch to prevent Mpenza taking advantage.

Pardew would have been asking major questions about where his defenders had disappeared to if Onuoha had kept his header on target when teenage midfielder Michael Johnson picked him out with a right-wing cross.

Totally unmarked, Onuoha, an England Under-21 international still coveted by Nigeria at senior level, miserably failed to get a firm connection on his header, which looped wide.

After dominating for so long, City were almost caught by a Charlton sucker punch 18 minutes from time when Marcus Bent forced a pass through to Darren Bent, who in turn crossed low to Zheng.

The Chinese forward just had to check his run in order to control, otherwise he would have been clean through, and the delay allowed Onuoha to slide in and make a tackle.

After so many dreadful experiences on home soil already this season, the City fans had largely kept any criticisms to themselves.

However, Samaras’ arrival shortly afterwards did not meet with the wholehearted approval of the Blues support and it was the Greek who wasted City’s last chance with a diving header which flashed wide.

THE Big Joke! April Fools Day

2007-04-01T20:21:00.000+01:00

Well, this appeared on the Charlton official website today, and I hope it is an April Fools Joke!

http://www.cafc.co.uk/newsview.ink?nid=30639

THE Match Report: Charlton 1 - 0 Wigan

2007-04-01T20:18:00.000+01:00

Taken from Premierleague.com

England squad striker Darren Bent rifled home an 86th-minute penalty to clinch three priceless points for Charlton Athletic at The Valley.
The crucial Barclays Premiership relegation clash seemed destined for a draw until Fitz Hall was penalised by referee Peter Walton for his challenge on Marcus Bent.
And Darren Bent made no mistake from the spot as he easily beat goalkeeper John Filan to fire his 12th goal of the season.
Charlton showed just one change to the side that beat Newcastle United 2-0 with Dennis Rommedahl replacing Marcus Bent, who was brought on at the interval following a below-par half from the misfiring Dane.
Skipper Darren Bent overcame the knee injury that forced him to miss England’s Euro 2008 qualifiers while Alexandre Song recovered from his hamstring problem in time to make the starting line-up.
Leighton Baines, Lee McCulloch and Hall all returned from suspension for Wigan while Caleb Folan overcame his ankle problem to partner Emile Heskey in attack.
Some nice touches from winger Jerome Thomas initiated a Charlton attack and although Rommedahl made a mess of Darren Bent’s square-ball, he recovered quickly and tested Filan with a lofted shot.
McCulloch had a shot blocked before Heskey picked up a promising pass only to run down a blind alley.
Folan escaped Souleymane Diawara but was foiled by Scott Carson, who sprinted off his line and halted the Wigan midfielder - taking a knock in the process.
Rommedahl’s overpowered cross to the far post then saw Darren Bent dive in vain as Charlton sought first blood in a finely-poised opening 25 minutes.
Zheng Zhi threatened on the edge of the box two times in succession but was snuffed out by timely intervention from Wigan’s defence.
A Thomas cut-back presented Song with a chance but the Cameroon defender’s shot was easily blocked as Charlton began to gain the upper hand.
Zheng latched onto a failed clearance by Filan but could not get any power behind his stabbed shot and the Wigan keeper was able to recover and save.
Ryan Taylor picked out Matt Jackson at the far post with a precision cross but the veteran defender’s header looped high over the crossbar.
A long-range effort from Thomas drew gasps from the home supporters but it was well wide.
Baines then went close to breaking the deadlock with a well-struck free-kick that just brushed the left post.
The ineffective Rommedahl was replaced by Marcus Bent for the second half but it was his namesake Darren who had the first opportunity after the break, nodding Zheng’s corner wide.
It was a difficult chance but priceless nonetheless with so much at stake and moments later Taylor was booked by Walton for a needless block on Diawara.
Luke Young combined with Darren Bent to good effect only for the Charlton skipper to mis-read his team-mate’s intentions and send the return ball in the wrong direction.
Wigan went close with half an hour remaining, Folan firing a cross that McCulloch raced in to meet only to see his effort strike the left post.
Wigan looked the most likely team to break the deadlock as the final whistle approached but Paul Jewell’s men found themselves behind with four minutes to go.
Hall put his foot up to challenge Marcus Bent who was trying to control the ball and Walton pointed to the spot.
Darren Bent stepped up and smashed the penalty home for his 12th goal of the season, snatching a crucial late victory for the Addicks.

THE Special Report: England U21 3 - 3 Italy U21

2007-03-25T22:06:00.000+01:00

Well, I can't really describe my feelings! Myself, Josh and James went to Wembley yesterday to watch the first International match at the new Stadium. England U21's were playing Italy U21's.

We got the tube to Wembley Park Station as we knew to get the adrenaline really going, we had to walk down the infamous 'Wembley Way'. After getting off the train and to the top of the station, the view was incredible! Straight down the 'Way' was the gleaming image of the new Wembley Stadium. I was told to move on by Police because I was just staring at it!

