Frustration at The Valley

Charlton Athletic 1 - Rochdale 1.

While walking home from the Valley this evening, I was thankful I could be back on the sofa so quickly.

The highpoint of my evening was catching the end of Blur's set on television, (playing just a stones throw away at the O2 Arena as part of the Brits extravaganza).

It could have been so different at the Valley.

Charlton had many chances but a combination of solid defending, good goalkeeping and the relative safety of barn doors meant half time arrived with the scoreboard being unmoved.

The second period was one of those annoying halves when you just know Charlton are only a whisker away from scoring a hatful, yet seemed incapable of scoring that first one to set the avalanche in motion.

Good goalkeeping again helped Rochdale's cause but really, it just wasn't our day.

Charlton haven't played with anything like the panache we were witnessing in the first 3rd of the season for quite a few games now.

That free flowing spirit is missing and results are being ground out.

Personally, I don't really care too much as long as we are in a position to leave this league at the end of the season but I'm really hoping for a little more enjoyment along the way.

It's not too much to ask.

Hamer had been a relative spectator until he had to pick the ball out of his net.

To say the Rochdale fans went wild would be an accurate description but it was rather like watching a celebration with the sound turned down. 

The picture at the top of this piece gives an accurate representation of their numbers having been taken about 3 minutes before kick off.

The Dale supporters deserved their chance to go crazy but it was short lived as Kermorgant scored a peach of a free kick only a couple of minutes later.

Surely we would now push on and win it?

Well, no.

Charlton limped towards the end of the game, never quite believing the ball was going to make it into the goal.

There were a couple of good chances, a goal mouth scramble where maybe 3 times the ball could have been poked in and a few more chances that made me shake my head as the referee decided rules had been broken in the build ups.

BWP had more efforts on goal today but again, his much desired first goal of 2012 has yet to arrive.

It was all just a little flat tonight.

On tonight's evidence, I'd imagine the scouts from Stevenage will be feeling an organised and disciplined performance on Saturday will be enough to take the points.

With one of the biggest crowds of the season expected in a few days time, it would be rather embarrassing to remind all those stay aways why they don't come anymore.

Let's hope for a rocking atmosphere on Saturday that hauls the team out of the present doldrums. 

It Goes On and On.......

Rochdale 2 - Charlton Athletic 0.

I wasn't up in the Manchester suburbs this evening.
I relied upon the commentary provided by BBC London on their DAB station.

It was an honour to be treated to quite so many cliches and platitudes within such a short time span.

It was also beyond joy to find out what pattern, (and colour!) trim Steve Froggatt had on his black boots when he was a player.

This was all truly 'radio gold'.

As for the game, I think the best thing that can be said about it is it knocks off another fixture we have to fulfill before this season can finally be put to bed.

Less than 2,600 people, in the entire ground, bothered to show up to see our visit to Rochdale.
We've had more than that in the Jimmy Seed stand, purely for away supporters on numerous occasions this season.
We can't blame resources for our current predicament.

I just find myself shaking my head when I think about our beloved Charlton at the moment.

Paul Benson sounded as if he was unlucky not to score when he came on and poor Nathan Ecclestone must be wondering why he's only used in the final quarter of games.

Three points from a possible thirty three is an awful record.
Losing to yet another side for the first time in our league history just adds to the feeling of gloom.

The Charlton performance sounded to be at least good enough for a draw but again, the luck went against us and we ended the evening pointless.

Every game from here on is rather pointless too.
We are lucky to have already gained enough wins and draws to avoid a humiliating tumble into tier 4.

While grasping at straws, that at least is some comfort.

So, the O's on Saturday.
Surely, SURELY, this run without a win must end soon.
Will it be Leyton Orient who are the first team since Peterborough on 12th February to fail in their attempts to take points from us?

I really, really hope so.

What a Carry On.

Rochdale?
Jim Dale more like.
What a ****ing Carry On.

We heard the annoying news this morning, while hundreds of Charlton supporters were either midway through their journey to the grim north, or in a few cases, already there.

Yes, Rochdale have cried off, citing the frozen pitch excuse.
(AGAIN).

In fairness to Rochdale, they would most certainly have preferred to play today, if only for the large away following and extra pie sales they would have experienced.

A mid week game so far from home is really only for the stalwarts and northern based supporters. It won't be a particularly good away following at the (next) rearranged game unless it is to be on a Saturday.

Yesterday afternoon I had decided to visit Spotland today.
By the time I hit the sack, I was really not as sure.
It's a long drive and I have plenty to do this weekend.

What a lucky break to fall asleep thinking, "Naaah, I'll leave it this time."

So, here we go again.
Third time lucky?
Let's all hope so.

Our opportunity to build on last weekend has been lost but maybe the team will now be a little fresher on Tuesday?