Brentford 1 v Charlton Athletic 1

A third successive draw has opened the door for Norwich and Colchester to finally climb level with us on points should they win their respective games in hand (Norwich's match at Walsall was a late casualty to a frozen pitch). In doing so, we would probably slip to 3rd or 4th on goal difference. The bookmakers now have Norwich odds-on for automatic promotion whilst we have moved to odds-against.

However, I believe there is plenty of room for optimism for Charlton fans; we are unbeaten in eight and have a run of very winnable matches approaching which includes six home games against lower-half of the table opposition, three of whom are in the relegation places and who we have already beaten away (Orient, Tranmere and Brighton). More importantly, our squad has belief and they are displaying a never-say-die attitude that could yet make our season. We just need a bit of good fortune on Saturday at Walsall and then we have the prospect of a number of our first choice players returning from injury to strengthen the side and our attacking options.

It was largely a second string that took the field at Griffin Park yesterday. The make-shift back four had most Addicks fans worried beforehand but they coped admirably. I was pleased to see Phil Parkinson start Chris Dickson in a two-man attack with Akpo and it nearly paid off during the first half where we took the match to Brentford and were perhaps unfortunate not to go in at half-time with a lead. We played some good stuff through midfield and Lloyd Sam was busy down the wing. Brentford held firm and only had two Chris Dickson efforts to really worry about.

Nicky Bailey again played the captain's role alongside a disappointing Matt Spring. Matt's a grafter and has plenty of experience, so he rarely lets the side down but he doesn't have the legs for ninety minutes and rarely creates anything. I believe we have better starting options, one of whom, Racon was on the bench.

I felt confident we would score first after the break attacking the goal with 1800 Charlton fans behind it but we fell behind within minutes of the restart to what was the Bees first dangerous attack of the match. The useful Marcus Bean managed to get through our defence and pull a cross back to half-time sub Carl Cort who beat Elliot with a quickly-taken, crisp, low finish from close in.

Brentford tried to up the ante after taking the lead but we stuck at it and continued to break quickly when we could which forced them onto the back-foot. Within ten minutes Shelvey was on for Wagstaff and we had levelled.Nicky Bailey hit a superb pass down the middle which beat the Brentford defence and Chris Dickson managed to stay onside to catch the pass as he hurtled into the box. Lewis Price was already rushing out to try to avert the danger and the inevitable clash sent Dickson sprawling for as clear a penalty as you are likely to see. Dicko's first touch had turned him away from goal because if he had taken it inwards then Price would surely have been dismissed. As it was D'Urso got it right in only showing a yellow but Nicky Bailey stepped up to plant the ball firmly in the back of the net to even things up.

Brentford came back at us after this and had their best spell of the match and nearly restored their lead when Sam Saunders, a second-half sub, curled a beauty of a free-kick over the red wall only to see his shot come down off the bar and be driven clear. McKenzie came on for Dickson with ten to go as Parky rolled the last dice. McKenzie did manage one effort after wriggling free in the box but his shot was deflected wide. Nicky Bailey also put a late free-kick over the bar. At the other end we stopped a couple of late Brentford efforts as well to ensure the game finished a deserved 1-1 draw.

Brentford's stadium is not unlike a visit to the Valley 25 years ago. It sits packed tightly into the neighbouring streets of small terraced houses and there are still plenty of local pubs plying their trade. Most seemed full with Charlton fans beforehand and it added to a rowdy atmosphere in the first -half although it quietened down predictably during the second period. A number of Charlton fans were evicted predictably enough from the home areas closest to the away end after making their presence known and we enjoyed the spectacle of a rotund aggro-Grandad gesturing throughout the match when he wasn't tending to a number of children two rows in front of him. He earned an excellent chant of "saying goodbye to your kids" but from the puzzled look on his face it was lost on him.

Elsewhere, Leeds managed another late win at Stockport who had, admirably taken the lead twice and Colchester saw off Southampton to keep alive their own chances of automatic promotion. Steve Morison scored again as Millwall moved up to seventh and Brighton hit five at Wycombe Wanderers to haul themselves out of the bottom four.

