Charlton Slump Again

Another abject performance by the Addicks in front of their lowest league gate of the season.

The injury prone, Joe Anyinsah, missed the game after picking up a knock in training on Monday. Also missing through injury were Matt Fry and Johnnie Jackson. Powell opted for a 4-4-2 shape with Eccleston and Reid patrolling the flanks and Wagstaff partnering Wright-Phillips up front. Carlisle went with a fluid 4-3-3 shape which gave the Addicks plenty of space out wide when they launched their counter attacks.

It took just 10 minutes for the Addicks to make good use of the space. Francis played a diagonal ball to Eccleston and Charlton had men over in the box. Eccleston picked out Wright-Phillips who had time to take a touch, push the ball to his right before firing home off the post. At this stage it looked as though the three points would be wrapped up with a deal of comfort. How wrong that idea was proved to be.

The lead lasted little more than a quarter of an hour, Ben Marshall's drive being deflected just inside Elliot's left-hand post. That moment changed the game, the confidence drained out of the hosts and they reverted to launching long balls.

The Cumbrians had much the better of the second period, aided by some shocking defending. It was no surprise when Craig Curran put the visitors ahead just past the hour mark and their other front runner, Rory Loy, put the cherry on the cake ten minutes from time.

By this stage the home defenders were arguing wih each other and the team looked a very disspirited group.

Michael Slater said that Powell was the inspirational manager to take the club forward. Right now, Powell looks as though he needs an experienced campaigner by his side to inspire him. The play-offs are looking a long way off and the slide has to be halted immediately. Powell has said the place needs a lift and hopes to have a new player or two in before the Tranmere game on Saturday.

Hopefully the new arrivals will provide the boost needed to get the Addicks back on track. The cacophany of boos from the sparse crowd at the end hardly suggest that the Valley faithful will be rushing to renew heir season tickets this morning.

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