If you missed the game, this scoreline is very misleading. Whilst a change in formation and personnel after the break saw us pull two goals back, it flattered us enormously.
In the first opening 30 minutes Dean Holden's side were ruthlessly exposed. Our three at the back (Ness, Hector and Jones) were over-run. Aberdeen got at us down our left flank with Ness suffering from no defensive cover from 'wing-back' Blackett-Taylor. It got so bad that Ness actually moved ten yards further up the field than Hector and Jones in a vain attempt to stem the bleeding..
The Don's opened the scoring after only three minutes when a ball in from the left proved too dangerous for Asiimwe covering on the right flank and he headed home past his own keeper. Aberdeen continued to press us and we were finding it hard to get any respite. Charlie Kirk was having another poor game nominally upfront with Alfie May and Scott Fraser was struggling to find any space or time in the midfield.
Graham Shinnie applied the finish to another raid down our left after 22 minutes and we really were all at sea. Minutes later and Hector conceded a penalty which Miovski drove onto a post. Hector muffed-up again ten minute later as Miovski beat him to the aerial ball and ran on to make it 3-0.
Ashley Maynard-Brewer also pulled off two stunning saves in the first-half to restrict the damage and when Miovski did beat him, he dragged his shot wide of the gaping goal. Maynard-Brewer was at it again in the second-half with another three fine saves which should end any debate as to whom our first choice keeper is.
After the break we finally went to a pseudo back-four with Jones dropping into left back and it relieved the pressure. After 62 minutes both sides made a slew of substitutes. Kirk, Jones and Camara were replaced by Anderson, Campbell and Thomas. We looked much better with Thomas at left-back. Camara had done ok but he is slight and easily knocked off the ball. Kirk had another poor game wasting a couple of half-chances and Campbell looked much better. Karoy Anderson helped us retain more possession in their half but the naivety of our youth was also plainly visible.
Blackett-Taylor tapped in a consolation goal after good work down our left and we continued to look more threatening as the game wore on. The final play saw late sub Daniel Kanu squeeze a shot over the line after he had done very well to control a ball over the top and manoeuvre two defenders to create his chance.
Dean Holden's post-match assessment will be very interesting. After five undefeated pre-season games where we have had ample time to practice formations and tactics, today looked like a lot of the good work was undone. The three at the back was a disaster. Hector had an absolute stinker and there are continuing questions still about his fitness.
George Dobson was outstanding once again but Fraser struggled and Kirk was his usual waste of a shirt. I don't care how desperate we are in future but Kirk shouldn't play for us again. The Academy lads did their bit but the lesson that "you don't win anything with kids" was clear to see.
Tayo should improve our left back position and Egbo must be a safer bet for now at right-back but where was he today (injured?). Alfie May ran his socks off alone upfront and simply has to have a decent striker alongside him. We have to bring someone in this week before we face Leyton Orient.
Finally, it was embarrassing to see a small group of Aberdeen (and a few Spurs) fans attempting to create a scene as they entered Harvey Gardens from Charlton Lane. I believe they had come from Woolwich (The Great Harry) and made an effort to get in front of their covering police escort. The police stopped them in their tracks although a few half-cut Charlton idiots tried to provoke them by charging up the road throwing beer bottles. It was pathetic to witness but no doubt those involved are all pleased with themselves. I understand more of them decided to stay in Woolwich and give the game a miss which did us all a favour.
Thanks for report, worrying
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