There is much to look forward to for the Charlton women's team at the
moment.
  Whether it's the clash with Doncaster Rovers Belles at the end of
the month, or the impending two Valley games against Arsenal and the
Belles over the next two months, it's an exciting time for the
Premier League table-topping Addicks.
  But manager Keith Boanas will be aware that matches such as the
visit of bottom of the table Tranmere Rovers to Hayes Lane on Sunday
are just as important as the more high-profile encounters mentioned
above.
  At least his players have managed to get a bit of rest this week.
  The postponement of Charlton's away meeting with the Gunners was
called off at late notice probably to the disappointment of the
Addicks boss, who may have wanted to play the match when his side
were in-form.
  But equally, following a period in which several players featured in
five matches in 15 days for club and country, the seven days between
this Sunday's match and Charlton's 7-0 Premier League Cup demolition
of Brighton last weekend will have been welcome indeed.
  One incident which will not have been welcomed, however, was the
second-half dismissal of England striker Carmaine Walker against the
Seagulls, for dissent, after the referee ruled what would have been
her second goal of the game out for offside.
  But while not approving of his player's conduct, Boanas was quick to
show sympathy with the forward.
"I thought the sending off was very harsh," he said.
"Week-in, week-out in the Premiership you see players swearing at
referees and getting away with it, so as far as I'm concerned it's
dual standards.
Carmaine swore when her goal was ruled out and she shouldn't have
done that, but she was swearing at the situation - not directly at
the referee. He still gave her a straight red though."
  Along with Walker, also on target for the away side was defender
Eartha Pond, who celebrated her first ever goal for the club by
grabbing a second as well, and captain Casey Stoney, whose header
made it four goals in five games this season. Jo Broadhurst, Jess
Smith and Fara Williams completed the rout.
Added Keith:
"Perhaps we started out with a bit of complacency and cockiness, but
I had words with the girls at half-time and they were much sharper in
the second half.
In the end it could have been a bigger scoreline, but I can't be
unhappy with 7-0 even though I'm disappointed for Carmaine."
  Before the match against Brighton, Boanas openly pondered whether he
was going to rest some of his players given their recent exertions.
  Indeed, for the first time this season he altered his starting line-
up, with both Walker and Alexa Hunn dropping to the bench and
replaced by Emma Coss and Susan Rea, but Walker was still on the
pitch inside 15 minutes when Amanda Barr had to leave the field with
stomach pains.
  Both newcomers impressed, particularly Coss who created two of the
goals from her defensive position and is presently enjoying her
longest spell at the club unaffected by injury.
  But it would still be a surprise if it wasn't service as normal for
Sunday's Tranmere fixture, with Boanas reverting to the starting XI
that has recorded a 100 per cent record in the league thus far this
season.
  Mid-table at the end of 2003/04, Rovers have made a disappointing
start to the current season and have yet to record a victory, or even
earn a point, in their opening three fixtures.
  So it would be a major shock if Tranmere, who were beaten 2-0 by the
Addicks both times last season, took something away from Hayes Lane.
  In Rovers' defence, Charlton were not the only team to score seven
goals last weekend, and Tranmere put seven past Watford in their own
first round tie in the Premier League Cup.
  But Charlton are likely to provide much stronger opposition that the
Southern Division Hornets, and the home side will be boosted by
Rovers' league record this season, which reads played three, lost
three, with two goals scored and 14 conceded.
  Even the two goals they scored arrived when they were on the wrong
end of a 9-2 drubbing by Arsenal in the opening game of the season,
and Rovers have since been beaten 2-0 by Doncaster Belles and,
worryingly, 3-0 by newly promoted Aston Villa.

