SATURDAY 16TH September, 2000, FA CARLING PREMIERSHIP

CHARLTON ATHLETIC   1-0   TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

            Johansson (39)

Referee: - J Winter, Attendance: - 20,000

Charlton (4-4-2):   Kiely, Powell, Stuart, Rufus, Kinsella, Hunt, Robinson, Brown, Konchest, Jensen, Johanson

Spurs (4-3-2-1):      Sullivan, Carr, Campbell, Vega, Treacle, Leo, Sherwood, Freund, Iversen, Rebrov, Ferdinand
Subs: Walker, Etherington, Perry, Thatcher, Clemence

Just got back from the Valley - a mixture of mostly disappointment mixed in with a bit of anger. Disappointment as they tried hard and deserved to get at least a point and anger that we leave another soft three points behind due primarily a lack of class that cannot be replaced by effort alone (and some bizarre substitutions).

The whole atmosphere reminded me of a tricky away 3rd round of the cup game at a lower league team - poxy ground with corrugated panels, grass where terraces used to be and the majority of the Charlton fans applauding when Tottenham were welcomed to the stadium. Spurs played the same formation that eventually secured the points against West Ham, with Vega coming in for Young and Perry one of the subs (call me old fashioned, but did we really need both Perry and Thatcher as sub? with no recognised forward)

Both team started brightly - Charlton looking dangerous whenever they attacked with Mad Ramon giving everyone the jitters. Sullivan had another good match with good saves at the start of the first half and an excellent save at the end of the match. One fruit cake, tried to start a "save Ian Walker" song and found only ridicule

Spurs managed to force some early corners with some good moves mostly going through Rebrov. The Ukrainian turned sharply to force Keily to save with his legs and had another effort deflected just over the bar. Iversen had a deft near post flick expertly saved by the excellent Keily from the resultant corner.   The Spurs midfield managed to get on top as the first half developed and Sherwood also came close to scoring with a looping header and seemed to have a decent shout for a penalty after being felled at waist height in the box. The best chance of the half fell to Taricco who rattled the bar with a well-taken shot from the edge of the area after a knock down by Iversen, who was better than the abysmal performances of recent weeks although guilty of missing a sitter later on.

Disaster struck soon after, seemingly out of nothing Graham "Diamond Geezer" Stuart dummied a through ball that confused his marker Campbell, who let the ball go through/under his legs and it ran on to Johansson who was in acres of space as Ramon had decided to step up for a poorly judged offside. The young Finnish striker ran slipped the ball under the advancing Sullivan for a smart goal. The 39th minute lead was against the run of play but on review was an excellently worked manoeuvre. I did n't feel too worried at the time, we were far from brilliant but had enough to suggest that we should get back into the game with over half the match still to play.

Spurs had most of the second half and pressed forward with enthusiasm but lacked guile and a bit of luck. Ferdinand had a great opening and his fierce shot produced a great save from Keily and later had a header straight at the Republic of Ireland number one who also managed to save Iversen's goalbound volleyed rebound. Keily was correctly elected man of the match by Gooner George but was aided by Iversen managed to miss the target from about 6 yards with a soppy header shortly after. These proved to be the best of our chances and despite pressing to the final whistle it seemed like it was going to be one of those days

Not satisfied with taking us to another away defeat, the goons wanted to make sure with the most peculiar substitution. A goal down and a highly rated left winger on the bench seemed a perfect opportunity to lose Iversen or Les (or anyone), switch Leo to the right and bring on Etherington on the left and go back to 4-4-2.

But no - our goons decided the two midfielders most likely to get in the box and score Sherwood  & Leo had to go for Perry and Clemence. So we push Vega up front and use Clemence wide on the left, er no - play 3 centre backs, push Carr and Treacle into official wing backs (they were pretty advanced anyway, so there was virtually no difference) and play Clemence in the middle to right. This took the steam out of our attack and virtually ended our chances. Thanks a lot and f*ck off

Sullivan 7/10 some excellent saves and a good all round performance Carr 6/10 a solid performance, always an option for the crablike midfield, but less end product than of recent weeks. Also sported a mean shaven head for the first time, which should make him even more awesome. Taricco 7/10 Solid defensively and a good offensive game, although he's very right footed for a left back. Sol 6/10 surprisingly let the ball go thro his legs twice, the first time setting up Charlton's goal but did ok otherwise. Vega 5/10 not at his best, but gave 100% and is always excellent in the air

Leo - 6/10 summed the team up, proud of his effort, just lacked a little bit of magic. Freund 6/10 another solid game in the middle but no shots to laugh at. Sherwood 6/10 still well off his best, but tried hard

Rebrov 7/10 looked good whenever he got into the match, which was n't enough. I wonder if George knows what to do with him, as he plays to deep for a conventional striker and is not a midfielder. I'd also like to see him take players on and shoot more. Iversen 6/10 played better, but missed an easy header. Sir Les 6/10 is playing better these days, but he's hardly a goal threat. Somebody amongst the forwards needs to take responsibility for putting the ball in the net