Charlton 1 United 0 - report/ratings

[Deadbat]

In a bizarre game at the Valley, United went down to another single goal defeat to the Addicks, who completed the double over the Blades. This victory owed a lot to the fact that the visitors were reduced to nine men before the break with referee Oliver Langford certainly making his mark on proceedings. United had dominated the game up this point and spurned several good opportunities but after Djibril Soumare had seen red for a dangerous tackle on Harvey Knibbs, it was always going to be a tough ask to get anything. This became almost impossible when Japhet Tanganga was then also sent off, with the referee deeming his aerial challenge to be worthy of another red card. The Blades lost Tyler Bindon through illness and had to make several changes throughout the game as the 9 remaining players tried to somehow engineer a result. Sonny Carey’s strike after half time gave Charlton the lead immediately after the break but United hung on in there, but could not fashion any meaningful chances despite ending the game on the attack and with keeper Michael Cooper in the box.



Chris Wilder had to make changes with Jairo Riedewald ruled out with a hamstring injury so Oli Arblaster was back in as United went with a side that was more like their last league game, than the one that went out of the FA Cup to Mansfield Town. Sydie Peck was back on the bench. Interestingly, there was no place for Chong or McGuiness on the bench – two players who had attracted a fair chunk of criticism for performances in recent weeks. Charlton had former Blades loanee Harry Clarke starting, after he joined from Ipswich, whilst another new signing – Lyndon Dykes – was on the bench.



The Blades kicking away from their 3,000 strong away following, began very well and were moving the ball about crisply. Neat football saw Bamford played in and he went down under a push but the referee waved his appeal away. With the next attack, Brooks ran through from halfway and in turn O’Hare neatly slipped Bamford in but his shot was too close to the keeper Kaminski who made the save. United were camped in the Charlton half and Brooks and Seriki combining well down the right and McCallum well forward down the left. Bamford and Cannon were looking dangerous and the latter was played in by O’Hare and was in on goal but once again his shot was too close to the keeper who stopped the one on one.



Bindon headed over before Brooks and Seriki worked a chance but the latter’s cross was too close to the keeper. The next opportunity arrived when good play down the right, saw Arblaster play the ball back and Soumare met it but his shot hit the post and Brooks could not finish the rebound blazing over the bar. Tanganga then headed over. United should have been out of sight by the half hour mark but had not taken their chances and the lead, that their excellent play had merited.



The game took a huge turn though when Soumare mis controlled the ball on half way and then as he went to recover his mistake, he caught Knibbs dangerously on the ankle and the Charlton player went down in some pain. Langford’s decision was instant, as he dropped his card in his rush to send the United player off. Knibbs left the field on a stretcher, replaced by Carey, and United now had a totally different challenge.



For the next period though, United were still not tested and seemed set to get to half time and then regroup but disaster struck just before the interval. As a high ball was pumped forward, Tanganga went to meet the ball but caught Carey. It was unclear if it was an elbow or a hand that caught the player but once again referee Langford, had no hesitation and brandished another red card. United were unbelievable down to ten men. Wilder quickly reacted putting on Peck and Mee for O’Hare and Cannon before the players trooped off, looking totally shellshocked.



After the interval, Burrows came on for Bindon, who was ill, in yet another change and reshuffle. It seemed that McCallum was now playing centre back with Peck, Arblaster and Brooks as a middle three with Bamford up top as a long striker. Jones made two more changes with Dykes coming on for Kelman and Campbell for Bree. His impact was instant. A ball forward saw United caught sleeping and from the same attack, Dykes headed forward and United failed to track the runner and CAREY smashed past Cooper. It was Charlton’s first effort on goal. United’s Achilles heel of conceding goals at the start of second halves continued to be an issue, albeit under trying circumstances in this particular game.



United tried to remain in the game though and Bamford nearly got in, after good work from Brooks but for the most part, the Blades had to sit in and try and patiently wait if they could force opportunities later in the game. Campbell had an effort deflected and Cooper had to make the save. The home side won a series of corners but United were breaking up play and trying to ensure they did not give away a second goal, which would have ended the game. Campbell and Hamer came on for Bamford and Arblaster as the game entered the final 20 minutes. Hamer blazed over with United’s first, and ultimately only effort, of the second half.



