Scotty's Scorcher

Charlton 3 Bournemouth 0


What a performance. What a goal by Scotty Wagstaff. What a bloody vast improvement on the last two seasons.

Okay the last comment maybe a bit premature after a three nil drubbing of a team I fully expect to struggle this year. However, I'm sure most will agree, this was one of the best performances from a Charlton side for a very long time.

What was clear, was that Chris Powell was still playing the same system that failed so awfully last season, but with the personnel he has assembled worked and was a joy to watch.

The back four put in mind of the Brown's, Balmer's and Webster's. Taylor an extremely passionate and vocal centre back, marshaling his colleagues in defence commandingly.  Wiggins looking a very safe full back.

The midfield, Jackson (who I think will become a great captain), Hollands, Stephens and Wagstaff all passing the ball cleverly and fluidly, and all putting in tackles to slow down any chance of Bournemouth creating any momentum and quick attacks.  Stephens crosses and incisive passing was so exciting and when he got the ball you could feel the crowds anticipation of what he would do with it.

Wagstaff scored one of those wonder goals, the type that when it leaves the foot, nine out of ten times it's going into row Z. A sublime volley, the type of goal that when you celebrate, you celebrate with the little bit more delirium than usual.

Up front, you didn't get the usual from BWP, he stayed in the game for longer, tackled back (well attempted to) and I think will enjoy and feed on the service he gets from the rest of the side. (With the players around him, I think he'd be disappointed if he doesn't have a 20 goal plus haul this term.)  Hayes also, despite  luke warm reports of him from pre season, looked to me like as he gets used to BWP and the midfield could contribute well, not the most pace in the world but looked like he has a football brain and his positioning was good.

It feels most odd writing such a positive post match summary.

When asked who my man of the match was, I found it really difficult to single out any one individual.  They all played great, Pritchard again impressed when he came on as sub.  One to watch I think. It still is a work in progress, but if yesterdays performance was anything to go by, and as the players play more games together and gel even more we are in for a thrilling season.

If I have to pick one, it would be Robbie Elliot.  Obviously the introduction of Hamer with the number one shirt, and some of the conjecture over Robbie's future would have affected him over the past few weeks. Hamer injures his thumb in midweek, and Elliot comes out and puts in a performance full of nervous energy.  You could see how desperate he was to keep a clean sheet, and the times he was called on to make saves he did.

At the end when he jumped out of the tunnel pointing at the number 44 on the back of his shirt and kissing the badge, you could see there is an real and genuine supporter proud to be playing for the club.

Can't wait for Tuesday night.

Come on you Reds!!!