EFL League One
The Valley, Charlton
Admission: Season Ticket
Programme:£3.00
Attendance: 26,272 (3,159 away)
The vagaries of the football calendar meant it was two and a half weeks last Charlton’s last home game, which was a bit of a shame, given the Addicks’ sustained marked upturn in fortunes since Johnnie Jackson took over the reigns.
During the day, it looked like I might have to wait a bit longer for my return to The Valley, with Storm Barra delivering some really filthy weather conditions of strong winds and heavy rain in the afternoon, and a road accident on my work estate threatening to prevent me making it to the local train station on time. Happily, the forecast was better for London in the evening, the severe weather had not caused delays on the trains, and the estate cleared sufficiently just in time for me to make my way up to south east London.
After the success of the #Fillthevalley campaign for the fixture against Plymouth, which enabled season ticket holders to claim up to three free tickets, I again took advantage by bringing my partner, as well as relocating to a prime spot in the Alan Curbishley Stand (previously the East Stand). There has been plenty of debate on the merits of the initiative - some rightly praising it as a way to get The Valley close to full, creating a better atmosphere, perhaps attracting new people to The Valley who may spend money around the ground, and catch the bug to return in the future. There have been some detractors though…. tickets claimed that are not actually used, or much worse, sold on for a profit. For me, it was also surprising to continue the initiative for three consecutive games, as although the initiative created a special atmosphere with a bumper crowd for the Plymouth game, these things inevitably become less special when repeated in quick succession. Also, perhaps it would have been better to have covered one of the festive fixtures. But overall, it is certainly nice to the see the club devise ways to stimulate a better atmosphere, and hopefully attract some new followers.
Since their last home game, Charlton let slip a two goal lead before having to settle for a 2-2 draw at Morecombe, before losing to a goal deep in added on time at Shrewsbury. Positive results then followed in the cup competitions, winning 2-1 at home against Aston Villa U21 in the EFL Trophy, before winning 0-2 at National League South outfit Gateshead in the FA Cup Second Round. The Addicks came into this game in 15th place, following six wins and five draws from 20 league games. This was supposed to be the season when Ipswich pushed for promotion, with new owners spending plenty of money to shake up the squad, and Paul Cook, highly respected at this level, taking charge. Things haven’t worked out as well as hoped for the Tractor Boys though, coming into this game in eleventh place, following seven wins and six draws from their 20 league games, but a goalless draw at home to League Two outfit Barrow was the final straw for Cook, who was shown the door shortly afterwards.
A match report can be viewed by clicking here , and video highlights by clicking here
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