Charlton then tried to stretch a tired United side with Leaburn latching onto a long ball and toe poking towards goal and Cooper made the save. Another effort from Charlton’s Campbell was deflected before Brooks had to head off the line after a corner was flicked on. United tried to give one last push but United’s Campell’s cross was straight at Kaminski. McCallum had opportunities to put the ball in from long throws, and Cooper was up for the final one but United could not fashion another effort on goal and Charlton looked relieved when the final whistle went. The United fans who had backed their team despite events conspiring against their team, clapped the remaining players off before voicing their displeasure at Oliver Langford for the final time.

 

[Deadbat]

United – A disappointing afternoon albeit bizarre. We had complete control and were totally dominating. We had so many chances (at least 3 good ones and another 2 or 3 decent ones). We played good football, moved it at pace and moved Charlton around. They were hanging on and we swarmed all over them. It was complete domination and we looked a far superior side than the home team who barely even got in our half the first 30 minutes. We did not take our chances though but you sensed a goal would come and even if we went in level at half time, we had too much for a poor side. We then have the two big moments. I have to say I did not see the McCallum one and not seen back but apparently this was a bad one and they could have had a red card themselves and we had a penalty appeal to. The Soumare one is a red card and there can be no complaints. The poor control and then the tackle after compounds this and leaves us with a mountain to climb. It looked a bad injury. The second one is more of a talking point but the referee once again could not wait to get his red card out. The speed he did this was almost ridiculous. I will discuss it below but I am still not totally convinced on this but can see the argument both ways. It will not be overturned though. After this it was almost impossible for us to get anything from the game. We conceded straight after the break which was annoying and not about us having less men as came when we should have been well set even with numbers back but we lose the first ball and fail to track the runner. That seemed to be that and you felt it could go to 2 or 3 but it never happened and in the end, Charlton barely created anything and did not move it side to side but it became scrappy and almost what we wanted. For us, we could not create much though and despite a few attacks, we never looked like getting level and in the end, the home side did get over the line – albeit not a convincing victory.



The first half was excellent in general play, despite the misses and we saw how much better we can and should be, than teams in and around us for ability/quality. United’s player that were left gave it a tremendous effort and worked so hard. They covered lots of ground and the fans recognised this effort. I thought a number – those that played 90 in particular gave their all for the shirt. Bit disappointed in Hamer and Campbell who ran around less than those that had been on all game but maybe that is harsh. I think the players kept a good shape and ensure gaps were filled where they could and tried to break when they could but was hard to create much. We defended well though and made Charlton look a bit clueless. Just a shame we conceded so quick but then oddly it was like both teams settled for this until the last part, when they did finally have chances on the break and we tried to put as many men forward as we could. I cannot knock the manager and the players though in such a difficult scenario as things just conspired against us.



Disregarding how the defeat happened, we still lost. To lose to an awful side like Charlton, twice, is kind of symbolic of the poor season we have had – despite recent improvements. To not score a goal against a side that I think might go down, is not good enough. We should have been 3 or 4-0 up at half time but we were not and that was down to poor finishing and not being clinical. We also have to take some responsibility for the red cards – no matter how angry we are at the referee – I do think a lot of us may have been crying out for red cards for both – if it was the other way? I might be wrong. I think the referee will rightly get a lot of scrutiny and I cannot criticise the team for the way they fought and stayed in the game after the break. We gave it as good a go, as we possibly could and on another day we may snatch a point. Over the course of the game, we actually deserved something – even with the 2 men disadvantage. Chances on goal we seemed to have far better opportunities and even at 10 v 11, we looked better. It is annoying that a game, if we had kept our men on the field, we would have gone and won the game I think relatively comfortably. I think 2nd half; we go on and win by a few clear goals without what happened. So, it is a real shame and felt like a wasted opportunity but these kinds of games where things happen are still occurring meaning top 6 is now beyond us you would think. Today was unique and I cannot criticise Wilder or the team but some individuals (missed chances/the red cards) will think about decision making at big moments – even with the referee controversy.



It felt an important game and one that if we had any chance of the playoffs, we had to win. I am not saying we 100% will not get there but now looks extremely unlikely now. With tough games to come against Southampton away, Ipswich at home and Millwall away, and with a series of injuries and suspensions, United might end up being closer to the bottom three than the top 6. I hope I am wrong but that is how I feel. It seems like we have left ourselves way too much to do and whilst I would be surprised if we do manage to get anywhere near, I will be equally surprised if we get sucked into a relegation battle. There are too many bad teams below – Charlton are one and with SWFC being down – you sense the likes of Oxford and Blackburn are worse than us. The reality is we are not going to string 7 out of 8-win type form I sense but equally won’t do the same with defeats and will finish mid table or just below. With that In mind, I would not bother signing any more players. That may sound defeatist but is pragmatic when we will have to reduce the squad and playing staff hugely this summer with the parachute payments leaving a big hole and the likelihood that Hamer and others (Peck?) will probably have to be sacrificed to bring in the shortfall of funds. I do not see the point really – it may mean we are stretched especially with a few out now (Riedewald and Soumare for a bit and Tanganga too) but we have to think of the future and the club’s finances as boring as that seems, rather than chucking loads of money on loans that are not going to be here after the summer for a very slim chance of getting top 6. I’d rather use the funds we have in the summer when we need to reshape the squad and hopefully move on a number of the dross we have.



