Late & Lyle

The man with the guile.......it's Lyle

Victory was came late for the Addicks on Saturday as they won the game with a 91st minute goal from Grant. That it was against last season's nemisis, Shrewsbury made it even sweeter.

As exepcted Charlton lined up with the same starting eleven from the previous Saturday save for Sarr coming in for the injured Pearce.

The Shrews were a much changed outfit with only two players starting that played against us last minute out and a new manager to boot. Not a lot to be seen of their new manager as he was serving a touchline ban from last season.

Ahead of kicking off there was a period of applause to honour the short life of Jack Jeffreys. A poignant reminder of more important issues than football but also that the game can unite people and bring us together to support each other in tough times.

The first half was a drab affair in which the oppo had a couple of good chances to take the lead. I believe we hit a post or crossbar late on but I have to confess I missed it as I took a comfort break at the time. 

My bladder wasn't on good form yesterday and necessitated a break at Euston en route but the silver lining was that I saw the great Clive Lloyd en route. He still looks pretty well and lean. 

Bowyer changed to 3 at the back for the second half and withdrew the largely ineffectual Marshall and brought on Morgan. Young Albie went on to have a good half supplying some good corners and was also happy to take responsibility for other dead ball situations.

A well placed header from Taylor saw us take the lead following a lovely cross from the impressive Lasplie.

It looked as though Charlton would see out the win with the Shrews not creating any really clear cut chances. However, we know our team never makes things easy and so Shrewsbury equalised on 83 minutes.

A cross from the left cut out Sarr and the never knwolingly undersold John-Lewis nipped in ahead of our boys to nod home.

The script usually follows that we go onto lose, however, on this occasion we were to triumph late on. Somehow Pratley crossed incredibly close to the by-line and perhaps more incredibly Grant nodded home when it seemed impossible to do.

Given where we are with all the injuries and a very thin squad the result really is all important and overides the performance. The positives are the perfomances from the youngsters and that the team didn't give up.

In addition, the tactical switch from Bowyer at half time proved to be a largely good time perhaps save for the equaliser where Sarr's towering presence might have prevented it had he not been out on the right. 

Aribo and Pratley performed well and adequately in midfield although we still lack a degree of creativity.

Grant looked full of running and of a more direct nature than previously witnessed in SE7 and it's clear that his loan spell at Crawley has done him the world of good.

Good to see new recruits Taylor and Pratley hand over their shirts to fans in the crowd.

Next up is a trip to Milton Keynes for the league cup. An easy journey for me and so I will be there although I have to say if the game was played anywhere else I probably wouldn't go.

What sort of team we put out is anyone's guess. I would assue that Steer may make his debut and perhaps Ajose will start up front. Bowyer will want to rest most but isn't in a position to do too much.

There is a possibility that we might return down the M1 with Chuks Aneke. The MK striker is currently not training and refusing to play I believe. I've heard a rumour linking Bolton and us with him. If he remains fit he would be a useful acquisition, however, he is on good wages I believe and as we know the owner isn't backing Lee much so I don't hold out too much hope.

Come On You Reds !