Charlton Athletic 0 v Nottingham Forest 2

The pre-match banter in the White Swan focused upon our shocking home form and what tactics should be deployed to try and avoid another home defeat. I accepted the logic of sticking with the side that won at Leicester and the 4-1-4-1 formation, although I called out my conviction that we have to be far more ambitious at home. We really need a 4-4-2 and we need to be prepared to play all-out, at least in spells as we seek the lead and when we look to kill games.

Cue another depressing home show. Hopelessly out-gunned in midfield and left hoping for miracles after being reduced to ten men. Dale Stephens had a stinker. Bradley Pritchard won a lot of first touches but hardly any second ones. Adlene Guedioura won everything and Andy Reid was left to direct traffic very effectively around him.

If that wasn't bad enough, we lost Yann Kermorgant to a silly, if unfortunate red card after about 30 minutes. He challenged Greg Halford on the touchline deep in their half as the ball went out. I think he was reckless and went in with intent but his challenge was so close that they were touching and Halford looked to me like he made a meal of it. He certainly made the most of the reaction and the whole Forest side rushed in which I am afraid influenced the referee. My initial view was that he was considering a yellow but having conferred with the nearest lino looked more interested and eventually went to meet the far side linesman (who was 75 yards away from the incident) before deciding that a red card was deserved.

We hadn't managed an effort on goal up until then and I cant remember one after that. Nil-nil at half-time and after that it really was only a case of when, not if. Radoslaw Majewski finally broke the deadlock and Forest put us under the cosh. They hit the woodwork twice and scored again before they eventually eased off and saw the game out.

I'm sorry to say it but we were piss-poor today and tactically inept. It's been the worst home season since 79-80 and responsibility lies with the manager. It's been going on for far too long and something has to change.