Charlton’s unbeaten start to the season ended on a frustrating afternoon at the Lamex Stadium.
Chris Powell opted to push Michael Morrison over to right-back and bring Leon Cort into the heart of the defence in an attempt to negate Stevenage’s physical approach. Danny Green and Yann Kermorgant kept their places in an otherwise unchanged line-up.
The match was played on a beautiful, sunny afternoon but the clement weather will not have brightened Powell’s mood. Again, his side struggled against opponents who were determined to get in their faces and frustrate them.
The only goal – scored after 12 minutes – had an element of good fortune about it. Addicks old boy, Stacy Long, cut in from the left before trying his luck from outside the area. His shot took a wicked deflection, possibly off teammate Byron Harrison, and left Ben Hamer wrong footed.
There were two incidents at the end of the half that will not have pleased the manager. Firstly, Leon Cort cleverly shepherded the ball out for a goal-kick. A corner was awarded but the referee gave a ‘diplomatic’ free-kick when the ball entered the area.
Then Ben Hamer miscontrolled the ball when it was played back to him and Craig Reid dispossessed him. From an acute angle, Reid’s shot rolled across goal but did not go out of play. Hamer was blaming everyone in sight and failed to notice the ball was still in play. Skipper, Johnnie Jackson, rightly remonstrated with the keeper.
Charlton had a couple of decent chances after the break. Bradley Wright-Phillips shot wide of the far post after breaking through on the left. Then Leon Cort’s downward header was superbly turned away by Chris Day.
Powell brought Wagstaff on for Green and made further late changes when Evina came on for Stephens and Hayes for Taylor. Evina played on the left of midfield with Jackson tucking inside. Paul Hayes came on for Matt Taylor as Charlton played with three up front and just three at the back.
Even six minutes of added time was not enough for the Addicks to salvage their unbeaten record. It was a hugely frustrating afternoon but the Addicks will face many teams who will play in a similar way. They need to be able to overcome these stifling tactics but two poor performances and just one point from the last two games is not good enough.
The manager needs to formulate a game plan to deal with sides who play in this manner.
Charlton: Hamer; Morrison, Taylor (Hayes 88), Cort, Wiggins; Green (Wagstaff 72), Stephens (Evina 81), Hollands, Jackson; Kermorgant, Wright-Phillips.
Subs (not used): Sullivan, Solly.
Booked: Green 55 (foul), Hollands 67 (foul), Morrison 72 (dissent), Wiggins 90 (foul).
Stevenage: Day; Henry, Ashton, Roberts, Laird; Wilson, Mousinho, Bostwick, Long (Shroot 70); Reid (Beardsley 57), Harrison (Byrom 82).
Subs (not used): Julian, Edwards.
Goal: Long 12
Booked: Reid 37 (foul), Mousinho 90 (timewasting).
Referee: Michael Naylor (Sheffield).
Attn: 4,724.