Charlton lost 2-0 to Bury on Saturday in a game Russell Slade will feel his team should have got something from.
Once again, the Valley outfit’s inability to defend set pieces cost them dear, both goals came following corners.
An overcast day heralded the start of the new season, and it was a chilly start to the day.
For those who know Gigg Lane, the away end has switched to the opposite end, with the old away end now unpopulated. Could Bury be the only team in the country without fans behind the goal?
Charlton fielded an all British 18, with seven debutants – Declan Rudd, Jason Pearce, Kevin Foley, Andrew Crofts, Ricky Holmes, Lee Novak and Nicky Ajose – in the starting line-up. There were another four potential debutants on the bench, which comprised seven academy graduates.
Amongst the Charlton fans was a lone piper. The away end reverberated to a very noisy rendition of ‘Valley Floyd Road’ shortly before kick-off.
A Neil Danns penalty, and a Kelvin Etuhu strike from a Tom Pope cross did the damage.
Up until they conceded, the Addicks looked comfortable and had some chances of their own, notably Nicky Ajose who was foiled by Ben Williams’ quick thinking, and Lee Novak who failed to connect with a dangerous cross from the left.
Declan Rudd commanded his area well, and made a stunning save from Danny Mayor’s free-kick, but unfortunately for the keeper, the resultant corner led to the penalty.
Pearce pushed an opponent, Nigel Miller pointed to the spot, and Danns fired past Rudd’s right-hand.
Etuhu converted Pope’s cross, to add the second near the end.
Ricky Holmes revelled in his free role in midfield, but Charlton need to be more clinical in the area.
Charlton: Rudd, Solly, Johnson, Pearce, Fox; Holmes, Foley (Hanlan 84), Crofts, Jackson; Novak, Ajose (Lookman 68).
Subs (not used): Phillips, Konsa, Holmes-Dennis, Ahearne-Grant, Muldoon.
Bury: Williams; Jones, Leigh, Kay, Pope; Clark (Ismail 57), Danns, Mellis (Etuhu 74), Soares; Hope (Mayor 57), Cameron.
Subs (not used): Rachubka, Tutte, Brown, Dudley.
Goals: Danns 71 (pen), Etuhu 87.
Referee: Nigel Miller (Hertfordshire).
Attn: 4,037 (1,015 from Charlton).
TAGS: Charlton Athletic