Ratings: Hard to do these due to the way the game went and whilst I cannot be critical of those that played and were not sent off – they were not amazing in terms of performances but all worked really hard so will try and reflect that. Amazing that 7 of the players that started did not finish it so the 4 that played the whole 90- take the highest marks.



Cooper 6.5/10 – Did ok today. Not tested first half at all but then first touch he has is to pick the ball out. Not much of a chance here. He made some saves that you would expect from Leaburn and Campbell and took a cross which is something we have not seen for ages. He did punch one out strangely and his kicking remains odd- he once booted it to the other side of the pitch to where all our players were for instance!



Seriki 7/10 - Glad Wilder put him back in, despite the criticism he unjustly served up for him last week. He played well first half and linked well with Brooks but then showed his defensive work as he helped nullify Campbell one on one second half, as he had to with us having so few outfield men.



McCallum 7.5/10 – Superbly committed performance and showed his improvement and his versatility. He started left back and ended up centre back. He covered lots of ground and despite getting a whack and some stiches, put his body on the line. Loses a bit of credit as lost the header v Dykes but he is much taller than him of course. Along with Brooks, our outstanding player. Definitely our most improved player this season.



Bindon 6/10 – Not troubled up to the break as the game was played in the Charlton half and swept up and moved it forward when he had to. Did not seem to be struggling so surprised he went off but we found out he had been ill.



Tanganga 3/10 – Like with above, he did not get tested as we were on the front foot but then the big moment for him was the red card of course. I have watched is back a lot the challenge and I am still not 100% sure on it. On some replays, it looks out of control and dangerous and there is contact with the arm (not elbow I do not think) on the player. Other replays it does not look as conclusive but the fact that there is some doubt, surely should mean the referee having sent one off, would err on the conservative side but nope! If I was a fan of Charlton, I would be asking for a red though and say it was a stupid and dangerous challenge where he endangers a player whether meant or not. I do not think we have a hope of overturning it. I have seen some say it was definitely not a red and some say it was definitely a red but it feels a bit like an lbw decision in cricket that goes with umpire’s call and they will say you can see why he gave red. My issue was the speed of the red card, not giving himself time to think or talk to anyone as Wilder said. It definitely seemed like he had an agenda against us or Tanganga – who had spoken to the ref over the McCallum one- which surely he can do as skipper? Now out for three games for violent conduct – which means we will have issues at the back – as we saw v Mansfield with those that we have left. I will say I am not sure that Tanganga needed to make this challenge on half way really or go in like he did – just use your common sense – do not give the referee an decision to make.



Arblaster 6/10 – He worked hard for the team and was neat and tidy. Set up a chance for Soumare and he was involved in moving it on first half. I will say, I am going to sound like Wilder picking on players, but it was his man he completely left for the goal. I watched it back and Carey is his man and he is on him, but then leaves him. Taken off with 20 minutes to go. I am still not convinced he is anywhere close to what he was and looks still to be struggling to get around the pitch.



Soumare 2/10 – He was decent to begin with as we won midfield and controlled the game but then he missed a good chance – he sort of bobbled it and not a clean strike. Needs to make keeper work. After this he then mis controls the ball (which we have seen quite a bit this season) and then his tackle is poor. Seen some say he gets the ball or the challenge is not excessive force but it is a bad one. He clearly just tries to retrieve it and is more clumsy than nasty but the replays do not look good and the fact the player left on a stretcher shows had bad it was (not that the ref should take that into account as he makes the call at the time). We cannot have any complaints at all. He hits him on the ankle with studs up. Stupid and meant a game we were in total control, we are then against it. He is too up and down for me with some good games recently mixed in with some shockers and then he does that -meaning he is out for a while. I do wonder how much he will play now as Wilder has Peck, Arblaster, Davies and hopefully Riedewald not out for too long – he might bring another in too? You do not know what you are going to get with him from week to week -which is what you expect for a young player. I do not expect to take any option up on him and expect him to go back to his parent club at the end of the decision. He is a long way off being a Championship starter for a side aspiring for a promotion tilt sadly. Today whether clumsy or not, has cost us the game – along with the captain soon after.



