Fulham 2-1 Charlton: Urgh...
Posted by The Addickted in Charlton | 16 October 2006
Once again we have witnessed a game featuring both "Good Charlton" and "Bad Charlton" and as usual, Good Charlton played for longer, but lost to the Bad.
In reflection, I just don't understand what happened. The same XI that finished the first half in some style, came out looking like they didn't know where they were. Once Fulham had capitalised on this bizarre lapse in concentration with two goals in quick succession, Charlton suddenly snapped back in to life, but all to late in reality. Bent added one to his tally with a good example of a poachers goal but the game finished at 2-1.
A (slightly) more neutral evaluation:
Fulham coped well with sustained pressure from the Addicks for the majority of the first half, with the visitors ammounting to few real clear cut chances. A good strike from Andy Reid, another attempt from Dennis Rommedahl and a low drive from Hasselbaink represented all of the first half strikes at goal. Carson had relatively little to do except the odd bit of mopping up and Rommedahl seemed to be enjoying the role of skinning Quedrue time after time on the right wing.
In the second half the Cottagers started stronger and began causing the Charlton defence a few problems. A true scrap ensued for the next 10 minutes or so with Fulham winning the majority of the midfield battles. In the blink of an eye Charlton were 2-0 down, firstly a Brian McBride shot from the edge of the penalty area, with a hint of handball, and secondly a great one-on-one finish from ex-Addick Claus Jensen under pressure. When Charlton managed to start stringing one or two passes together again they saw Darren Bent secure a lifeline back into the game, but no one took up on the opportunity. Jensen added a touch of class to the Fulham team in the second half coming on as a late substitute and the Cottagers calmly saw out the remainder of the game with few scares.
My Man of the Match: Dennis Rommedahl
