A beautiful sunny day, a free flowing M1, what more could you ask for early on a Sunday morning?

Well, a good performance from the team. This was a game that at the end of you did not want to have any regrets. If the team gives their all but loses, you have to accept defeat. Unfortunately, Charlton’s performance left much to be desired.

The mood in the Charlton camp was buoyant when they arrived, Johnnie Jackson was his usual ebullient self, Chris Powell was even singing as he got of the coach! One slight worry for the travelling Addicks was the sight of Valley PA man, Dave Lockwood, in the away end. Charlton rarely win on the road when Dave is present!

Marcus Tudgay – four times a scorer against the Blades for Sheffield Wednesday – came in for Astrit Ajdarevic, in the only change from the team that lost at Leicester.

Jackson won the toss and decided to attack the end housing the Charlton fans in the first half. The first 45 minutes saw an attritional affair with genuine chances at a premium.

The game was decided in an eight minute spell in the second period. Just before the hour mark, Jackson took a quick free-kick to Tudgay, the ball was squared to Harriott who shot wide of an open goal.

Six minutes later, Ryan Flynn was on hand to convert Jose Baxter’s well flighted cross. The game was effectively over two minutes later when John Brayford’s hopeful effort from the edge of the box took a huge deflection off Richard Wood and rolled past Hamer.

Addicks fans had to wait until stoppage time to see United keeper, Mark Howard, tested. The Blades stopper reacted acrobatically to turn Reza Ghoochannejhad’s effort over the bar.

So, as the home fans celebrated, the travelling thousands trudged home. Those who took a time out at Leicester Forest East Services would have seen Katrien Meire, resplendent in her Charlton scarf.

Those with internet access will have been intrigued by a quote from Chris Powell’s godson, Andy Ansah, who Tweeted:

“Charlton fans there is disappointment from today’s loss. The truth will surface behind it. I won’t say no more.”

That seems to indicate that the manager’s future is very much in the balance.

Charlton: Hamer; Wilson (Ghoochannejhad 71), Morrison, Wood, Wiggins; Cousins, Poyet (Green 71), Jackson, Harriott; Tudgay, Church (Ajdarević 65).

Subs (not used): Thuram-Ulien, Hughes, Dervite, Nego.

Booked: Jackson 39 (foul), Harriott 71 (foul).

Sheffield United: Howard; Brayford, Maguire, Flynn (McGinn 90), Harris; Doyle, Baxter (Davies 81), Collins, Coady; Scougall (Porter 86), Murphy.

Subs (not used): Hill, Miller, Long, Freeman.

Goals: Flynn 65, Brayford 67.

Booked: Flynn 14 (foul), Baxter 80 (foul).

Referee: Lee Mason(Lancahire).

Attn: 30,040 (5,331 from Charlton).