The end of a perfect day Charlton 3 Wednesday 2

After getting back from a sensational match at the Valley, I do wonder why I put myself through such agony and ecstasy, but I suppose its what makes life interesting, although it does nothing for the blood pressure . After a game of tennis in the morning and a pint at my club, I arrived early and parked my car next to Charlton Park and had a leisurely stroll through the park and it doesn't get any better than this, with the sun shinning for the first time in a week making everything look so colourful and vibrant. Filled with exuberant anticipation of a home win I approached the The East Stand entrance and for the first time this season passed through the turnstiles, bought a programme and mingled with the fans, before buying a pint and a pastie, I'm back to basics when I go to the Valley and I love it. It is hard to believe we are in the Championship as everything points to the fact, we belong in the Premiership(would not of said that 20 years ago) A perfect start to the afternoon, until the match starts. Jekyll and Hyde springs to mind when watching this match . I have never seen such a inadequate first-half performance from a Charlton team, we were literally all over the place, so disjointed it looked as though the players had just turned up, put their kit on and didn't know who was who. Sometimes the play was so elaborate we went backwards rather than forwards . Reid and Ambrose got caught on the ball trying to be too clever several times and after 15 minutes we were deservedly 2-0 down. The first goal was well taken from 20 yards by O,Brien, after a defensive mix-up and the second a complete giveaway as Wednesday's Spurr had a free header from a corner. At this stage I could see no way back and despair was creeping in amongst the crowd. Iwelumo was the best Charlton player, as he was winning everything in the air but to no avail, as the other players around him just didn't look interested . On the 44th minute, Thatcher took a knock and sometimes you need a big slice of unexpected luck, because ZZ came on and from then on Charlton were a different team. After the crowd booed the players off at half-time, which I never agree with, because it doesn't do any good, as I'm sure the players are feeling bad enough anyway and it certainly isn't a confidence booster . At half time I went to get a bottle of water and the mood was not good and I heard several fans criticising the Board and Manager. Just as I was about to return to my seat I heard one fan say "You know I wouldn't be surprised if we don't turn it around and win 3-2" , I smiled to myself and thought I wish .
The second half was a completely different story and Wednesday were on the back foot from the off . The crowd sensed this and really got behind the team and became the twelve man . After several good moves Reid slotted home a well taken goal from just inside the box and the after 67
minutes, with Charlton dominating Iwelumo tucked away a glorious equaliser
and the icing on the cake was an even better taken goal by Iwelumo who eluded several Wednesday players to slot home a great winner. Who said he cant play on the floor. Jumping out of my seat I noticed an old boy across from me, doing a sking impression, as least I thought he was. Great jubilation to end a very exciting match.
My marks out of 10 for the players.

Weaver 6- he's what I call a line keeper -that's fine as long as the defenders know this-they didn't in the first half
Thatcher 5 Not firing on all cylinders
McCarthy 8 Rallied the team in the second half and he is passionate and showed his appreciation to the fans especially in the East Stand.
Bougherra 7 Still think he will be proved to be a good signing . Must be feeling good this morning after all the stick he took from Wednesday fans.
Fortune 6 Just not sure of his motivation -looks too casual -played OK
Thomas 8 Wednesday had two defenders on him as soon as he got the ball-Great second half
Ambrose 7 Tried to be too clever but helped to create some good openings.
Samedo 7 Could be the find of the season
Reid 8 Ran his socks off and was the most skilled player on the park.
Bent 6 Strange but I thought he was doing OK, bet he was surprised when he was subbed
at half-time
ZZ 9 For me he changed the game, has a great touch and never stops running.
Iwelumo 9.5 What a handful and with this display has surly guaranteed a starting place .
Tordorov 8 Great touch held the ball up well class act.

Come on you Reds