Brooks 7.5/10 – Like with Seriki, glad he was given his place back. He worked hard all game and got up and down. Many of out attacks came from his good play down the right. Won the ball back a lot and always looked to be aggressive and go forward. Missed a decent chance on the rebound from the Soumare miss. He continued to be involved as he had to come inside in the second half. Just hoping he get a a long run in the side now. He is far better than Chong and Ogbene. Sure, he will have the odd off game but he offers us a threat and needs time to try and find more consistency.



O’Hare 6/10 -Worked hard and involved in the two or three chances with threaded balls. He is a clever player and finds the space to make those killer passes. Should have had a few assists for goals. Surprised he was taken off but I suppose he had to leave Bamford on, or a striker? Just reasoned his work rate would have been more useful with only 9 men?



Bamford 6/10 – Looked lively and got in behind – he had a penalty appeal but then missed a good chance too. He held it well and used his body. Shame he had to come off as he tired as the lone striker. Will be disappointed not to score.



Cannon 6/10 – As above, he got in behind and linked with others and we looked like we may create something every attack. Big black mark, is that chance. He has to score that as he has lots of time and a lot of the goal to shoot at. Came off before half time as he was sacrificed.

 

[Deadbat]

Subs -



Burrows 6/10 – Did ok and faced with overloads down his side, did what he had to. Could not get forward much but he kept his shape and discipline.



Mee 6.5/10 – I thought he played ok and limited them to chances and used his experience against two physical strikers. He marshalled the team well.



Peck 6/10 – Came on and tried to win the loose balls and ensure they could not run through us. Not involved on the ball but you understood that. A stupid foul near the end when we had them under some pressure was a bit annoying but he got around the pitch and helped us stay in the game.



Hamer 5/10 – I thought he showed a few neat touches but then a woeful shot when well placed and took too long to move it on. Seems to be not a first team starter now, so I think there is a good chance we cash in now as his value is only going to decrease in the summer. All those saying it is madness to sell him (even if we only gey say 6- 8 million which is most we will get) then why would we keep him if he is not trusted to regularly start and also we need to bring funds in with the parachute payments stopping. I think we have to sacrifice him now. If we were closer to the top 6, you could make an argument but the season almost feels like it is petering out.



Campbell 4/10 – Annoyed me again. We needed everyone busting a gut. Barely got out of a jog. He did have a few moments and one run and (poor) cross but he did not work hard enough again. My mate compared him to Nathan Blake (with his ever-increasing size of his backside!) without the strength and power! He looks miles off it and needs to sort himself out or his United career will go the same way as his Stoke career and the next move will be down the leagues.





Manager: Wilder 7/10 – Made the right changes to the starting line-up and we began well. Will be annoyed we did not lead. He cannot be blamed for the red cards (whether we point to our players or the ref – or both). The changes he made gave us some freshness and helped us stay in the game. I wondered why he had certain players in certain areas but we only had 9 and it kind of worked as we did not get overrun, like you would think. His comments post-game were measure although the appeal on the Tanganga one is pointless for me. He did point to the crowd and the players being more together and I think that was the case at the end. Losing a game at a shocking Charlton side and having 9 men, you would think the fans would be angry but that was not the case as they knew the circumstances. Knows the season is slipping away now and if we do not get at least one win from the next two, it will almost certainly be out of reach and be about planning for next year.





Charlton – Thought they were terrible. First half should have been 2 or 3 goals behind and got completely outplayed. The red cards then give them a lifeline and they scored a decent (albeit simple) goal and will say they were the better side in the second half – which they probably were – just. However, you surely must be with having a two-man advantage. The fact they were barely any better than us is a worry though and Nathan Jones said, did not feel like a win. In a few weeks, months, they will not care how they got the victory though I suppose. Overall though I would be concerned if I was a Charlton fan. The keeper kept them in the game and even with the huge advantage, only just squeaked a win. They looked a side that lacked quality and I think they will be a dogfight down the bottom having watched that performance both before and after the red cards.



Opponent Man of the Match – Kaminski. Made several big saves to keep them in it. Carey was involved in the red card and the goal so he was close too.



