On a rainy night in Southampton, Charlton found themselves faced with the tough task of trying to regain their self belief, while also trying to win a match.
In my opinion, they managed to eventually succeed in the former, granted, they didn’t spend the entire match as equals to a strong Southampton side, but they did fight for the game.
Six changes were made to the team who crashed out of the FA Cup on Sunday, with Carl Ikeme returning in goal, Grant Basey getting the nod at left back, with Kelly Youga being played out of position at right back, there were also returns to the starting eleven for Miguel Llera (sans scrum cap) and Matt Spring, in the places of Sam Sodje and Therry Racon.
The Captain’s armband for the evening was handed to Christian Dailly as Nicky Bailey was given the night off with Lloyd Sam and Scott Wagstaff starting on the wings.
Up front saw a debut start for on loan striker David Mooney, who spent the entire game chasing the ball and trying to help the Charlton attack, something that had recently been lacking in the Addicks attack.
Throughout the first half, much like in the league meeting between the two sides at The Valley earlier in the season, Southampton were firmly on top. With some examples of great defending Charlton managed to keep the Saints from scoring. However, just when the Addicks fans were beginning to think that the teams would go into half time at 0 -0 a poorly defended cross found Wayne Thomas who managed to bundle the ball into the net.
Half Time 1 – 0
The second half saw much the same from Charlton performance wise, until shortly after Paul Lambert’s long drive found its way past Carl Ikeme to make the score 2 -0.
On 67 minutes, Leon McKenzie and Deon Burton were introduced into the game, and yet again, the strike partnership had an immediate impact on the teams’ performance.
Unfortunately however, it was a case of too little too late as Leon McKenzie was able to score in the 91st minute in what was little more than a consolation goal.
So Charlton found themselves eliminated from two cups in three days, however, against one of the strongest sides in League One. The Addicks were able to regain some self belief, a belief that will be needed in abundance if Phil Parkinson’s men are to return to winning ways at the fortress Valley against MK Dons on Saturday.
Come on you Addicks!