Too Easy For Bolton

I never expected that we would necessarily get anything from Saturday’s game against Bolton but I had hoped that we put up a better fight. I’d hope for a reaction to Tuesday’s awful display but we simply didn’t get it.

However, before we’d kicked a ball in anger we were always going to be up against it due to the team selection.

I’d said in my last post that it was time for Tedic as it was clear we were going to need a physical presence up front. Instead Appleton opted to leave our two big strikers on the bench and Tedic failed to appear at all!

Added to that Louie Watson was again left out in favour of Fraser. I’m afraid that Scott was as disappointing as he’d been in the Lincoln game. The manger later tried to justify the decision by stating that most of us aren’t seeing how the oppo get round the back of Louie. What? And that’s not the case with Fraser? Utter tosh!

On top of all this again we opted to defend short corners with only one player going over. Funny but in the resulting 2 v 1 scenario Bolton got past us and it led directly to the first goal. It’s been coming for weeks.

The second goal was partly down to the ref but we could all see what was going to happen unless you were wearing a red shirt on the pitch. As bad as the ref was there it ought to have been dealt with. The lack of awareness of leadership was all too evident.

2-0 down after 21 minutes and we all knew the game was up.

Much has been made of Appleton’s use of subs but here he spectacularly failed to even at half time.    

In fact 58 minutes elapsed before a change was made. 2 further changes were made but as I said our strapping striker on loan from Man City never appeared.

CBT had a poor but Mickey boy decided not to give Kirk a run out. I’m far from his biggest fan but he is a winger and why have him on the bench and not use him if CBT is not doing the business?

This performance allied to the Lincoln one made it a really poor week for us. A large portion of the blame has to go to the manager.

I know the second half was better. However, in every game we seem to have a poor half followed by a better one. Why can’t he get it right from the start?

As unfortunate as Aneke’s injury was I’d also point the finger at Appleton for that. I know he scored but starting Chuks when you know his history and he was still recovering from the previous injury was poor in my opinion. Now we’re without him for months.

One has to question whether given the resources now available whether Holden wouldn’t have done as well if not better. Maybe not but it’s a fair question to ask.

When the gaffer starts talking about Xg and the January transfer window you know he’s clutching at straws. That he’s doing so at such an embryonic stage of his Charlton reign is worrying.

The next two league games are looking very tough especially as they’re both away and we all know how that’s gone this season!

I’m still prepared to give Appleton the benefit of the doubt but he needs to sort things.

Hector doesn’t deserve to stay in the team, Ness ought to be given a run in the side and Tedic should be given a go in his proper position.

We need to sort the basics like defending short corners, not have everyone back at corners etc.

They all need a kick up the backside and someone needs to show some passion and leadership.

Let’s hope we can at least show some of that tomorrow night against a resurgent Wigan.

Come On You Reds!