Charlton limped out of the F A Cup once again yesterday with a result that would have surprised no-one. Lee Bowyer was never going to field a strong side and our current full-blown injury crisis meant that he even rested some reserve players. The recall this week of youngsters out on loan at lower league and non-league clubs saw us put out a starting eleven with an average age of 21 point something. To be fair, the visitors also sent a weakened side but it still figured the experience of Gareth Barry, Chris Brunt and Charlie Austin.
Andre Green, signed on loan from Villa, made his debut as did 18 year-old Abraham Odoh and 16 year-old Aaron Henry. They joined a side that also included Brendan Wiredu, Toby Stvenson, Josh Davison and James Vennings. If you include Chris Solly and Dillon Phillips, there were only three players in the line-up without an Academy background.
Unsurprisingly, the Baggies bossed the game and took a thirteenth minute lead through Zohore. They continued to look capable of scoring throughout the match but our youngsters made a game of it, fighting particularly hard to support the defence and hold the ball up in midfield. Our first-half chances were limited to a run and near post shot from Green and a number of promising moves that lacked the final pass.
In a game that mirrored the Swansea performance, we were much better second-half again and actually pushed for an equaliser for sustained periods. Josh Davison had a decent low effort saved at the far post but could have earned us an unwanted replay if his side volley from a Naby Sarr knock-down in the last few minutes had not smacked the crossbar. The good news was that Jonny Williams and Tomer Hemed got on for the last ten to fifteen minutes
We face the Baggies again on Saturday in what should be a completely different set of circumstances. Instead of 6,500 fans, the gate should be closer to 20,000. The visitors will sellout their allocation and we should see a return of several thousand previous boycotters, keen to show the club's new owners our support for finally ending the Duchatelet nightmare.
We will be able to field a stronger side, albeit one still very short of experience and goals upfront. Lee Bowyer is hoping to sign two players this week and I would love to see a gnarled old striker join to improve our attacking options until Bonne and Taylor are fit again. The Baggies too will bring their A Team as they continue their push for promotion. In many ways the new era starts on Saturday and I hope there is a big turnout to support it.
Andre Green, signed on loan from Villa, made his debut as did 18 year-old Abraham Odoh and 16 year-old Aaron Henry. They joined a side that also included Brendan Wiredu, Toby Stvenson, Josh Davison and James Vennings. If you include Chris Solly and Dillon Phillips, there were only three players in the line-up without an Academy background.
Unsurprisingly, the Baggies bossed the game and took a thirteenth minute lead through Zohore. They continued to look capable of scoring throughout the match but our youngsters made a game of it, fighting particularly hard to support the defence and hold the ball up in midfield. Our first-half chances were limited to a run and near post shot from Green and a number of promising moves that lacked the final pass.
In a game that mirrored the Swansea performance, we were much better second-half again and actually pushed for an equaliser for sustained periods. Josh Davison had a decent low effort saved at the far post but could have earned us an unwanted replay if his side volley from a Naby Sarr knock-down in the last few minutes had not smacked the crossbar. The good news was that Jonny Williams and Tomer Hemed got on for the last ten to fifteen minutes
We face the Baggies again on Saturday in what should be a completely different set of circumstances. Instead of 6,500 fans, the gate should be closer to 20,000. The visitors will sellout their allocation and we should see a return of several thousand previous boycotters, keen to show the club's new owners our support for finally ending the Duchatelet nightmare.
We will be able to field a stronger side, albeit one still very short of experience and goals upfront. Lee Bowyer is hoping to sign two players this week and I would love to see a gnarled old striker join to improve our attacking options until Bonne and Taylor are fit again. The Baggies too will bring their A Team as they continue their push for promotion. In many ways the new era starts on Saturday and I hope there is a big turnout to support it.
Happy New Year Mr T.
ReplyDeleteOnly been to 2 games this season, in truth my absence has not sat comfortably with me, I really feel that i/we should be giving Bowyer all our support, he has worked a miracle really which in turn has galvanised the support, even if it is a partly them and us galvanisation. That said, I have been so frustrated with the way Duchatelet has handled the sale that out of sheer frustration I've kept away.
I will be at the West Brom game on Saturday with George, as you say, we have to welcome the new owners.
PH