Charlton head to Stevenage this weekend looking to extend their lead at the top of League One.

Stevenage on their own patch represent a formidable challenge for any team. Graham Westley’s side will be even more fired up when the unbeaten table-toppers come calling.

Westley’s side are well drilled, his training methods are different to many, his team are put through their paces both in the morning and afternoon, not just the single session most clubs have.

Stevenage are a physical, in-your-face side, similar in many ways to Tranmere. After the opening few rounds of matches, clubs get to know what to expect from their opponents and formulate ideas to counteract them.

Les Parry worked out that hard endeavour, denying Charlton time and space would give the Addicks real problems. Tranmere’s tactics were both frustrating and effective and Charlton can expect more of the same on Saturday.

The Addicks will need to stretch the game, use the full width of the pitch and make the ball do the work to break Stevenage down. A player with real pace would be a great help but there are enough talented players in Powell’s squad to overcome Westley’s game plan.

No doubt Powell would have emphasised the point when the squad had a night out at a swanky Docklands restaurant on Tuesday.

Once the side begin to impose their superior quality, their opponents will have to rethink their strategy.

November will be a pivotal month for the Addicks, there are just four scheduled matches but they are all tricky. The FA Cup First Round will be played on the the weekend of 12 November, with a chance – particularly if they are drawn away – the Addicks will be shown live on television.

Home matches against Preston and Huddersfield are scheduled for 5 and 26 November respectively with the trip to Brentford taking place on 19 November.

Huddersfield’s record breaking unbeaten league run could have extended to over 40 matches by then and this is another game that could be televised.

Sky have indicated that they will transmit a League One or Two match live on Monday 28 November but no decision will be made until after the Fourth Round of the Carling Cup has been completed on 26 October.

Both Charlton and Huddersfield have already been eliminated from the competition so the match between the two would seem a prime candidate for Sky coverage.