[Womens Preview By Matt Wright]
©CAFC.co.uk

Charlton's U19 side will be aiming to chalk up their third
consecutive academy league victory on Friday afternoon when London
neighbours Fulham visit the training ground (2pm).
  In a game originally scheduled for the normal Saturday morning slot,
coach Mark Robson looks in a position to field a strong side after
second-year scholar Adam Gross (pictured) was the only academy player
to have an involvement in the reserves' 0-0 draw with Watford on
Monday night.
  So far, the older academy side has just one blot on their record – a
strangely subdued 3-0 defeat at Blackburn at the end of August – with
victories arising against Leeds United, Aston Villa and Bristol City.
  And Robson admits that he didn't expect his team to be quite so
quickly out of the blocks.
"To be honest I'm a little bit surprised with the results we've
picked up so far," he said.
"We have a strong squad but we have had to make one or two changes to
our shape and I was expecting the lads to need a few weeks to adapt.
But they seem to have handled it very well and I'm looking forward to
the Fulham game. Fulham like to get the ball down and pass it and we
usually have some very good battles with them."
  Two seasons ago goals from Michael Turner and Jamie Martin gave the
young Addicks a battling draw against the Cottagers at Sparrows Lane
and last season a first-half strike from Ralph Frempong was enough to
seal a 1-0 win for Charlton at Fulham's training ground.
"We don't have a bad record against Fulham," said Mark.
"Although my players are always up for a battle, I think they prefer
it when the other team is trying to play attractive football."
  Against City last week, first-year scholar striker Thomas Ward was
handed his first U19 start of the season and although he didn't get
on the scoresheet, the busy forward had an encouraging morning and
could be retained.
  At the back, Robson could go for Mark Ricketts, Bob Thanda and Simon
Jackson, while Gross' 90 minutes for the second string earlier in the
week may mean that Manny Shodeinde will come into the starting line-
up.
  Midfielder Karl Beckford was surprisingly left on the bench last
week but after making a considerable impact having come on 20 minutes
into the second half, could be reinstated.

The U17s play as normal on Saturday morning, and Steve Avory's team
will welcome Coventry City to the training ground (11am) hoping to
pick up their second win of the season.
  It's been something of a mixed bag for the younger team so far, with
two defeats, a draw and a 7-1 win on their record.
  Schoolboy striker Onome Sodje has been on excellent form with five
goals already under his belt, and fellow U16 players James Walker and
Myles Weston have also started well having scored two goals each.
"Results have been indifferent but I think we've improved in the last
couple of weeks," said Steve, who has seen his team beat Watford 7-1
before being edged out by the odd goal in seven by Arsenal.
Despite the fact that we have been playing with only three or four
scholars in the team, we have performed well and I think with the
amount of attacking players we have in the side, we will be a handful
for anyone."

[Academy Previews By Terry Cordwell]
©CAFC.co.uk

>>>FA Barclaycard Premiership 03/04 : Saturday 20th September : Villa
Park :

>Aston Villa:
Central defensive duo Olof Mellberg and Ronny Johnsen will face late
fitness tests for Villa.
  Johnsen has been struggling with a hamstring problem while Sweden
international Mellberg is the more likely to miss out with a groin
problem.
  But frontman Darius Vassell is expected to feature after keyhole
surgery on a groin injury of his own and midfielder Gareth Barry
returns from a two-game suspension.

Villa (from): Sorensen, McCann, Mellberg, Johnsen, Delaney, Samuel,
Hendrie, Hitzlsperger, Barry, Allback, Angel, Alpay, Dublin, Hadji,
Vassell, Postma

>Charlton Athletic:
Charlton welcome back Mark Fish from suspension at Villa Park.
  The South African defender, banned last week following his sending-
off against Manchester City, returns as Alan Curbishley's defensive
worries are eased.
  The Addicks boss will also have England Under-21 international Luke
Young back after a stomach bug, but Richard Rufus and Hermann
Hreidarsson (both knee) are still out.