So, one more big effort at Walsall on Saturday and we can look forward to some easier looking fixtures and what should be a side returning to full strength for the run-in. With only three League One fixtures taking place on Saturday due to the F A Cup - someone remind me why we aren't in it - the focus will definitely be on us and Norwich as they go to Wycombe Wanderers who were softened -up yesterday. Maybe there will be a response at Adams Park? We will need more of the same at the Bescot and our fans could play their part too.

League One Preview, Game 24

At the half-way stage then and we find ourselves a modest four points behind the promotion campaign from this division in 1980-81 which is my yardstick for the season. We started the second half of the 80-81 season with a home win against Carlisle followed by a defeat at Oxford United before a home draw with Fulham and another home win over Hull City. So the immediate target in my minds' eye is 7 points from the next 12.

We beat Brentford earlier this season in a televised game at the Valley in which Brentford forced a lot of corners but lacked any cutting edge. They will start tomorrow without Charlie MacDonald but will probably have swapped that for the Charlton loss of Sam Sodje and Deon Burton. Ordinarily I would have fancied our chances of a decent away win here but am concerned that we might just not be strong enough tomorrow to get a result. Without our first-choice back-four tomorrow (Youga, Sodje, Dailly and Richardson) or our top scorer, we will need a steely performance of concentration and any chances that come our way will need to be taken. Brentford have a decent home record of 4-5-2 which matches that of next Saturday's opponents Walsall.

Having won at Gillingham on Saturday, I fear we may be up against it tomorrow and am going to suggest a rare defeat could be on the cards. Perhaps referring decisions or a late goal or something might get us a share?

Brentford v Charlton Athletic

I travel in hope. We will need a big performance from our midfield where we might miss Jose Semedo. I would like to see Therry Racon alongside Nicky Bailey but suspect Matt Spring gets Parky's nod over Racon at the moment. Lloyd Sam should be back on the right and hopefully Scott Wagstaff did enough as a substitute against Swindon to earn a start. Akpo must be nailed on to start and I would be inclined to play Dickson from the off as he has already netted twice at Griffin Park for Rovers this term. I don't think Parky will agree with my logic so expect McKenzie to start and Dickson to be sub. Our fans might play twelfth man tomorrow...

Prediction; 2-1

Colchester United v Southampton

For once I won't be disappointed to see Southampton win, although this would be an impressive away result. Colchester won well against Southend on Saturday and this would cement their Christmas.

Prediction; 2-0

Exeter City v Gillingham

The Gills couldn't get back on level terms against the Bees on Saturday despite a late barrage of attacks and their away record is so poor I suspect this will be their second defeat in succession.

Prediction; 2-0

Hartlepool v Oldham Athletic

Hartlepool gave us brief hope yesterday of derailing the Leeds train but they were undone by Jermaine Beckford. This should be eminently easier for them.

Prediction; 2-1

Huddersfield Town v MK Dons

A feisty encounter in prospect here. MK won well yesterday but this should be a much harder game.

Prediction; 2-1

Leyton Orient v Southend United

An east London v east Essex encounter here and I fancy the O's to see off an indifferent Southend.

Prediction; 2-1

Millwall v Bristol Rovers

After failing to get anything from the Hoolihan and Holt show yesterday, Millwall are back on familiar territory and this should be a home banker.

Prediction; 2-0

Stockport County v Leeds United

Leeds continue to look impressive and with fixtures like this it's hard to see them slowing down against bottom of the table Stockport.

Prediction; 0-3

Swindon Town v Yeovil Town

Can't say I was particularly impressed with Swindon yesterday although I suspect they are a different proposition at home. Charlie Austin has a goal-a-game record in non-league and now league football and will be itching to maintain his run.

Prediction; 2-0

Tranmere Rovers v Carlisle United

Neither of these sides played yesterday. Tranmere need to get wins under the belt and Prenton Park will be key to their survival chances. This could be their sixth home win of the campaign.

Prediction; 2-1

Walsall v Norwich City

It will be interesting to compare our result next Saturday against Norwich's own tomorrow. Walsall are no slouches at home and Norwich are due to drop points.

