Fate intervened to save me from a totally frustrating evening. It was my Wife's birthday and her twin sister and other half joined us for dinner. Caught up in the cooking, eating and bonhomie, it was 7.40pm before I checked my phone and was reminded that CHARLTON WERE PLAYING! Before I could fire up my computer, WhatsApp messages revealed a disastrous first-half and I decided, for once, that I would not be completely anti-social as to put the game on and would instead follow furtively via updates.
It was a good call. Despite pulling two goals back, both only adjusted the arrears to one from two and the howling on social media was loud.
In the aftermath I see that the lack of recognised centre-backs did for us although few escaped with any credit. Marcus Maddison, the player many foamed over and the rest of us hoped for, had a stinker and stormed off down the tunnel when subbed. We may now just be seeing why this apparently mercurial talent hasn't yet made the big time. Lee Bowyer will need to work some more magic to get the best from him.
Bowyer is also getting stick for starting Bogle again who did nothing for the 34 minutes he was on. Maybe tough when the midfield weren't performing and the back four were inviting pressure by trying to play it around, but his problem is he has had loads of these games and there have been no redeeming features. I am not sure why Anneke doesn't start and hope it's because Bowyer has wanted to persevere and give Omar his chance. If it's because Chuks can't do more than a half, we really are in trouble up front.
It will be hard to arrest the decline at Ipswich on Saturday. Having lost at home to Hull 3-0 last night, they will be equally determined to get a result. Bowyer's big calls will be who plays at the centre of defence as well as who starts upfront.
Pratley has looked like Bambi-on-ice at times in the back line but Gunter has hitherto looked comfortable. Do we drop Pearce and Barker back in straight away? The clamour will be to do it but I am more cautious and would suggest just Pearce with Gunter and see how it goes.
Anneke has to start up front though with Washington or Smyth and I would like to see us getting the ball out of defence much quicker. Racking up a dozen passes across the back line involving the keeper can look good and build a bit of confidence when you are leading but continuing to do it when you are behind or being pressed is asking for trouble. Getting to ball forward at more often will result in more balls coming back into midfield from our opponents but it still gives opportunities and creates chances to attack again.
Until Inniss and Famewo are back in harness, we are going to having to work our way through this. Pearce could be key and could provide the steadying hand and leadership needed.
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