Andy Munro on Blues’ win at Charlton.
After only scraping a draw in the last few matches, this was a really welcome win. While I wouldn’t like to say that we are now looking upwards instead of downwards, at least it’s put a respectable distance between us and the bottom three. This fact together with the recent Carsen announcement – which may be something or nothing – means that, as usual, hope springs yet again amongst hard pressed Bluenoses.
Playing at Charlton’s ground in wet weather these days is a bit like remaking the Battle of the Somme and even more so this time it was a case of trench warfare in what was a vital battle for both sides. Mindful of the conditions, I thought that perhaps Ziggy would be allowed off the naughty step but Clark decided to go with another two up front. In fairness, I can see why in the case of Novak who, whatever his limitations, works like a Trojan tracking back as well as forwards.
Clark also started with a flank player (thankfully) while sensibly bringing in Robbo to add his experience, influence and bite at the back. Overall it all seemed to work although it was far from a faultless performance as, for long periods, we were under the cosh as Randolph picked up another man of the match award. Having said that credit must go to the rest of the defence for keeping a clean sheet and the Valiants at bay, although bizarrely one national newspaper gave them all a measly five out of ten rating.
Further up the pitch, Huws showed that he’s going to be some player and , yet again, set up another goal with Macheda getting his second for the club. Even better late in the game, the ever improving Adeymi ploughed a furrow through the mud to set up Macheda for an ice cool finish.
The fans’ jury is apparently out on our new forward in terms of his previous loan performances in the Championship but in fairness Manchester United rarely sign duds. The question is will he be an Italian Novak (as somebody rather ruthlessly put it after his first fleeting appearance) or will he be a Championship version of Mikael Forsell for the Blues? Time will tell.
