Following a weak performance in front of the Sky cameras against Leyton Orient on Monday night, the Addicks faithful went to The Valley today hoping to see Charlton bounce back from defeat with a vengeance.
Sadly, this was not the case, as Phil Parkinson’s side produced another frustrating display. New loan signing Kyel Reid and suspension returnee Sam Sodje produced the most promising football for Charlton during a first half in which the main talking point was an injury to Rob Elliot after 30 mins which saw the number one replaced by Darren Randolph.
Tranmere did not trouble the Charlton goal during the first half and the Addicks should have really capitalised, only for a fantastic save to prevent Deon Burton from opening the scoring.
Half Time: 0 – 0
The 2nd half began with Tranmere fighting to get into the game, a tactic which shouldn’t have worried Charlton, but our central midfielders seemed to disappear half of the time allowing the visitors to become a far more dangerous side.
It was the visitors who took the lead as well, I’m not sure if they had a shot on target by the time they scored, but the goal went in. An own goal off Sam Sodje who, along with Darren Randolph, could do nothing about it and should not take any blame for the freak goal.
Charlton tried in vain to respond and eventually got an equaliser after 57 minutes thanks to Nicky Bailey.
The Addicks were however, unable to use the goal to spur them on to victory and had it not been for poor finishing, a great Randolph save and the woodwork I fear we would have lost the game.
Phil Parkinson’s side very nearly salvaged a win, as a goal mouth scramble ensued on the 90th minute with some great defensive blocking and the woodwork saving the team placed 22 in the league.
3 away games in the next 9 days face the Addicks now with Walsall, Swindon and Bristol Rovers the respective destination as Charlton look to once again return to title winning form.
Come on you Addicks!