Prediction;1-1

Wycombe Wanderers v Brighton & Hove Albion

Relegation six-pointer at Adams Park and it might be hard to separate these two. A point isn't much use to either but they might have to settle for it.

Prediction; 1-1

Charlton Athletic 2 v Swindon Town 2

If last week's home draw with Millwall felt like a defeat, today's home draw certainly felt like a victory. The irony of course is that we have collected two points as opposed to the three if we had won one of them. However you look at it, come the end of the season, if one point makes a difference, then this will be the one.

It was a day that started unusually early with a pre-12 drink in the Oak. We all turned up expecting to see replacements for Lloyd Sam and David Mooney yet saw no recognised wingers and Miguel Llera was in for Christian Dailly. Jonjo Shelvey was back out wide and Matt Spring was the surprise choice on the other side. Dailly was at least missing through illness but Scott Wagstaff will be disappointed to have been dropped to the bench. More predictably, Akpo Sodje made his first Charlton start alongside Deon Burton.

Charlton started this game well and it looked only a matter of time before we took the lead. Matt Spring took aim within a minute as Charlton made their intentions clear and we should have gone one up when Burton was picked out deep in the visitor's box with only the keeper to beat but he headed over.

Sam Sodje was left prone after Swindon's first serious attack and he left the field for ten minutes to receive stitches in a head-wound. Even then Charlton looked in complete control and were knocking the ball around waiting to be back at full force. Unfortunately, Sam Sodje was only back on the field for a matter of minutes before the picky My Miller harshly showed him a straight red for a two-footed tackle. It was well into the Swindon half and Sodje was very low to the ground when he made it. I will need to see it again but he looked no more than ball-height to me and I think he should have survived with a yellow. However, there was no great protest from the players and I was the only complaining voice around me in the East. I was left wondering whether the tackle was on the same player who had left Sodje needing treatment in his own area. That might have made the referee's mind up if it was.

Down to ten men, but no matter, we carried on regardless and the opener duly arrived before the break. Akpo Sodje flicked a header on to Burton whose cushioned header fell for Jonjo Shelvey to make his first telling contribution of the game. He swept a 20 yard shot beyond Lucas in the Swindon goal in much the same way Danny Murphy had done for Fulham against Man U last weekend. Seven minutes to go to the break and we looked comfortable in spite of being down to ten men.

Deon Burton had been booked needlessly several minutes before for dissent and it was to cost him his match and Charlton two points when he foolishly earned his second yellow for attempting a Maradona as he went up with Lucas for an aerial ball.

Down to nine men with 50 minutes to go, things were looking ominous and you knew what the second-half was going to look like. Danny Wilson's charges came out like a different team and set about getting the two goals they needed for victory. We were defending in depth and it was all hands to the pumps. Wilson wasted no time in introducing fresh legs after six minutes of the restart and the impressive Alan O'Brien came on to lead the fightback. He looked just like Craig Bellamy on the left wing and his running style and crossing were faithful to the original.

We were looking to break when we had the chance but Akpo was struggling on his own with two markers to beat just to get the ball. Shelvey managed a fine solo effort having got down the left and having twisted past two defenders to get his shot in on goal.

Swindon got the equaliser their pressure deserved on 57 minutes when Charlie Austin was first to an Amankwaah pass and squeezed a shot across Elliot and into the far side netting. The disappointing Swindon following celebrated and more was to come following the introduction of Hutchinson up front. Austin latched onto another through ball but this time his cross was to the back post where Billy Paynter was lurking to apply the finish.

Swindon sat back on their lead and Charlton tried everything they could although it looked impossible with nine men. Scott Wagstaff was on for Omozusi and McKenzie had already replaced the tiring Akpo before Chris Dickosn was unleashed in place of Jonjo Shelvey. Amazingly we almost levelled matters towards the end when Dickson played a quick ball out to Wagstaff. Waggy galloped down the right before driving a low cross to the near post which Bailey got a touch on as Lucas came out. The ball beat Lucas but was cleared off the line by a covering defender and our goose looked cooked.