Opponent Weak link – Harry Clarke showed that he was never going to be the answer. Bree and Kelman both were taken off and the players they replaced did improve them. The two centre backs looked poor with our movement causing them issues early on.



Referee / Officials – Oliver Langford. Discussed the two red cards above in the player ratings. The penalty appeal on Bamford, I was not able to really see it properly – he looked to go down easily to me but we were a long way and replays suggested it could have been given? The McCallum one I would need to see back but it certainly seems like we got the wrong edge of the big calls. I still think you must be certain and it to be an obvious red to reduce a side to 9 men – as he knows that kills the game completely. What I will say, is that the game completely changes on the two red cards – some will just blame the referee, where as some may point to our ill-discipline – which we have not seen this season. The referee clearly wanted to be the star of the show and the way he behaved and his whole-body language – even how he sent the players off – was a bit pathetic. He seemed like he was auditioning for a theatrical performance! He did the same when he sent off Dicke in the playoffs last year. Seems to love a red card and make sure everyone notices him. Interesting he sent Tanganga off for a challenge, when a far worse one from the Blackburn lad last year at Ewood Park, saw Langford not sent him off. His whole performance even outside the reds had many fans no idea what he was going to give and that is never a good sign.





Crowd/Day Out – Rare away day for me, hence the late report as got back late last night. Group of us went down and got the ridiculously early 6.33am train. Great pre match around London Bridge and then Deptford- went to the fantastic Dog and Bell Pub and then Villages Brewery. Was with Webding (Tufty Club), Roy (View from), Ben (Bladespod), Eggy, Travelling Blade, Sam from the Pinch and his girlfriend Emma, Jon and Ian from 4 Blades and also Carrier Bag Firm head honcho, Phil Rose aka Ballsup. Know all the rest but never met Phil so nice to meet and chat. Got to the ground around 2.30pm. Not been for a while but the set up was ridiculous with 3k Blades funnelled through one set of turnstiles and a very crowded concourse. Like the Valley though. Big ground but old school and reminds me a bit of Bramall Lane in how it looks. Home ends were not that full but away end was and a great atmosphere. Always helps when you have controversy and kind of brings that siege mentality and keeps you all together. The singing was not stop and shame we did not get an unlikely late leveller that the fans deserved. Few beers around Euston and then back home on the train. Drank too much and vert tired today but a great day with some fantastic people. The game was more irritating than anything as it should have rounded off the day with a win but it just felt like another ‘Only could happen to Sheffield United’ type day. Now, I just laugh rather than get angry. I think if we were in a promotion race or it meant something, I would have been more irate but feels a bit nothingy this season now. Will try and get to another away game though before the end of the season when my wallet and liver have recovered.

 

[blackydog]

1st

 

[Frank the tank]

 

[Revolution]

Playoffs? No chance.

The ref was out for us from the off but that’s no excuse. This is such an unserious team. Alternatives between pissing away games they should win between wiping the floor with the opposition.

In the last month we’ve had Wrexham, Mansfield and this debacle, but also the Leicester and Birmingham home games.

we should have been a couple of goals up against the second worst team I’ve seen this season. But we aren’t serious. Not ruthless. Cannon and Bamford should bury their chances, but don’t. 10 shots, only 2 on target.

Then Soumare, who is far too patchy to be a regular starter, gets a red as a direct consequence of not being able to trap a bag of cement. Tanganga sees this, sees the ref is after us, gets booked and still jumps with his arms up. The ref couldn’t wait to give it, but he should have known that. It was obvious to me from the sofa. Awful lack of professionalism.

We were very good after HT but were in too big a hole. If we hadn’t switched off it would be 0-0.

With injuries and suspensions the next few games will be very tough but knowing us we will get something somewhere. We will either beat Soton or Ipswich against the odds. I confidently expect us to piss the Millwall game away.

We might be quite close to the bottom 3 by the Boro game. A few people need to buck their ideas up. There is no chance of the playoffs.

I am halfway through your pod but it has degenerated into people yelling at each other.

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

 

[Blade59]

Very frustrating as clearly a game we should have won comfortably but then circumstances ended up throwing it away. With regard to Langford a good referee on the 2 red cards would pause and give himself a couple of moments to consider before making a decision. He did the exact opposite and was reaching for his card even before play had stopped. He was so excited at giving them that he dropped the card on the first one. He may have still come to the same decision but at least it would have been a considered one rather than pure reactionary. As you say it was just another one of those can only happen to United days.

