A Tale Of Two Keepers!

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times………..that may go on to be an extract from AMB’s autobiography when referencing Saturday’s game.

It certainly was A Tale of Two Keepers! One who made some great saves but had one blip when he was Rashley Maynard-Brewer. The other was suitably dubbed “ Nearpost Norris” after letting in a couple that he ought to have done better with.

The mickey-taking of the Pompey number 1 is all the more enjoyable following his Oscar inspired moment of feigning injury when Alfie came close by. Rather pathetic and it’s that sort of thing that is deserving of a post match yellow card at least.

This was overall a pretty decent game with both going for the win and The Addicks could indeed have left with all 3 points had Dobbo managed to square the ball at the end.

I think a win would have a bit harsh on the home team but reward for our tenacious spirit.

Portsmouth start brightly as befits league leaders who are on a long unbeaten run and full of confidence. For the first 15 minutes or so we were under pressure. However, we defended well and withstood the onslaught and started to grow into the game.

Sadly, the good work was undone by the sort of defending that is starting to characterise our team. The corner leading to the goal saw us leave a player unmarked on the edge of the box and naturally it fell to him and he put it away well.

We really need to resolve this. We have everyone back for corners but as tall as he is, I don’t recall Alfie winning a defensive header yet!

We usually only send one player out when defending short corners and this is plain stupidity aside from being naïve. The manager simply must address this. He often claims he sees us mere mortals don’t but he himself is either suffering from myopia or believes this is a good method of defending!

The second half saw us get more chances and move more onto the front foot. Ultimately it led to Alfie squeezing a shot past Nearpost Norris to level things up.

AMB had made series of excellent saves to keep us in the game and perhaps as a result of being so pumped a moment of madness saw him rush out to defend an attack. Having upended the Pompey player there was only one possible outcome and Bishop did the necessary from the spot.

The Addicks remained on the front foot whilst continuing to defend resolutely best epitomised by Watson T’s lunge to block a shot.

Late into the game and on came McGrandles. I expected very little from him but he made his point as well as the teams with his well placed header deep into injury time. Again Nearpost Norris ought to have done better but who cares!

The goal was celebrated wildly by the away fans as those in Blue had to face facts…..you’ll never beat the Charlton!

A very good away point at the league leaders and a vastly improved performance compared to Sunday’s cup effort.

Most of the team played well but there one or two disappointments. Leaburn had a quiet game maybe down to the service but we didn’t see much from him. If it had been Tedic who started and it panned out that way I believe he’d have come in for some criticism from our fans.

I’m not sure why the Man City loanee didn’t set foot on the pitch. As I said, it wasn’t as though Miles was having a blinder.

Speaking of which the same is true of CBT. I know he carries a threat but how he stayed on for the whole game is a mystery. He didn’t show at all and really ought to have come off.

As with hector in previous games, it doesn’t send a good message if it seems that certain players are immune from being subbed.

Anyway, a great result and point that needs to built upon. There’s little point in failing to reproduce that effort in upcoming, easier looking games.

Elsewhere, Cray Valley beat the Deres 3-0. Tomorrow’s cup game won’t be easy on their ground but unless Appleton opts to select another weak team we ought to come through with the joy of Gillingham away to look forward to!