Charlton (from): Kiely, Kishishev, Young, Fish, Perry, Fortune,
Powell, Jensen, Parker, Stuart, Holland, di Canio, Euell, Lisbie,
Bartlett, Johansson, Royce

>Betting Odds (SkyBet):
Aston Villa 4/5 Draw 12/5 Charlton 11/4

©Sky Sports

-

A full extensive match preview by Terry Cordwell of the forthcoming
away Premiership clash against Aston Villa, can be found at
Charlton Athletic's official website:
>http://www.cafc.co.uk/

-

For a more alternate view, an article previewing this Saturday's
game can also be found at Villa's official website:
>http://www.avfc.co.uk
[Registration Required Website]

-

Team news, fixture history and other interesting facts about the
encounter between the Villians and the Addicks is also available at
BBC Sports Online:
>http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3084352.stm

Charlton Athletic striker Mathias Svensson has agreed to extend his
loan spell at Derby County by a further month.
  The Sweden international has been a big hit for the Rams scoring
three times in five games, but manager George Burley's delight at the
news has been tempered by an injury to Michael Johnson.
  The former Birmingham City defender was forced off with a neck
injury during the first half of Wednesday's 3-2 win over Watford and
now faces at least six weeks on the sidelines.

©Nationwide

Following a 2-0 home defeat to champions Manchester United on
Saturday, Charlton have slumped to 78th place in the EuroFootsie
league, the table that ranks every top-flight club in Europe.
  It was a seven-place slide within a week for the Addicks, who are
now sandwiched between Swedish outfit Rosenborg and Ukrainian minnows
Shakhtar Donetsk.
  Not surprisingly, Spanish champions Real Madrid head the list,
followed  by Manchester United, Real Sociedad, Barcelona and Juventus.

©CAFC.co.uk

The Charlton women's team has been handed a home tie against Welsh
outfit Bangor City in the second round of the Premier League Cup.
  The tie will be played at Hayes Lane, Bromley on Sunday, October
12th and means the Addicks face three home matches in succession,
with the Bangor game preceding crunch fixtures against Arsenal (at
The Valley) the following Thursday and Fulham on Sunday, October 19th.

©CAFC.co.uk

Chris Bart-Williams, currently on a month's loan at Ipswich Town,
played the full 90 minutes of the Tractor Boys' first league win of
the season last night.
  The 29-year-old midfielder came close to scoring on his debut with a
second-half shot as Ipswich beat Walsall 2-1 at Portman Road - a
result that lifted Joe Royle's team off the bottom of Division One.
Darren Bent and Alun Armstrong were on target for the home side.

©CAFC.co.uk

Tickets for Charlton's London derby date against Arsenal on Sunday,
October 26th will go on sale on Sunday, September 28th - the date of
the Liverpool match - to season-ticket holders, Valley Gold members
and CAPS members with two credits.
  Please note that tickets will only be sold to personal visitors to
the ticket office on that day, however, with telephone bookings taken
from the following day.
  The seats are priced £35 adults, £25 seniors/U18s and £20 U16s. The
match kicks off at 2pm because the game against last season's
Premiership runners-up is being shown live on pay-per-view television.

©CAFC.co.uk

The Charlton women's team will be defending their unbeaten record at
The Valley next month when they play the first of two matches at the
club's famous home stadium.
  Currently two points clear at the top of the Premier League with
four wins from four games, Charlton have been setting the women's
football world alight in the early stages of the 2003/04 season.
  And now thousands more Charlton fans will have the opportunity to
watch the team in action at The Valley against London rivals Arsenal
and last season's league runners-up, Doncaster Rovers Belles.
"This is great news for us," said Addicks boss Keith Boanas.
"The girls love the opportunity to play at The Valley.
I have no doubt that both games will be great adverts for women's
football, and the big thing is that this move will encourage people
to come along and support us."
  Charlton will play host to the Gunners on Thursday, October 16th
(7.45pm), and The Valley will also be used for the home clash with
the Belles on Sunday, November 16th (2pm).
  Both matches are likely to be close affairs that will go a long way
to determining the final destination of the National Division title
and, with the Addicks unbeaten in their two previous fixtures at the
home of the men's team, the prospects are promising.
Keith added:
"It offers us a fantastic stage and a nice pitch that as a good
footballing side, we should be able to take advantage of. It's
brought the best out of us in the past and I would expect it to
again."
  Last season Charlton became the first side to take points off
eventual treble winners Fulham when the Cottagers scrambled a last-
gasp equaliser to come away from The Valley with a 1-1 draw in
October. But Charlton beat Arsenal 1-0 in an FA Cup semi-final in
March.
  Although Charlton will be playing two games at The Valley in the
next two months, the Addicks' next home fixture is against Tranmere
Rovers on Sunday, September 21st (2pm).
  Home games are normally played at Bromley FC's ground at Hayes Lane,
Bromley. Charlton season-ticket holders can gain free admission on
production of their booklets.