Think you are right on the January window. Play offs are all but gone and i think we have enough in the squad to keep out of trouble at the other end. Better off planning for what we need / have to do with thew squad at the end of the season. If we can get over the odds for Hamer may as well let him leave for as good as a player he can be we often look poorer as a team when he plays.

 

[Deadbat]

Playoffs? No chance.

The ref was out for us from the off but that’s no excuse. This is such an unserious team. Alternatives between pissing away games they should win between wiping the floor with the opposition.

In the last month we’ve had Wrexham, Mansfield and this debacle, but also the Leicester and Birmingham home games.

we should have been a couple of goals up against the second worst team I’ve seen this season. But we aren’t serious. Not ruthless. Cannon and Bamford should bury their chances, but don’t. 10 shots, only 2 on target.

Then Soumare, who is far too patchy to be a regular starter, gets a red as a direct consequence of not being able to trap a bag of cement. Tanganga sees this, sees the ref is after us, gets booked and still jumps with his arms up. The ref couldn’t wait to give it, but he should have known that. It was obvious to me from the sofa. Awful lack of professionalism.

We were very good after HT but were in too big a hole. If we hadn’t switched off it would be 0-0.

With injuries and suspensions the next few games will be very tough but knowing us we will get something somewhere. We will either beat Soton or Ipswich against the odds. I confidently expect us to piss the Millwall game away.

We might be quite close to the bottom 3 by the Boro game. A few people need to buck their ideas up. There is no chance of the playoffs.

I am halfway through your pod but it has degenerated into people yelling at each other.

Degenerated? That suggests it could get any worse. One that I'd 100% not listen to unless you want to waste half an hour listening to drunk people shouting at each other.

 

[bakeblade]

Subs -



Burrows 6/10 – Did ok and faced with overloads down his side, did what he had to. Could not get forward much but he kept his shape and discipline.



Mee 6.5/10 – I thought he played ok and limited them to chances and used his experience against two physical strikers. He marshalled the team well.



Peck 6/10 – Came on and tried to win the loose balls and ensure they could not run through us. Not involved on the ball but you understood that. A stupid foul near the end when we had them under some pressure was a bit annoying but he got around the pitch and helped us stay in the game.



Hamer 5/10 – I thought he showed a few neat touches but then a woeful shot when well placed and took too long to move it on. Seems to be not a first team starter now, so I think there is a good chance we cash in now as his value is only going to decrease in the summer. All those saying it is madness to sell him (even if we only gey say 6- 8 million which is most we will get) then why would we keep him if he is not trusted to regularly start and also we need to bring funds in with the parachute payments stopping. I think we have to sacrifice him now. If we were closer to the top 6, you could make an argument but the season almost feels like it is petering out.



Campbell 4/10 – Annoyed me again. We needed everyone busting a gut. Barely got out of a jog. He did have a few moments and one run and (poor) cross but he did not work hard enough again. My mate compared him to Nathan Blake (with his ever-increasing size of his backside!) without the strength and power! He looks miles off it and needs to sort himself out or his United career will go the same way as his Stoke career and the next move will be down the leagues.





Manager: Wilder 7/10 – Made the right changes to the starting line-up and we began well. Will be annoyed we did not lead. He cannot be blamed for the red cards (whether we point to our players or the ref – or both). The changes he made gave us some freshness and helped us stay in the game. I wondered why he had certain players in certain areas but we only had 9 and it kind of worked as we did not get overrun, like you would think. His comments post-game were measure although the appeal on the Tanganga one is pointless for me. He did point to the crowd and the players being more together and I think that was the case at the end. Losing a game at a shocking Charlton side and having 9 men, you would think the fans would be angry but that was not the case as they knew the circumstances. Knows the season is slipping away now and if we do not get at least one win from the next two, it will almost certainly be out of reach and be about planning for next year.





Charlton – Thought they were terrible. First half should have been 2 or 3 goals behind and got completely outplayed. The red cards then give them a lifeline and they scored a decent (albeit simple) goal and will say they were the better side in the second half – which they probably were – just. However, you surely must be with having a two-man advantage. The fact they were barely any better than us is a worry though and Nathan Jones said, did not feel like a win. In a few weeks, months, they will not care how they got the victory though I suppose. Overall though I would be concerned if I was a Charlton fan. The keeper kept them in the game and even with the huge advantage, only just squeaked a win. They looked a side that lacked quality and I think they will be a dogfight down the bottom having watched that performance both before and after the red cards.



Opponent Man of the Match – Kaminski. Made several big saves to keep them in it. Carey was involved in the red card and the goal so he was close too.



