Charlton Athletic 1 v West Bromwich Albion 1

Having been beaten after 90 seconds for the Charlton opener, Dean Kiely produced a superb display to earn the Baggies a replay. This was a much better performance from an enthusiastic Charlton side who played 4-4-2 from the start and probably deserved to win the game - just a pity there weren't more Charlton fans there to see it.

Weaver started in goal and Sam Sodje-lookalike, Kelly Youga, made a fine debut at left back. In the absence of an injured Jonathan Fortune, Paddy McCarthy partnered Madjid Bougherra at centre-back. Yassin Moutaouakil was at right-back and provided foraging support for Lloyd Sam in the first half before taking a much more attacking second-half role as Sam moved inside. Holland and Zheng Zhi were in central midfield and Darren Ambrose was on the right. That left Luke Varney and Izale McLeod upfront.

Charlton could hardly have had a better start. Having played their way forward and into the West Brom box, Zheng Zhi turned and fired in a snap shot which beat Kiely's dive and squeezed in off the upright. We continued to attack West Brom for the opening 20 minutes when it looked like a second was on the cards. However, we were lacking height upfront and West Brom were in no danger from high balls into the box and they defended everything played in on the ground. Gera and Greening were finding plenty of space in midfield and prompting increasing Albion attacks - it was one of these that gave West Brom parity. A superb ball over the top of Moutaouakil was met in full flight by Chris Brunt who burst clear in the left and his cross was steered home by Ishmail Miller on 30 minutes. The first half petered out after that.

The opening fifteen minutes of the second half were poor and full of mistakes, especially from Charlton, who looked to be trying too hard. Things improved after that and we began to create a succession of chances that should have given us the lead. McLeod was first to see his shot saved by Kiely as he was played in one-on-one. Luke Varney then finished off a fine Charlton move as he picked up a cut-back from Moutaouakil to shoot for the top right-hand corner, but Deano clawed that one to safety too. Ambrose had been creating from the left as well but most of his balls were crosses which the West brom defence were much more comfortable with. The Covered End faithful had been chanting "we want Chris Dick-son" for fully ten minutes before Pardew made a triple substitution as he gambled for the game. Grant Basey, Chris Iwelumo and Chris Dickson came on for Ambrose, McLeod and Varney. Charlton's high tempo continued, particularly down Moutaouakil's right and he was creating space for Sam as well as getting behind the West Brom right-back. Dickson was unfortunate to have an effort blocked by Kiely at the back post and was a foot short from connecting with a throughball that might have given him the chance he looked desperate for.

Charlton attacked for the final 4 minutes of added time but had to settle for a draw. The replay will favour West Brom but we should be confident we can go one better when they visit the Valley in the league. All in all this was a much better performance than of late. My man of the match vote was clear and easy. Kelly Youga was absolutely outstanding. He did not put a foot wrong, especially in the first half when he saw a lot of the ball. He has amazing energy and seems to be running at full pelt all the time. He is quick to move forward and support his midfield and was also across quickly to cover his centre-halves. Pardew should not be looking at anyone else for left-back next time out, even though Grant Basey looked strong when he came in on the left for Ambrose.

Weaver had little to do. McCarthy and Bougherra coped well with Ishmail Miller and were well supported by their full-backs. Holland and Zheng Zhi both had busy afternoons because they played second fiddle to their Albion counterparts, particularly Greening. Lloyd Sam had a decent match but still needs to find the confidence to beat the last man and shoot.

In summary, I think Pardew will be well pleased with his team and may have cause for more optimism, especially if we can get another one or two fit and in contention before the Blackpool game. It would be a big bonus at this point if we can actually make a couple of decent signings as well.