As it is, the winner cemented a solid enough defensive display and Jonathan Fortune's return to centre-half ably demonstrated some of the depth in our squad. The points push us to seventh and as we go to Brentford, their fans and players will be conscious that they hit rock bottom after their latest defeat at Brighton. Andy Scott is under enormous pressure and this could be the ideal time to play them.
The fixtures this weekend look like they could be very good to us. However unlikely, there is every chance that none of the sides above us could win. The unbeaten and improving Colchester go to MK Dons this weekend having drawn 2-2 at home to the Daggers (makes Saturday look more respectable). MK looked very poor last night but they are a very different proposition at home where they have won three and drawn one from four.
Above them, Peterborough travel to third -place Carlisle where we would hope for a draw, although Carlisle's 4-0 demolition of Hartlepool on the east coast last night looks ominous.
That leaves Rochdale in fourth and the one-two of Bournemouth and Brighton. All three of these go away on Saturday; Rochdale face an improving Exeter City, Bournemouth go to south coast rivals Southampton and Brighton make the long trip north to Birkenhead.
All we can do is get the three points in west London. It won't be easy, as it proved last season, but confidence there will be low and, as I commented last night, I think our players might be able to play with a little more confidence and slightly less pressure. Brentford don't concede many, despite being bottom of the table and we haven't exactly been prolific so far. It looks like it may be another slog and one goal could be enough to propel us into the rarefied atmosphere of the top three. That really could be the start of a virtuous circle.
Dave, as much as I am hopeful Charlton has indeed turned the corner, based on all matches to date, in your opinion, does this squad have the personnel and the manager to gain promotion?
ReplyDeleteLiving 3000 miles away and with no visual coverage of third tier English football (the odd exception now and then)one can only go by live match radio converage and written summaries.
So far, to me at least, Charlton seems a long way from being a side that can dominate even the poorest of the sides in this division and win the key matches.
Bob - if I am being honest, I have to say I can only see us coming up short. There is hope but it will be very impressive if we can get promoted bearing in mind the large number of players changed out during the season whilst we raked in several million and cut the wage bill. Dave.
ReplyDeleteThe squad is strong but lacks a decent playmaker. The crowd is still getting behind the team and hopefully as they get to know each other better the performances will improve. We need some inspiration and I don't think PP is the one to provide it, although I hope I'm proved wrong!
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