Fan’s View

By Alan Houghton

After an interesting night out in Horwich with friends from the London Whites and the West Country Whites, it was time to face our latest cup final in the form of Charlton Athletic.

For me, it was a change of pre-match routine as I had been kindly invited into a box for the match. The pre-match discussions took place over a lovely 3-course lunch, lubricated with very decent White Horse ale. Most of us thought that the Addicks had underperformed this season, languishing in the relegation zone, when they had been expected to be challenging in the top half.

With their new experienced manager, Nathan Jones, then the only way should be up. However, it was hoped that their revival would start next week after we had beaten them today.

After a quiet start, the Wanderers gained the initiative when Victor Adeboyejo poked one in. Virtually from the kick off, Charlton equalised. Our joy had been extremely short lived. Worse was to follow as they grew in confidence and nosed in front, just before half time. Our defence was uncharacteristically caught out again.

After half time coffee and cake, Paris Maghoma scored a brilliant individual effort to bring us level but once again, this was short lived as Charlton scored a third, ten minutes later. It was left to Jon Dadi Bodvarsson to save the day, with another neat flick for the equaliser.

At the end of the day, it was a precious point salvaged, from when three points were expected. Every game is going to be a challenge. Charlton are fighting against relegation under a new manager, and they went for it. They have Portsmouth and Derby to face next. We are not at our best right now. Injuries to key players are causing confusion and uncertainty, particularly in defence. We need the experienced players to stand up and be counted.

We need leaders all over the pitch. It wasn’t a disaster today as we got a point, but things are not going to get any easier in the race for promotion. We have got three testing away matches before we are back at the Toughsheet. It is a time for togetherness and heroes.