Having played most of the four added minutes, Jose Semedo picked up a ball in the centre-half spot and played it across to the leggy Matt Spring. Spring launched a final ball forward and the Valley held it's breath as the ball dropped deep into the Swindon box on the left. There on the charge was Miguel Llera who controlled the dropping ball before lifting it over the on-rushing Lucas for the most unlikely looking equaliser. I am convinced that Swindon could have come down and scored again if there had been more than twenty seconds left, so maybe it was the only way we were going to get anything from this game having been reduced to nine men.

With Leeds, Norwich and Colchester winning the heat is well and truly on, however, this point was very important because I believe we can now go unbeaten at home this season and we should enjoy the luxury of playing with eleven men at Brentford and Walsall.

The crowd was give as 17,977 which was pretty disappointing for a mild Boxing Day. Swindon's travelling contingent was poor at about 700 maximum, but there were plenty of red seats all around the stadium. We may have done well to hold onto 11,000 season ticket holders and to maintain a home following of 15-17,000 but the four or five thousand Championship deserters look like they have packed their bags until we are once again in a position to challenge for the Premier League.

Festive Greetings...

One and all. Merry Christmas to everyone who takes the time to read this blog and who encourage me to keep doing it - especially all of those of you who point out the deliberate mistakes and who enhance the debate with comments. A special mention too for my follow Bloggers and to all of the Charlton Lifers who collectively provide therapy for the Addickted.

As we look forward to our home match at the Valley tomorrow, in the words of Dave Allen, "may your God go with you."

Charlton forever!

League One Weekend Preview, Game 23

We go again on Saturday in what's becoming a personal weekly battle with Leeds and Norwich. Having lost the two points last week that we gained the week previously, maybe it's our turn again this week? To do that we will need to overcome sixth-place Swindon Town who have won four matches away from home and who should present more of a threat on paper than Millwall. However, the match is unlikely to be played at derby-pace and Swindon's away record flatters to deceive as I have pointed out before. I think we will get a hard-fought match but believe we will see it through and go to Brentford in fine fettle.

The freezing temperatures are due to rise a few critical degrees on Christmas Day and the forecast in London for Saturday means the game should be on. The fixture list elsewhere may well be in doubt, so it could be an opportunity to build on our lead....

Brighton & Hove Albion v Leyton Orient

The Seagulls have been going quite nicely away from home in recent weeks but invariably return home only to slump to defeat. TheO's aren't great travellers, and surely Brighton won't lose at home for a ninth time before the half-way stage in the season?

Prediction; 2-1

Bristol Rovers v Walsall

Rovers have leap-frogged Walsall in the table and are back on the fringe of the play-offs. They are going well at home and I can't see them slipping up at home here.

Prediction; 3-0

Carlisle United v Huddersfield Town

I'm guessing this match might be more vulnerable to the freeze than many others. If it goes ahead Huddersfield might find it a harder going than respective league table positions suggest.

Prediction; 2-0

Charlton Athletic v Swindon Town

After the drama of our last home game we are possibly due a quieter match and perhaps another clean sheet. My Christmas wish is that we can put out a largely unchanged side (Mooney apart) and that we put in a professional shift throughout the team. That should be enough for a one or two goal win. I really hope some of the stay-at-homes this season get off their backsides for this one and swell the gate. There's no reason why we shouldn't better last weeks 19,000 attendance although I suspect we will fall short of that.

Prediction; 2-0

Gillingham v Brentford

Brentford and Gillingham appear evenly matched although the Gills home form is at complete odds with their away. They won't win every match at the Priestfield this season and if they draw or lose many more than the four games they have failed to win so far, they could be in relegation trouble yet. If Brentford are up for this, they might just catch the Gills napping.

Prediction; 1-2

Leeds United v Hartlepool

It's probably too much to ask for but funny things happen over Christmas. Pool have nothing to lose here.

Prediction; 0-0

MK Dons v Stockport County

Surely MK will not trip up again at home after conceding a late winning goal to Charlie McDonald at the weekend? I can't see Stockport even scoring.

Prediction; 3-0

Norwich City v Millwall

Come on you Lions! Actually, a draw is probably as good a result for us. Millwall have managed only one win away from home this season but have been good enough for six draws. I fancy them to win four or five away before the season ends and they might come close here.

