Huge relief at the Valley last night as Charlton ground out a fairly straightforward one-nil victory. In a game short of goal-scoring chances at either end, the home side saw far more possession than in recent months and the quantity of balls into the box was much better, even if the quality wasn't.
The win gives us a ten point cushion over Gillingham and Morecambe in the drop zone. Another six points and we should be safe but it will need more performances like this. If the players revert to what we have seen in the last six weeks we could still be in for a nervy last few matches.
It was good to Stockley and Washington back in tandem up font and they were ably supported for a change by a central midfield three of Fraser, Dobson and Gilbey who found it relatively easy against a struggling Gills side. Corey Blackett-Taylor made an unexpected return to the left wing. Probably in recognition of his best game for us in the away leg earlier in the season. He wasn't as effective as that night but he still gave McKenzie loads of problems and managed to swing over a succession of crosses and a few shots when cutting inside. It was one of these that lead to the Charlton goal before half-time. He had moved into the centre of goal and with it all to aim for, he push his shot straight at Dahlberg. It didn't look threatening but the Gills Keeper spilled the shot and Stockley pounced on the rebound. Dahlberg smothered that at close range to but it bounced back to Gilbey in more space and he had the time to measure his shot into the back of the net.
Gillingham had tested us a couple of times in the first-half but McGillivray had saved both efforts. After the break I expected an assault from the visitors attacking their end but it didn't come and we continue to maintain pressure from midfield without seriously threatening their goal. Pearce came on for a tiring Blackett-Taylor before the end but the win was never in doubt.
I was worried about the defensive centre of Clare, Lavelle and Purrington, but Lavelle took responsibility and was barking instructions throughout which was great to see. Matthews struggled to get past the half-way line and we saw far too many balls played back across the back three. However, the difference this evening was that Dobson and Fraser were finding space in the midfield and we were able to move the ball forward. Gilbey was in behind the front two and actually had the best couple of chances but dragged a good opportunity wide in the first-half and missed a second after the break. After a very disappointing couple of months, it was good to see him step up this evening but it's too little, too late for me and I hope he is moved on during the Summer. My concern is that he's the sort of player Jackson might make a case for because he has the ability. The facts are though that he is simply far too inconsistent to command a regular place. Hard too not to see Blackett-Taylor's latest showing as a "time to put in a shift" game which is also nowhere near good enough at this stage in the season.
On a more positive note, Fraser looked very assured in the midfield. He has great balance and sudden change of direction which creates space he drives into. Him and Dobson could make a great pairing in a 4-4-2 if we can find some really decent attacking wingers. Stockley won his share of headers but most were in and around the box, and not in the six yard area where it really counts. Washington pulled his markers about but saw much less of the ball.
If we can maintain this level of effort and concentration, Burton should be a second successive victory and all but end any serious relegation talk.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Go on, you know you want to....