Opponent Weak link – Harry Clarke showed that he was never going to be the answer. Bree and Kelman both were taken off and the players they replaced did improve them. The two centre backs looked poor with our movement causing them issues early on.



Referee / Officials – Oliver Langford. Discussed the two red cards above in the player ratings. The penalty appeal on Bamford, I was not able to really see it properly – he looked to go down easily to me but we were a long way and replays suggested it could have been given? The McCallum one I would need to see back but it certainly seems like we got the wrong edge of the big calls. I still think you must be certain and it to be an obvious red to reduce a side to 9 men – as he knows that kills the game completely. What I will say, is that the game completely changes on the two red cards – some will just blame the referee, where as some may point to our ill-discipline – which we have not seen this season. The referee clearly wanted to be the star of the show and the way he behaved and his whole-body language – even how he sent the players off – was a bit pathetic. He seemed like he was auditioning for a theatrical performance! He did the same when he sent off Dicke in the playoffs last year. Seems to love a red card and make sure everyone notices him. Interesting he sent Tanganga off for a challenge, when a far worse one from the Blackburn lad last year at Ewood Park, saw Langford not sent him off. His whole performance even outside the reds had many fans no idea what he was going to give and that is never a good sign.





Crowd/Day Out – Rare away day for me, hence the late report as got back late last night. Group of us went down and got the ridiculously early 6.33am train. Great pre match around London Bridge and then Deptford- went to the fantastic Dog and Bell Pub and then Villages Brewery. Was with Webding (Tufty Club), Roy (View from), Ben (Bladespod), Eggy, Travelling Blade, Sam from the Pinch and his girlfriend Emma, Jon and Ian from 4 Blades and also Carrier Bag Firm head honcho, Phil Rose aka Ballsup. Know all the rest but never met Phil so nice to meet and chat. Got to the ground around 2.30pm. Not been for a while but the set up was ridiculous with 3k Blades funnelled through one set of turnstiles and a very crowded concourse. Like the Valley though. Big ground but old school and reminds me a bit of Bramall Lane in how it looks. Home ends were not that full but away end was and a great atmosphere. Always helps when you have controversy and kind of brings that siege mentality and keeps you all together. The singing was not stop and shame we did not get an unlikely late leveller that the fans deserved. Few beers around Euston and then back home on the train. Drank too much and vert tired today but a great day with some fantastic people. The game was more irritating than anything as it should have rounded off the day with a win but it just felt like another ‘Only could happen to Sheffield United’ type day. Now, I just laugh rather than get angry. I think if we were in a promotion race or it meant something, I would have been more irate but feels a bit nothingy this season now. Will try and get to another away game though before the end of the season when my wallet and liver have recovered.

I think it's worth appealing the Tanganga red card. Deadline is Tuesday, so he should be able to play on Wednesday. If the appeal is subsequently rejected he will miss Ipswich, Millwall and Oxford.

 

[Melton Blade]

Good report DB. I'm in total agreement about not wasting more funds this January.

Too far back to make play offs (& with maybe McGuinness & Mee reunited I fear for the defence vs Soton & Ipswich).

Next season is gonna be incredibly difficult as we combat not only the loss of parachute payments but I fear Efl P&S restrictions. The financial losses from this season will be eye watering (Selles termination, v high loanee wages, poor signings etc etc).

We will be forced to sell more than one of our best prospects....

CW is not a fan of playing young lads (financially he might have to next year).

UTB

 

[Balham]

I think it's worth appealing the Tanganga red card. Deadline is Tuesday, so he should be able to play on Wednesday. If the appeal is subsequently rejected he will miss Ipswich, Millwall and Oxford.

Yep. Very little chance of success as the FA likes to close ranks around their referees, even the obnoxious pricks like Langford. We could in theory do the same with Soumaré but that would probably be seen as frivolous and would incur an extra match.

 

[bakeblade]

Yep. Very little chance of success as the FA likes to close ranks around their referees, even the obnoxious pricks like Langford. We could in theory do the same with Soumaré but that would probably be seen as frivolous and would incur an extra match.

Yes I think it would but Tangangas is more subjective and I'd sooner lose him for Oxford than Soton.

 

[BazWainwright]

Good report Deaders. Agree that it was just one of dem days where fate had us have a bit of a berk for a ref and we couldn't take our early chances.

I'm not breaking my heart over Charlton away. The nine left on and the subs worked very, very hard and you say and Charlton were not very good at all.

