Leeds United 0 v Charlton Athletic 0

I listened to the game yesterday whilst decorating and was obviously delighted with the shut-out. With Bristol Rovers going down at Southampton it means we are now two points clear of them in third although MK Dons, Colchester and Swindon all made two point ground on us. the good thing, of course, is that we stay within a win of Leeds.

It was a blustery Autumnal day across much of the country yesterday and the conditions made it hard for good football at Elland Road. As the game kicked off I feared the worst in terms of a wind-assisted error for an opening Leeds goal but we coped very well. Beckford broke free for the chance of the game but fired wide and whenever called upon, Rob Elliot was there to save. The back four played well with Sam Sodje getting the nod for the Man of the Match for his aerial prowess and handling of the Leeds front pair. Bechio hobbled off before the break to be replaced by the ironically-named Enoch Showunmi. Showunmi comes from the same cast as Colchester's Odejeyi so the on-looking Llera might have felt better about warming the bench. We managed a couple of breaks during the first half and Jonjo Shelvey came closest to an Addick goal with a header but he was just off target. The biggest disappointment was to see Lloyd Sam limp off to be replaced by Scott Wagstaff. Let's hope it's nothing serious and that Lloyd is ready to attack Oldham's rearguard next week.

We stepped things up in the second half and it sounded like we played just the sort of defensive game that I believe is best - playing upfield. Although restricted to half-chances, we had plenty of possession and the switch of Bailey into the centre for Racon made us that bit more competitive. Showunmi lead much of the Leeds threat in the second period but he was well-managed by Sodje and Dailly. Fraser Richardson made a number of swashbuckling runs as he reminded Leeds of what they are missing.

I had to leave the house with ten minutes to go but the strains of "Valley, Floyd Road" left me comfortable that we would see it out. The best thing is that we have avoided back-to-back defeats and avoided losing touch with Leeds. Leeds and Bristol Rovers play each other next week at the Memorial Stadium, so we get the opportunity to return to the summit if we can knock a few goals passed Oldham. Conversely, a draw is probably the best result as it means they only get a point apiece or you could view a Leeds win as the best result as it might help us increase the gap to third!

Charlton forever!