A shambolic performance from Charlton in front of live coverage from ITV cameras saw the Addicks humiliated against a non league opposition who, by all accounts, outclassed the League One side throughout the match.
Not wanting to be embarrassed by being the first ever Charlton side to be beaten by Non- League opposition, Phil Parkinson played as strong a side as possible with the hope that his side could match the 7 -0 heights that Paul Lambert’s Norwich were able to dish out against Paulton Rovers only the day before.
Sadly, right from Kick off there was only one team in the match. Northwich Victoria, with their six foot plus Matt Bailey and long throw system caused havoc for the Londoners throughout the match, with Darren Randolph acting as Charlton’s only hint of a professional team.
Somehow Charlton, who had barely even had an attack at goal in the first half, managed to go in to half time with the scores at 0 – 0.
As the 2nd half began, Izale McLeod exampled the sort of behaviour that should never be seen in a Charlton shirt, by deliberately elbowing his opponent in an incident which was highlighted several times by the TV cameras. Lucky to stay on, McLeod continued to spend the game ambling about the pitch until finally Phil Parkinson removed him from the game.
Sadly, it wasn’t until McLeod was removed on 68 minutes that the Addicks had any attacking passion on their team. The introduction of Deon Burton and return of Leon McKenzie briefly inspired Charlton to try and play some football. Their impact was felt instantly however by this point many fans, like myself would be excused for feeling there was only going to be disappointment from the game.
Fears were realised on 82 minutes as a long ball over the top beat the Addicks defence, only to see Darren Randolph, who had been excellent all match, loose his head in a moment of madness and gift Northwich Victoria the winning goal by coming for the ball, then stopping and jumping in the air, allowing Wayne Riley the chance to poke the ball underneath the goalkeeper and into the back of the net.
Phil Parkinson came out after the game and apologised for the performance of the players, while the Charlton faithful, dejected at what they had just witnessed, move onto Wednesday’s game against Southampton hoping for a drastic change in fortunes to get the season back on track.
Come on you Addicks!