©CAFC.co.uk

Blackburn Rovers trialist Julian Gray is set to be given the chance
to win himself a move to Ewood Park by playing in the reserves on
Wednesday.
  Gray is currently on trial at Rovers after seeing out his contract
at Crystal Palace and he is keen to secure a move to The Premiership.
  Charlton have also expressed an interest in signing the 23-year-old
and Gray is hopeful of winning a move to either one of the clubs.
"At this stage in my career I just want to play in The Premiership,"
said Gray.
"I just want the opportunity to play and show what I can do.
Blackburn and Charlton are both big clubs, they are both up there, so
hopefully I can sign for one of them.
When you go to a club like Blackburn and see the players they have
already got it makes you want to do well and be among those kind of
players all the time."
  Rovers boss Graeme Souness is set to watch the winger in action
against West Brom and will decide whether or not to sign him after
seeing him in a competitive game.
"We'll have a look at Julian in a competitive game and then come to
some decision after that," said Souness.
  Gray can still sign for either club as he is available on a free
transfer although Palace are entitled to some form of compensation as
he is under 24.

©planetfootball.com

Young Charlton striker Mark DeBolla has spoken of his frustration
after his Football League debut last week was cut short by injury.
  DeBolla was nearing the end of his first outing for loan club
Chesterfield against Notts County on Saturday when he damaged his
ankle ligaments following an awkward fall, and is now receiving
treatment back at the Addicks' Sparrows Lane training ground.
"I'm obviously very disappointed at the moment," said Mark, who
looked set to have a successful month with the Second Division
outfit.
"I was starting to feel sharp again after recovering from my injury
problems last season so this is a very big blow for me.
I was very much looking forward to playing in the Football League for
Chesterfield and the 70-odd minutes I did play were very enjoyable."
  The former Aston Villa player is facing around six weeks on the
sidelines, but he explained his recovery is being spurred by
Chesterfield's desire to take him back when he is fully recovered.
Mark added:
"Chesterfield have said that they want to go ahead with the deal when
I get my fitness back so hopefully I'll have that to look forward to.
It's also good news for me that it is only my ligaments because it
originally looked like it could have been a break and that would have
been disastrous."
  DeBolla missed more than half of last season with a broken bone in
his foot, but has looked in fine form in both pre-season and league
games for the reserves.
  He scored a trademark piledriver in the second string's 4-1 victory
over Wimbledon in mid-August and has never looked sharper in Charlton
colours.
"It's bad timing for me because I was beginning to feel good about my
game again," he said.
"The confidence was coming back in front of goal and my fitness was
good. All I can do now is work hard to get fit again and hopefully I
can go back to Chesterfield and do well."

©CAFC.co.uk

Young Charlton duo Adam Gross and David Evans have been selected for
the Wales U19 squad that will take part in a UEFA U19 Championship
qualifying tournament in Belarus at the end of the month.
  Wales will be taking on the host nation, Portugal and Greece during
the five-day trip from September 22-26th, and Charlton are the only
club outside of Wales to have more than one representative.
  Second-year scholar left-back Gross will be playing a year above his
natural age group and first-year scholar midfielder Evans will be
playing almost two years above himself, despite the fact that both
players are – with regard to international call-up rules – U18
players because of their 1986 birthdays.
"It's great news for Adam and David," said academy director Mick
Browne.
"Both players have made good progress over the last year or so and to
be picked for the older squad is a great honour for them."
  Welsh U19 manager Neville Southall, the former Wales and Everton
custodian, was at the club's Sparrows Lane training ground to watch
the Addicks U17 beat Aston Villa on September 6th.

