Saturday 8 November 2008

Addicks go ahead, then concede

We would have taken a point before the game, but having gone 2-1 ahead, Plymouth equalised in the dying seconds of this game to make the final score 2-2.

Jose Semedo, a player favoured by many of the Addickted, was given a start in Alan Pardew's line up at Home Park this afternoon. In defence, Cranie was relegated to the bench and Primus and Hudson took the centre back roles. Moutaoukil retained the right back slot and Youga was given what may be a last chance as left back with Basey nowhere to be seen.

Holland, Bouazza and Bailey completed the midfield line up. The favoured pairing of Gray and Varney was up front. Sam was on the bench along with Todorov and Dickson and Elliott should Weaver get injured or sent off as he did here last year.

Plymouth started brightly and the Addicks were under threat when they broke down the right and put in a good cross. However, the header was cleared off the line. The Addicks got into the game more with two efforts by Holland, one long range and one a header that was saved by the Argyle keeper.

As the half hour mark was passed, the home crowd started to get restive as the expected early goal failed to arrive. However, their concerns were premature as Argyle won a corner on the right and went ahead on 39 minutes with a header by Doumbe. Meanwhile, Youga, who apparently was getting skinned by their right winger, had received a yellow card on 37 minutes for unsporting behaviour. Some of the Addickted were placing bets on whether Semedo or Youga would get sent off first. The closing minutes of the half saw bookings for Bailey for dissent and for Hudson.

From the Oval, it was Bedworth United 1, Brakes 1 at half time.

Half time: Pilgrims 1, Addicks 0

The pouring West Country rain dampened the spirits of the Addickted at the game after the break. Argyle had an early opportunity to put the game beyond reach but fortunately Fallon volleyed wide from Gallagher's cross.

On 56 minutes Varney was replaced by Sam. On 69 minutes Holland was replaced by Todorov and then on 74 minutes Semedo (reports say that he was stretchered off) was replaced by Dickson, Pardew clearly trying for the equaliser.

Charlton stepped up a gear with Sam causing havoc. An inswinging corner from Bailey enabled Youga to score for the Addicks on 86 minutes. Then on 90 minutes Charlton were awarded a controversial penalty and with the Plymouth players protesting, Gray scored from the spot.

Then in time added on a Plymouth substitute, Mpenza, made it 2-2 in line with the forecast we gave earlier in the week. Once again Charlton showed they could not hang on to a lead. Both Plymouth goals came from set pieces and our inability to defend from them is costing us dear.

Charlton had 12 goal attempts to 6 by Plymouth, but only five of them were on target while Plymouth managed four, suggesting somewhat desperate attempts to score. The Addicks led on corners by six to five. Plymouth do not seem to have been the cleanest of sides, committing 16 fouls compared with just six by Charlton.

The Addicks are temporarily 20th but will slip to 21st if Southampton get a point at home to Bristol City this evening. If rudderless Watford lose to Swansea tomorrow, as seems more than possible, Charlton will stay out of the relegation places. But we have to start winning matches rather than drawing them.

It looks as if Leamington have lost their 100 per cent league record after a 1-1 draw at Bedworth.

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