I know I have seen it before (like when I went to CPW training) but the thought that within an hour, I would be inside was immense! SO, we walked around the stadium, lapping the atmosphere up, and then the moment came!

We were entering via Entrance P. We went through, were searched, and made our way to the upper tier. But it wasn't the usual way you would expect, we went up three long escalators! And we were up on the concourse. I queued for a programme. We had a beer, and we went to our seats. Block 137! It was amazing. I can't describe my feelings and thoughts! But the whole place is huggge! Unbelievably huge! We sat in our seats and waited for the game.

The teams came out, and when our national anthem was sung, I felt sooooo patriotic.

Then something amazing happened. Italy scored within 0:28 seconds! Unbelievable. Not only was I part of history to be in the stadium, but also seeing the fastest ever goal in the new stadium.

England equalised 10 minutes before half time with a wicked free kick from Bentley.

Half time was a nightmare. The bar staff didn't know what they were doing. So much so we missed two goals! Wayne Routledge scored just after the break to put us one infront, but almost immediately after, Italy scored the equaliser.

We were back in our seats. And saw Matt Derbyshire get our 3rd but scrappy goal. Everyone was ecstatic, but I didn't think we were going to win the match. I was proved write and their previous goalscorer got his third and the first hat trick at the new ground. When he was subbed off he got an ovation.

That was it, game over. A small presentation utilised the returning of the Royal Box which was good to see! We left via Wembley Way, but we couldn't be bothered to queue so went to Wembley Stadium station. I recommend it for next time as we got out and into London much quicker!

It was a great day and something I'll remember for a very long time!

THE Match Report: Charlton 2 - 0 Newcastle

2007-03-19T20:40:00.000+00:00

Another game, another important match, another cup final and another 3 points needed - and taken!
To have any chance of survival, Charlton really need to get the gap [between us and safety] out of their head and just keep on picking up the points!

We were asked to get behind the players again, but no one really seemed to be bothered in the first half! Maybe a little too much Guinness celebrating St Patricks Day the night before, or was that just me!?

But the first half really was diabolical, we were better but it really was creating no chances. It took until the 55th minute and Zheng Zhi, who was making his full debut, to put the Addicks 1 infront after a rebound from Darren Bent's fiesty free kick. Zhengy decided to head it in, but it seemed to take forever!

From this point on, we were all over the Geordies! And in the 88th minute, Zhengy won us a penalty, thanks to a Nobby Solano foul. Now Benty had been subbed off, so Jerome Thomas was the man to cooly slot it home and secure the 3 points for us.

The roar at the end summed it up, I really think we can stay up! C'mon Charlton!

THE Match Report: Watford 2 - 2 Charlton

2007-03-04T17:03:00.000+00:00

Coming from last week's amazing performance against the Hammers, the Addicks faithful went into this match with their hopes high!

A few changes, including Jonothan Fortune being recalled from loan at Stoke, meant we didn't start with the same team that thrashed United 7 days previously. But hey ho life moves on and we had to make sure to take what we can in one of the so called easier fixtures for us this season.

But, saying that, we went 2-0 down within 20 minutes. You couldn't get any worse. I was hoping that we would turn out like United did last week. This remained for the majority of the half and Watford nearly added another just before the break.

But Charlton kept their heads held high, and around 20 minutes into the second half, Luke Young slotted home a goal which resulted from a precision pass from Alexandre Song. Song has been great for us! Long may it continue!

Just as it looked as if we were destined for a loss, Darren Ambrose headed in a Dennis Rommedahl cross to equal the match! A point at least! But our defense was working overtime as Watford were attacking hard.

One moment came where we could have won it. We got Watford on the counter attack with Lisbie, Bent and Rommedahl leading the way. The ball landed before Lisbie, one shot with his left foot could have won the match, but he fannied around with the ball and the shot was blocked. The rebound landed at his feet, which he blasted wide! Cheers Kev!

It's better than nothing but with Wigan winning (and currently as I write United beating Spurs) it could have turned out to not be a good weekend for us!

James - Staff Writer

THE Week

2007-02-28T23:08:00.000+00:00

Like most weeks in football after the closure of the transfer window, this one has been rather low on news for Charlton fans. Perhaps about the most interesting snippet is the addition of trialist goalkeeper Carlos Alberto Fernandes. Depending on what you read he was either ‘one of Steaua's weakest links‘ (Wikipedia) or ‘a dependable goalkeeper who…helped tighten up a sometime porous Steaua Bucharest defence’ (Football.stats.com). Whatever the truth is we can be assured, with his excellent transfer record, Pardew will work it out. With the limited funds available, Pardew appears to have bought well.

Despite his age, Alexandre Song seems to be a good acquisition. He provides what Faye should provide, not only protection for the back four but also the link between defence and the attacking midfielders, both of which were exemplified for at least the half an hour on Saturday, hopefully there is more to come. Perhaps Pardew’s biggest achievement, however, was selling an accident-prone Djimi Traore, buying a generally more solid Ben Thatcher and making a £500k profit in the process. Pardew was clever here as he landed himself an experienced, strong full back fairly cheaply due to his thuggish reputation, not (as he showed on Saturday) because of a lack of quality. What’s more, Thatcher clearly looks like he wants to lose that reputation. His conduct and attitude have been exemplary, yet he has maintained a fair yet physical side to his game, which has been equally impressive.