©CAFC.co.uk

Alan Curbishley rued his bad luck after both Hermann Hreidarssson and
Luke Young were forced to pull out of the squad at the eleventh hour
before the Manchester United game.
  The Addicks were beaten 2-0 at The Valley by the defending
champions, and with his squad depleted through injuries and
suspension, the Charlton boss could do nothing but praise his XI.
"We've had some tremendous injury problems this week, although we
were led to believe that United had too, until the team-sheet came
in.
We lost Hreidarsson in training on Friday and Young ill this morning.
I knew that Mark Fish was going to be suspended and Richard Rufus and
Gary Rowett are still out, but when Hreidarsson and Young pulled out
it was a bit tough to take.
So I have nothing but praise for the players today – some of them
were playing out of position and four of our players were playing
their first game of season – Graham Stuart, Paolo Di Canio, Chris
Powell and Chris Perry - so I am really pleased with their efforts.
They were great for me today, but it wasn't to be."
  Speaking in his post-match press conference at The Valley, the
Addicks boss also expressed his anger at witnessing the third
Charlton player receive a red-card in five games, after Jason Euell
was dismissed for a second bookable offence in the 56th minute
following a late challenge of Gary Neville.
"I've been trying to stress to the players that when you play against
quality sides you can't afford to go down to ten men," Curbishley
said.
"We lost Fish against Manchester City and it cost us, and Scott
Parker was sent off at Wolves but at least we were 4-0 up then.
Before Euell was sent off we may have had a chance to get back in
that game. The referee booked him inside the first minute, I didn't
see the challenge, but Jason knew he was on a yellow card and when he
came across he should know that if his foot catches Neville then he's
off.
You can't win games in this league with ten men. It's something we've
got to think about."
  And Curbishley also suggested that Euell could have prevented
United's first goal from counting:
"Euell was standing on the line when the free-kick was taken," he
explained.
"He didn't come out when ball was cleared and if he had done then van
Nistelrooy would have been offside.
It was a very disappointing end to the game for us.
Until van Nistelrooy scored his first goal it was a bit of a
lacklustre performance from both sides. The match didn't have the
excitement of normal Manchester United game here.
The goal changed it and after the sending off it was all over. The
second goal was a bit cruel.
I'm disappointed that we haven't got a point from the game. We didn't
deserve a 2-0 defeat."

©CAFC.co.uk

Two academy fixtures against Fulham, including the U19s clash this
weekend, have been brought forward by 24 hours.
  The U19s will now play the Cottagers this Friday, September 19th
(2pm) instead of the following day, while the U17s home fixture
against Fulham scheduled for Saturday, October 11th, will now take
place on Friday, October 10th (4.30pm).

©CAFC.co.uk

Charlton's women's team clash with London rivals Arsenal tomorrow
night has now been called off - with no new date yet arranged.
  The match would have been a sixth game in 18 days for some of
Charlton's England internationals.

©CAFC.co.uk

All remaining seats for Charlton's second round Carling Cup clash
with Luton Town are now on general sale, priced £10 adults, £5
seniors/U18s and £1 U16s - and there are plenty left.
  The club has sold around 800 tickets ahead of Saturday's trip to
Villa Park (3pm) - there are still plenty left, priced £22 adults,
£12 seniors and £6 U16s, but there is now limited availability for
the visit of Liverpool to The Valley on Sunday, September 28th (2pm).
  The only seats remaining together, priced £25 adults, £20
seniors/U18s and £15 U16s, are in the east and west stands.
  Meanwhile, tickets to watch the match against Portsmouth at Fratton
Park on Saturday, October 4th (3pm) went on sale to all season-ticket
holders this morning, priced £25 adults, £17 seniors and £14 U16s.
  Ring 020-8333 4010 for more details.

©CAFC.co.uk

Mark DeBolla's Football League debut ended in disappointment on
Saturday when the striker, on loan with Chesterfield, was carried off
with torn ankle ligaments.
  The 20-year-old was stretchered from the field in the 79th minute of
the Spireites' home match against Notts County at the Recreation
Ground, with the injury putting paid to his one-month spell in the
Midlands.
  Meanwhile, in the First Division both Chris Bart-Williams and Mathias
Svensson were booked as they played 90 minutes for their respective
loan clubs.
  Bart-Williams made his debut for Ipswich Town on Saturday after
joining the Tractor Boys on loan the previous day, but the Portman
Road side lost 4-1 to West Bromwich Albion at The Hawthorns.
  Svensson played his fourth match for Derby County and the Rams
recorded their first victory of that spell with a 1-0 win away at
Walsall.
  The win took Derby off the bottom of the table, where they were
replaced by...Ipswich!
  Also making his debut on Saturday was Charlton's fourth player
currently out on loan, Paul Konchesky. The England international was
a 70th-minute substitute for Tottenham Hotspur during their 4-2
defeat to Chelsea.

