A resounding opening day home win was the cause for much celebration in SE7 yesterday. After a near complete team re-build and a positive pre-season, Chris Powell's new-look Charlton Athletic were under pressure to meet expectations at the Valley. For once they rose to the occasion and looked impressive in dismissing last year's surprise package Bournemouth.
I was tuned in on CAFC Player and heard the move as Chis Solly advanced upfield and threaded a smart pass to Dale Stephens as Bradley Wright-Phillips took the defence with him. Stephens stroked home with confidence and Charlton's season was underway. We stood off the gas before the break but took a stranglehold early in the second-half when Stephens unselfishly squared a ball for Wagstaff 20 yards out and Scott lashed a shot on the volley into the top-corner. The "goal-of-the-season" comments on Twitter said it all.
We continued to harry the Cherries throughout the second-half and created plenty of chances before BWP's quick feet won him a penalty near the death. That was the cue for Johnnie Jackson to become the third midfielder to open their goal-scoring accounts.
The stage may be set for a spot of giant-killing on Tuesday when Reading make a trip they won't relish in the League Cup. Next week we get the opportunity to cement our top-of-the-table start when we go to Notts Ounty, impressive 3-0 winners too yesterday at Carlisle. Lee Hughes will need to be harnessed but we look like we have goals in the team and I can't wait.
The feel-good factor is definitely back. We just need to make it last.
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