Charlton Athletic 2 - West Bromwich Albion 2

Brendan Clegg:

Pretty furious about the two points we've thrown away there, so I'll keep this really brief.

First half I thought we were rubbish. Nowhere near enough intensity or desire apart from the lads at the back and Livermore. I think the half was summed up by Johnstone doing his best to give Charlton a goal straight out of the Graeme Jones playbook where outfield defenders are allowed to abdicate responsibility and give the ball to a footballer only good enough to play in goal, who then tries to hit passes like Pirlo.

We got away with that one and Zohore scored a goal after winning the ball and then, in a style that was to follow for the whole match, shooting from a ridiculous angle when others had a tap-in, only to get lucky with a block and finish the rebound well. It's a bloody good job he scored.

We conceded a goal when Charlton didn't look dangerous from a cross and a knock-down: Bowyer did his homework on that for sure but it felt like a stroll in the park or a 'ride it out' performance from too many and I'd have happily subbed half of them.

Second half we were transformed. Not sure if it was the game plan or a rocket but, calling them out, Sawyers, Pereira, Phillips, HRK and Zohore suddenly started running about, putting themselves about and wanting the ball. For about 25 minutes we were utterly dominant, scoring one but having 4 or 5 situations when we broke 3 v 3 or better but our decision making was terrible, we shot from range or slowed it down at the last moment. We should've been out of sight before the subs were made.

Diagana's arrival added created more space and again that final ball was either rushed, over elaborate or not even chosen and you just knew it would come back to haunt us.

Charlton's 2nd came from another long cross, overloading Townsend and I'm pretty sure Johnstone should've kept it out.

There was still time for us to waste opportunities. The best that sticks in mind was Townsend being played in and he really should've just cut across and put his right foot through it from 14 yards but he wanted ages for it to roll to his left foot and was robbed having been 60-40 favourite.

Pereira planted a decent opportunity for a free kick into the wall and from the rebound Austin did his best to set up Charlton for a break away winner - thankfully they weren't good enough to take it.

Top of the league but the gap shortened and a really missed opportunity. Let's hope we can find a pacey forward to put all of our attackers under pressure to perform for 90 minutes like they did in the second half here.

• SJ - 5 Some really poor kicking and I think should be saving that second header.
• Furlong - 7 Gave everything, tried to get forward and defend, some big back stick defensive headers.
• Semi - 7 Not always on it but his pace is so vital for us.
• Bartley - 7 Again some dicey moments but some big challenges too. We need better players to show the same desire.
• Townsend - 6 Ran his legs off, tried to support attacks and showed some good touches at times but his physical weakness cost us at both ends.
• Livermore - 7 Showed some good touches and tried to keep us going, also kept biting at them.
• Sawyers - 6 5 first half, 7 second so there's you're average. How do we get him fired up to start games?
• Phillips - 6 Same as Sawyers. Was a different player 2nd half and cut them to ribbons before he tired. I'd rather he just gave us 60 minutes at 100% then made way.
• HRK - 6 Another who was Jekyll and Hyde. Brilliant for 20 in the second half, perhaps after his booking meant he couldn't dive about or look for cheap fouls anymore. We missed him when he went off.
• Pereira - 6 Had an influence on the game as he always does but isn't far away from being dropped for a game to wake him up. Doing less running than he did earlier in the season and needs to work harder now he's being targeted.
• Zohore - 6 Good he scored and has plenty to work with if he really wants it, but was another who seemed to care far more 2nd half but was then subbed. Can do more.

• Diagana - 6 Fast feet and trickery but choices were a bit rusty.
• Austin - 5 I felt he offered very little.
• Edwards - 6 Direct, energetic, tried to make things happen, looks desperate to play.

Richie:

Thanks Brendan Clegg for all your great reporting on the Albion games. I would be lost without you,

Albion supporter in Ireland

Didcot Baggie:

Well Said Richie! Thanks Brendan for the always informative posts. A reliable source of information on what's really happened in a game and how players are performing.

It's been a slightly disappointing Christmas and New Year period, but we are still several points clear of the 3rd placed team. A win against Stoke will be a great boost. Come on you Baggies!