 

[FenBlade]

I wouldn’t start McGuinness in the next few games even if Tanganga not available and Bindon not fit. I agree that appealing Tanganga red card probably futile. I thought Mee and McCallum did well at centre back in the second half yesterday, albeit against a poor side. McCallum is said to have been at fault on the goal but I didn’t notice that. I thought he looked an intelligent player. He is pretty quick and good in the air so I’d start him with Mee, who as Deadbat says organised things well. Burrows can play left back. Will be a tough period though.

 

[FenBlade]

Something I did notice yesterday was that after Cooper came up for a corner near the end, he seemed to have great difficulty in running back once Charlton cleared the ball and broke away. He seemed to be waddling, as if he had a problem with his lower back. Did anyone else see this? He was of course hurt earlier and needed the physio but the stories of him carrying an injury persist and I think this is a worrying situation, given our lack of adequate goalkeeping cover. I agree it’s probably not worth investing much in loans now but surely an experienced keeper on loan would be a sensible precaution. With Wednesday likely to end with a very low points total, teams may need well above 50 points to avoid the bottom three this season. Over pessimistic perhaps, but history teaches that if a foul up can be made, United will make it.

 

[metalblade]

A poor choice of words calling it a dangerous tackle by Soumaré the Charlton player never had the ball to be tackled. Yes a poor touch by our player, but he got to the ball before the Charlton player and flicked it past him, it was just unfortunate he trod on the player's ankle there was no intent or malice.

 

[Deadbat]

A poor choice of words calling it a dangerous tackle by Soumaré the Charlton player never had the ball to be tackled. Yes a poor touch by our player, but he got to the ball before the Charlton player and flicked it past him, it was just unfortunate he trod on the player's ankle there was no intent or malice.

It's dangerous if you plant your foot above the ground as it can cause serious injury which it looks like it has done. I don't think there was intent but if it's the other way round and Arblaster is on receiving end, and out for months, everyone on here would be fuming with the Charlton player calling him a dirty so and so

 

[andy m]

It's dangerous if you plant your foot above the ground as it can cause serious injury which it looks like it has done. I don't think there was intent but if it's the other way round and Arblaster is on receiving end, and out for months, everyone on here would be fuming with the Charlton player calling him a dirty so and so

And if you lunge in with a straight leg and studs showing its just a talking to?

 

[John Street West Terrace]

Soumares is a red but i still say was more clumsy than with intent , he over stretches after mis controlling the ball . Have to agree re-appealing Tanganga’s one FA will back the ref & he’ll end up with a 4 game ban instead of a 3 , the real fkg frustrating thing is the ref & lino completely miss the challenge on McCallum .

We should have been out of site on Saturday well before the sendings off , at Leicester they all went in , Saturday they didn’t and that’s football
That said the 9 men did us proud & the away support recognised their efforts . MOTM for me was Brooke’s he’s now starting to put himself about a bit more along side his talent .

Still think they’ll be a couple of incomings this window but will be decided by if we manage to off load a couple . Glad to see Peck back on Saturday , we’ve missed him & crossing my fingers on Riedewald hamstring scan as he’d be a massive miss if it’s a bad one

 

[Chimpan-A]

It's dangerous if you plant your foot above the ground as it can cause serious injury which it looks like it has done. I don't think there was intent but if it's the other way round and Arblaster is on receiving end, and out for months, everyone on here would be fuming with the Charlton player calling him a dirty so and so

To try and win the ball without lifting your foot requires a running style like a cross country skier!

 

[Pintor75]

Agree will all this Deadbat, player ratings spot on, Campbell needs to up his game it's as if he's got monk on over Bamford being brought in, would move him on tbh if a half decent offer came in

 

[SwitchBLADE Smiles]

I wouldn’t start McGuinness in the next few games even if Tanganga not available and Bindon not fit. I agree that appealing Tanganga red card probably futile. I thought Mee and McCallum did well at centre back in the second half yesterday, albeit against a poor side. McCallum is said to have been at fault on the goal but I didn’t notice that. I thought he looked an intelligent player. He is pretty quick and good in the air so I’d start him with Mee, who as Deadbat says organised things well. Burrows can play left back. Will be a tough period though.

I wouldn’t start McGuinness if our only other 2 options were Bobby Charlton & Rolf Harris…

 

[Greystones Blade]

And if you lunge in with a straight leg and studs showing its just a talking to?

I saw a tackle in the Manchester derby on Saturday where one player went in studs showing and caught the opponent mid shin and all he got was a yellow card.