Fill The Valley

 Another win for the Addicks on Saturday as the revival under Jacko continues.

The lads even overcame the early loss of Stockley to secure victory. Burton were restricted to few chances and only a decent strike in the second half was all Albion had to show for their efforts. That attempt was thwarted by a good save from Mac. 

Referee Kettle lived up to his billing as always. Two reds and 5 yellows in the first half is testament to that! Booking unused sub Arter at half-time was the icing on the cake! 

Clearly the lino had a lot to do with both players getting red cards but Kettle should have asked for a clear description of what happened. In reality, as far as I can see it little more than a tussle on the floor.

In fact, so hopeless was the lino that he failed to spot the clear penalty that ought to have had. 

We have appealed the red card but how do we think that’s going to go? Some of us still gobsmacked when Sankofa’s red card appeal was increased by a game as it was deemed “frivolous”! No one even knew such a thing existed at the time.

There little doubt that Stockley will miss the next three games starting with the important Plymouth game.

Further damage in respect of Saturday’s game was done when the clueless Kettle booked Famewo for timewasting…….in the first half!! This means further adjustment to a back line already missing Inniss and Lavelle.

Purrington, like most of the squad, is really thriving under Jacko’s leadership. Another goal for him and it’s so pleasing to see such an underrated player doing so well.

Saturday sees table-topping Plymouth at The Valley. The Pilgrims often fall away towards the business end of the season but one feels that this time it could be different.

It will probably be Jacko's toughest test to date and they will rightly arrive with lots of confidence. However, they did so for Bowyer’s first game in charge and we all know how that turned out!

The Valley will be packed of course thanks to Thomas’s generous offer of 3 free tickets for season ticket holders.  

Let’s hope the lads are really up for it and that we do ourselves justice on the back of the Fill The Valley initiative and buck the trend of previous ones.

Friday would be a good day to give the management role to Jacko and Euell on a permanent basis just to crank up the crowd and atmosphere another couple of notches!

I'd take a draw right now with a win a real bonus.

Come On You Reds!