Charlton Athletic Online

Fulham 2 Charlton Athletic 1

A reasonable performance, but much of the same old story in terms of result - Charlton left another riverside today as tired losers once more.

The official website report is here.

Curbs made four changes from the team beaten by Boro - out went Rommedahl, Powell, Bartlett, and Hughes, and in came Ambrose, Marcus Bent, Sorondo, and Euell.

The radio commentary told us that Charlton were unlucky, and but for two fabulous late saves by Anti Niemi - one from Marcus Bent, and one from Herman Hreidersson (left) - Charlton would have had at least a point. It did seem as though the players (of both sides) were just going through the motions for much of the match though...

Chances were made and given, and Darren Bent, who missed a few it seems, now hasn't scored from open play in seven matches - hardly World Cup form!

The first goal conceded was a shocker by all accounts - with Thomas Myrhe beaten poorly at his near post by a Boa Morte free kick.

The good news, if we are to have any, was the equaliser, Jason Euell's first Premiership goal since November 2004 - will it be his last for the club?

The winner came again from Boa Morte, after he beat the whole back line in a dribble from the half way line apparently... Maybe someone should have kicked him?

The funniest moment was when Malbranque fell to ground once more after hardly being touched, gaining another free kick; the ball ran to Curbishley in the dug out, and he whacked it straight into the prone player! He may get a reprimand for that at some later date, but at least it showed he still cares and has the passion that the rest of us do too.

More good news is that no bookings were picked up, and with just four matches left, Charlton have a realistic chance of being the best behaved team on the Premiership pitches this season. This in turn gives us the opportunity once more of being in the ballot for a UEFA Cup place - the only chance Charlton have of getting into Europe.

We are at that stage where we all really just want the season to end, but unfortunately, we have a few more game to go yet. Monday's match with resurgent Pompey will be another tough encounter - they are six games unbeaten...

Some of the squad have things to prove - Ambrose, Hughes, and Sorondo - and some just want away - Euell, and Spector - so it will be interesting to see who Curbs picks for the next home game. Don't be surprised to see a switch back to 4-5-1 and the return of two wingers...at least we might get some entertainment even if it doesn't guarantee results.

Finally, the media is full of the stories linking Curbs with leaving Charlton at the end of the season - be it for England (now unlikely) or another club (Newcastle, Villa, Man Utd???). I will be sad to see him go, if this is the case, but for the sake of the club, I just hope that a decision on this happens quickly, so we can all move on...