Charlton Athletic 2 v 2 Cardiff City

Saturday 23rd November 2019
EFL Championship
The Valley, Charlton
Admission: Season Ticket
Programme: £3.00
Attendance: 16,011 (1,673 away)

This was one of the games I looked forward to most this season, having a bit of extra edge for me personally given my allegiance to Swansea City following my university years spent in the region when I was a regular visitor to the Vetch Field, and was fully exposed to the South Wales rivalry. Cardiff's recent managerial appointment of "Millwall legend" Neil Harris.

With both teams in quite poor form, the November international break probably came at quite a good time for both clubs. Charlton surprisingly impressive start to the season has floundered somewhat, picking up just one point from their last four league games, and most recently lost at arch rivals Millwall 2-1, and although as sure as night follows day that Charlton lose to Millwall, having not beaten them since the mid nineties, conceding the winner in added on time was particularly gutting. Charlton came into this game in 11th place, following six wins and four draws from their 16 league games, and still closer to the play-offs (6 points adrift) than the relegation zone (nine points clear) - overall, a situation I would have been more than happy with heading into late November. Cardiff have picked up five points (including one win) from their last five league games, a run which included the parting of ways with manager Neil Warnock. Newly relegated from the Premier League, they were in 14th place, following five wins and six draws from their 16 league games, and they do have a poor recent record from their visits to London, winning just two of their last 26 matched in England's capital.

A match report can be viewed by clicking here, and the highlights by clicking here .

Looking back at this game, it was a strange one. On the face of it, picking up just a point was a disappointing and poor outcome after throwing away a two goal lead at half time, and then Cardiff seeing their penalty saved. But in reality, Charlton were fortunate to be two goals to the good, and when Cardiff equalised, i would have taken a 2-2 draw all day long.