Prediction; 2-2

Oldham Athletic v Tranmere Rovers

Having given Les Parry the manager's job on a full-time basis,his side responded with a good home win last week over Bristol Rovers. Their away form isn't good and the honeymoon could be short-lived.

Prediction; 2-0

Southampton v Exeter City

Much as 'd love to see it, I can't see the Saints failing here after going down to the only goal at Elland Road on Saturday.

Prediction; 3-0

Southend United v Colchester United

Tough match this for Colchester. Essex pride at stake and Southend will need no motivation for this one. It could be the only goalin three and I fancy Sarfend.

Prediction; 2-1

Yeovil Town v Wycombe Wanderers

Home banker for me. Wycombe continue to struggle and this will be three cabs too far.

Prediction; 2-0

Striking fortune

After a relatively settled and healthy striking spell, things may be about to change. David Mooney has struck up a best-of-season strike partnership with Deon Burton these last couple of months. The fact that we are unbeaten in seven league games and have scored in them all hints at the increasing effectiveness of their double-act. We have also scored close to three a game during that spell.

It may be all change, however, as Mooney goes for a scan on his injured knee. If he's unlikely to play for even a couple of weeks he will return to Reading as his loan expires after the swindon game. Let us hope that his probable return does not mean that Parky has second thoughts about off-loading Izale Mcleod to Hearts. I am sure big Izale might find his his form amongst the smaller sides in the SPL. A Christmas wish too that it's a permanent deal.

As two doors close then, one looks like it may re-open for Chris Dickson and my bet would be on another loan striker joining to boost the second-half of the season. With McKenzie fit again, Chris might have to do with the bench again but he might get a final opportunity to score the goals he's always threatened to. I am guessing any January transfer activity might focus on bringing in another forward to boost our front line (if not a left winger). There may be a Championship or even Premier League striker who is firmly out-of-favour at their clubs who would welcome the chance of first team football and participating in a promotion charge rather than sitting the rest of the season out in the stiffs.

I've put this on my Christmas list, so let's hope Santa's listening.

We have to go for it on Saturday

This Saturday should see a bumper Boxing Day crowd at the Valley for the 1pm kick-off with Swindon Town. It's the half-way match from which we can assess our season so far and take time to make some predictions about how we will fare second-half.

As I have said before, we needed to win the five games up to and including Swindon to match the 51 points we gained in the 80-81 promotion season from this division. We are, obviously, now at least two short of that total but a win on Saturday and we will be left looking for 35 points in the second-half to match that historic promotion achievement.

Swindon have been hard to beat on their travels having lost only three times (Gills,Norwich and Bristol Rovers) but the rest of their away games have been against opposition 10th or lower, so we should be confident about beating them.

I firmly believe we have the squad to win most of the matches we play in this division but I have reservations about our approach in many games which seems to be that we want to hold onto leads rather than extend them. That was true again on Saturday when a more positive approach when we were twice in front might have got us the two-goal lead that would have killed Millwall off. For a top side we aren't handing out enough thumpings either. MK Dons at home and Tranmere away are the only two games we have won by a three goal margin and two of those at Tranmere were a touch freaky. Maybe I am being unrealistic or selfish here but I believe we need the added confidence that comes with big wins to take us through some of the nail-biters will will inevitably get before the end of the season, particular from the Millwall away game onwards (13th March).

Swindon would be a good place to start. Boxing Day matches can be unusually one-sided and often throw up big line-up surprises that question what's gone on in the days immediately beforehand. I am trusting our players won't be jetting off to Dublin for a booze-up or anything that unprofessional and that they will all be present and ready on Saturday to kick-start the holiday programme. It would make a pleasant change to be two-up at half-time and kill the game with a third early into the second-half and then go hammer and tongs for more. I don't think that's asking too much from promotion contenders. Norwich are doing it quite regularly even if Leeds have been as reliant on their parsimonious defence as on Robert Snodgrass and Jason Beckford's goals.

I'll settle for the odd-goal victory at Brentford and Walsall, but can we please take the game to Swindon, Hartlepool, Orient, Tranmere, Yeovil, Brighton and Stockport in our next seven home games. We've yet to play Swindon but we've already beaten five of the others at their place and drawn with the remaining one.