Oxford United 0 v Charlton Athletic 0

Another step in the right direction but also another kick in the teeth.

Lee Bowyer kept faith with the side that won at Wigan and they managed to hold a battling Oxford United United team who kept at it for 90 minutes. That's not to say they looked any better than us during the game but that we managed to restrict their attacking ambition to a couple of half-chances and a shot that cannoned off the inside of a post. Pearce looks so much better alongside Famewo, although I worry about Famewo's fitness - he was feeling his hamstrings throughout yesterday's match. 

For our part, we also looked to get forward in support of Chuks Aneke whenever we could but we struggled to get behind Oxford or find sufficient space to trouble them from distance. Instead, our best chance came with the last kick of the match. Substitute, Jayden  Stockley had turned cleverly in the box and the covering challenge was enough to up-end him. The ref pointed to the spot and for a fleeting moment there was a chance to record two consecutive victories for the first time since 3rd November. That might have been enough to rekindle a play-off challenge  but Ronnie Schwartz stepped up and chose power over placement. Stevens got behind the shot with enough force to divert it off target and save a point.

Poor old Ronnie. The move to SE7 really isn't working for him. Aside from a lovely early goal, he has shown very little. He doesn't have the strength to hold off defenders to balls played up to him nor the pace the out-run them for balls over the top. I think his game is based upon finishing balls in the box - like the goal he did score - and we simply aren't a side that presents too many of those opportunities. His previous penalty record was 14 from 16, so he too will have been seriously miffed and wondering what he has done wrong for such bad luck. It probably doesn't help that he is living out of a suitcase whilst his pregnant wife remains at home in Denmark. Perhaps the end of season can't come soon enough for him.

Next up it's three home games in succession. Ordinarily an opportunity for 9 points inside a week which could catapult us up the table but we can't ignore our home form which currently suggests that three points from nine might be expected. Can't say I am looking forward to it.