Charlton are clearly a decent team, and in the first 10 minutes we looked like it was going to be a typical end of season game when only one team has anything to play for. But like with recent weeks, we started doing the ugly things better. Kashi hassled, and despite not being to the same standard as recently, he disrupted Charlton. Brannaghan and Henry were also busy if not outstanding, and Garbutt and Sykes also pulled in a little to regain control of the midfield. Once we started getting that control, we seemed able to burst forward in all directions to support Sinclair who ran himself into the ground. Henry got forward and was sometimes guilty of taking the space Sinclair had, Sykes ran time and time again against their fullback and Garbutt also pushed their winger back.
As someone else mentioned, Nelson could have cleared the carpark 9 times out of 10 but absolutely buried it. Then Garbutt seemed to be offered half the goal to aim at but hit it with pace to give the keeper no chance. It was great to hear the could sing "Robbo, Robbo, what's the score" in reply to Charlton's earlier attempt, and it felt like a bit of a turning point with many fans seeming to recognise the changes in Robinson. On that note, he spoke with my daughter for ages before the game and really cares about the club and the fans. He might not be everyone's cup of splosh, but we could do a hell of a lot worse!
After taking the lead, I can't remember a point when I thought we'd concede. Dickie's distribution wasn't great, but alongside Nelson they cleaned up pretty much everything that came into the box. Long and Ruffels were again excellent at the back and with two long busting runs in the last couple of minutes.
As good as Sykes was, he was a luxury we could afford to be without so I guessed he'd be the one to make way for Eastwood's sloppiness (still not sure if it deserved a red!). Then Mackie came on to do what he does best.
All in all, a great game and gave plenty of reasons to look forward to next season. A few weeks ago we would have been expected to bring in two new full backs and a back up keeper (amongst others) in the summer. Long and Ruffels should hold their places and Jack Stevens has proved himself ready to back up Eastwood. I've heard that a couple of clubs expected to pick up Nelson are holding back (Sunderland?) so maybe there is a chance of keeping him after all? A 3 year deal, club captain and a big wedge of cash might sweeten any deal. We could be looking at £300k+ to get a like for like replacement or playing the waiting game for anyone out of contract so it might be worth chucking a big chunk of that his way to keep a settled back 4.
Garbutt, Kashi, Sinclair, Graham and Browne could all be available next year, and all appear very happy here. You would think that we would be at the front of the queue for any loan extensions or permanent deals if the asking prices were reasonable. Anyone should look at our form over the last couple of months and do everything possible to keep this going for next season. Either way, hats off to everyone who has put together this run and given us something to cheer this season. It's been a tough 18 months at the club but maybe we are finally on the way up.