This week we have also seen a series of confident quotes from our two best players on Saturday, Ambrose and Thomas. If their confidence can continue to be prominent, and they can attack as sharply and as clinically as they did on Saturday six or seven more times this season, and we can get Andy Reid back playing and fit, then we have excellent chance of survival. Pardew spoke of ‘dragging other teams into it’ and that is exactly what is happening. With our current form and respective run ins, there is now a possibility that ourselves and Wigan could both survive.

With Sheffield United still having to go to Stamford Bridge, The Reebok Stadium, Old Trafford and having to play us at the Valley combined with their distinct lack of quality and their lack of experience at this level makes them serious candidates for relegation, despite their superior points total. With Manchester City having Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United still remaining on their fixture list they are very much still in a relegation battle also. It could quite easily been one of those two that joins Watford and West Ham in the bottom three.

Looking ahead to the Watford game, it is hard to imagine Pardew making any unforced changes from the side that destroyed West Ham last weekend. The enforced change will be at centre half, with the improving Souleymane Diawara suspended it looks likely that the recently recalled Jonathan Fortune will return, pending the injuries of Hreidarsson and Bougherra. This is a shame for Diawara who has shown great character since the Chairman’s uncharacteristic, inappropriate and indiscrete remarks about him earlier in the season. However, this does represents an opportunity Fortune, who was apparently ‘impressive’ at Stoke, to show his worth, and he needs to considering the amount of centre halfs now at the club. Let’s hope he does as his inclusion and performance could be crucial.

One thing is for sure, Watford will be playing against a different Charlton side to the stuttering and unconfident one that drew 0-0 with them in October. Either side could have one that day, but if we can attack with the same level of execution as last Saturday against West Ham then Watford do not stand a chance.

THE Match Report: Charlton 4 - 0 West Ham

2007-02-24T21:58:00.000+00:00

Yes you are not reading wrong, Charlton put 4 past West Ham today, in a relegation 6 pointer. Curbishley's homecoming!!!

We were amazing, out of this world. I was psyched for this match on the train up, and when I met up with fellow drummer James at Waterloo, I was even more. Down the Royal Oak for a few pints, and then in the ground. The atmosphere was buzzing from even before kick off!

It got off to a good start, and we were clearly on top of the match and this was summed up when ambrose scored on '24. 10 minutes later, Jerome Thomas added a second. We were in heaven, but even more so when Darren bent on his return added a third!!!! Amazing goin into half time with a 3 goal lead! It was amazing! The atmosphere at half time was buzzing! Unbelievable.

So our usual half time pints, and a bit of chanting in the concourses, we were back in our seats for an amazing second half, with the atmosphere still buzzing. About '80 Jerome Thomas got Charlton's fourth and his second! And it was wrapped up - 4-0 and an amazing win! It's unbelievable! I still can't believe it!

I sit here writing this, very drunk, and after an amazing journey home to Guildford on the train with about 5 Charlton fans. A lovely girl named Georgina who definately doesn't look 13 and her legendary West Ham supporting father!

Amazing day, up the Addicks

James - Staff Writer

THE Recruitment Drive

2007-02-15T01:29:00.000+00:00

***HELP NEEDED***

I need one or two more writers to report on stories for TalkCAFC as I am finding it extremely difficult to write on my own.

So please either comment on this blog, or email "cafcbois@gmail.com"

ASAP

Cheers in advance

James - Staff Writer

THE Match Report: Bolton 1 - 1 Charlton

2007-01-31T22:45:00.000+00:00

Just a short report tonight, it seemed like a boring match, but Charlton managed to get an important away point tonight at the Reebok. A good confidence builder going into Saturdays match against Chelsea.

Both sides had their chances to win tonight, but it ended with the single goal a piece.

James - Staff Writer

THE Match Report: Portsmouth 0 - 1 Charlton

2007-01-20T17:55:00.000+00:00

Date: Saturday October 22nd 2005
Venue: Fratton Park
Opponents: Portsmouth
Score: PFC 1 - 2 CAFC

That was the last time we won on our travels, 15 long months ago. Today, we ended that dreadful record and beat Portsmouth 1-0, at the same ground we recorded our last away win so long ago.

It seemed like a dreadully boring match, but from 5Live's commentary, it sounded as if Charlton were on top for most of the match.

When I checked at half time and it was still 0-0 I was pleased. I never thought we would go on to win the damn thing!

It all happened with just over 10 minutes to go, former Pompey favourite Amady Faye popped up and scored. And what a goal that proved to be, we managed to hang on and clinch the victory. What a way to lift the spirits of the team and the fans. We deserved this. We needed this.

James- Staff Writer

TalkCAFC - THE Charlton Blog