Total domination but Duff up front.

Charlton decided to play this game with 12 men, unfortunately one of them was Damien Duff. From the performance tonight, it was easy to see why Charlton are down the bottom of the table.  They where easily the poorest visiting team I seen so far.  Problem is it's hard to see where the goals are going to be coming from for the Toon, especially when a total numbty like Duff is playing up front.

The game for the Toon can be summed up as controlled but lacking the finishing touch.  Charlton never really threatened and Harper provided a safe pair of hands in goal when they did. 

That's it.   Erm....hopefully there'll be more to write about next weekend, though it was a dam sight more entertaining than the same fixture last year.

The Toon:

Harper – Had an easy time. When called upon he was in the right place.
Carr – One of his better games, looked like he couldn't be bothered early on then started to link up well with who ever was in front of him.
Bramble – One of his easiest games, did one mistake that Charlton didn't capitalise on.  His long passes forward where of poor quality.
Moore – Had an iffy first 20, but then settled into his usual “no messing” style of play.
Baba – Had a solid game, left a bit of space for the oppo but dealt with any issues.  Clicked nicely with Zogs.
Solano – Started out wide right then moved to a more central position when Duff tried his luck on the right.  Sorta vanished in the second half.  Subbed for Milner late on.
Butt – Solid.
Parker – Solid, perhaps could have pushed forward a bit more.
Zoggs – Spend the first half on his backside.  Second, did some nice runs but no body there to finish them off.
Rossi – His first start for the Toon.  A good performance.  Hit the bar. Whistled a belting shot just wide, their keeper was no where near it. Charltons 12^th man blocked a superb effort.  Died off in the second half.
Duff – Duff by name, Duff by nature.  Caught offside constantly. His attempt to get a pen was a joke. His shooting was s***. Blocked a superb chance for Rossi. Couldn't pass either.  Roeder must really hate Luque. 

Sub:
Milner – Came on late on and didn't get a chance to do much.

St James MotM: Butt.
Mine: Think I'll go for Babayaro, who had a good all round performance.

The oppo:
Sky sports claim it was an excellent defensive display, that means they where never out their half. If we'd had Martins or Luque on instead of Duff we would have thrashed them.

The oppo supporters:
Whey there was two coaches parked outside but I think they trooped off to Eldon square to do some early xmas shopping.  Never peeped all game.

The ref:
Bar one iffy decision, had a good game and kept it flowing. 9 out of 10.

By Rogue Pieman