There I was having a well-earned rest in the French Alps not knowing whether our team did what has deluded them for nineteen years, only to come back to England to read that we again were beaten by our South London rivals. All the hype surrounding this fixture has a familiar ring to it. The last time we got this worked up about a game was back when we were drawn against Sheffield Utd in the cup and went out like lambs that cost Chris Powell his job.
What went wrong this time? I read that Chris Solly was sent off on 28 minutes for hand ball in the penalty area that he contested, he claimed the ball hit him in the face and not on the hand as the referee saw it. I also read that the resulting penalty was saved by Henderson when he guessed correctly and saved superbly. The 10 men of Charlton were now up against it. I read on. If 11 men struggle to find a winning formula against the Lions then 10 will have no chance in winning this one.
But I read on. The 10 men did superbly well to get themselves in front via Alou Diarra`s first of the season midway through the second half, but it proved too far a stretch as the Lions netted twice in the last 11 minutes to snatch the points. This must have been a real blow to the Addicks. Chris Solly was the Captain a player that should lead by example, yet his sending off changed the whole course of the game.
As I see it reading between the lines, Millwall were there for the taking, yet as in previous encounters we let ourselves down. We let the fans down who travelled to the not so friendly stadium. We let all those fans down who forked out to see their team via streaming at the Valley`s Crossbar expecting great things because Millwall had many problems at home not winning many games prior to us giving them the three point, because history dictated the outcome of this meeting in the past.
Gutted along with thousands of Charlton supporters because we have played some fine football in the past six wins to be turned over by a side who is destine to the third tier of football baring a miracle. What do we have to do to win against Millwall? Years ago they had some tremendous players who put the fear into any team not just the Addicks. Loosing was a regular thing by the hands of the men from Bermondsey, but now they have just an average team who we should have match the whole game. To be turned over the way we were is something that has not happened for a while and it hurts.
Three quarter of the game played when the Addicks went ahead. Having scored the goal to give themselves a fighting chance to pull of the surprise with just 10 men I got the feeling we started to play deep which is never a good idea with a full complement never mind playing with 10 men. I see Simon Church was brought on and nearly pulled us back into the game with a glancing header.
What I`m reading is reminiscing from past games. We were down to 10 men, yet we sat back and let the Lions dictate the game. I thought we have learned, one goal is never enough with 11 men on the pitch. Holding on to a slender lead just does not give any room for errors. So yet again it proved to be the case, when with just 11 minutes remaining we were suckered with not just one goal but two which must have been a heart-breaking blow. The 10 men of Charlton did well up to the two late goals. The ball was pumped into a crowded box, it fell kindly to Jos Hooivld who had the easiest of task to tap the ball home from close range. With no time left on the clock, Henderson came up for a corner to add an extra man, but it was not to be and once again all who went to the Den left with the feeling of disappointment.
I really hope this small setback want reduce the Addicks to fall backwards in their quest to get a middle table place. Fulham on Tuesday is going to be a tough one. They are in the hunt for points. We on the other hand owe them for humiliating us at the Cottage in front to the cameras. Play your game Charlton that has served you so well over the past games and I`m sure victory will be yours.
Share this article