©CAFC.co.uk

Charlton are this week carrying out an investigation into how a
number of Manchester United fans managed to get tickets for home
areas at Saturday's match against the defending champions.
  Despite a highly-publicised warning to Addicks supporters ahead of
the match that any home fans responsible for allowing tickets to fall
into the hands of away supporters would be banned from the stadium,
there were still several incidents during the 2-0 defeat.
  And with United fans defiantly remaining on their feet throughout
the Premiership encounter as well, Charlton chief executive Peter
Varney has warned it is now `almost inevitable' the capacity of The
Valley will be cut in the future for matches against United.
"After all of our appeals prior to the match, it was very
disappointing to see the number of away fans in home areas," he said.
"We are now investigating every incident during Saturday's game to
trace where their tickets came from, and should their origin be
Charlton fans, we will take action."
  Charlton estimate that Greenwich Council's decision to limit the
capacity of away fans in the Jimmy Seed Stand cost the club around
£80,000 in lost revenue, security and legal fees as the Addicks
attempted to vary the decision.
District Judge Kelly, summing up at Greenwich Magistrates Court,
admitted:
"It is a pity that Charlton Athletic should be penalised because of
the behaviour of away fans from other clubs."
  And now that penalty looks set to continue, with the behaviour of
United fans – standing throughout the entire match despite a joint
appeal from the supporters' clubs of both teams – virtually ensuring
that the Red Devils will receive an even smaller allocation for next
season's fixture, or even a cup tie during the current campaign.
Varney said:
"This season there is a national database in operation recording the
extent to which clubs' supporters' stand in seated areas wherever
they play away across the country, and the initial study will be
available at the end of September.
Every licensing authority, in our case Greenwich Council, will have
access to that when it comes to making any decision about limiting a
ground's capacity, and will react accordingly.
Bearing in mind what happened on Saturday, I think it is almost
inevitable that United's allocation will be severely limited again
next time they visit The Valley."
  Charlton have already received a number of letters from fans
concerned at the number of away fans in home areas at Saturday's
match; a total of 11 people were ejected from the stadium, with the
police making three arrests.
  But there are also some home fans confused that some United fans
were just escorted to the south stand when spotted in home areas,
rather than ejected from the ground.
  However, operations director Mick Everett explained that there were
a number of factors that the police and stewards had to take into
consideration when removing fans from home stands during a game.
"The key thing is to investigate how the away fans came to be there
in the first place, and that is the main focus of our efforts at the
moment," he said.
"On the day itself, the police and the club's safety staff have to
make a series of judgements with regard to how we deal with
incidents, and we have to take into account the situation outside the
ground as well.
There is no set policy, but it is not true that away fans in home
areas are always relocated into the away stand as the number of
ejections at recent games testifies.
Away fans who `show out' – what I call cheering goals and
antagonising home supporters – will be ejected.
But if a family with kids aren't causing any trouble – although the
home fans have worked out their differing allegiance - they may be
relocated if there is enough room in the away end."
Mick added:
"We do retain a few seats in the away end for emergencies, but
ultimately away fans will be ejected from the stadium if they
are `showing out'.
I can understand why home fans get so annoyed at the presence of away
fans in their midst, but perhaps they need to appreciate as well that
the stewards have a difficult job.
Away fans in home areas usually only become obvious when an incident
of note happens on the pitch, such as a goal.
But stewards have little knowledge in advance when that is going to
happen and can then find themselves trying to track 50 people in
different parts of the stand who have suddenly jumped to their feet –
and are then sitting down again in a matter of seconds.
Things are easier if they are all located together, but that is not
always the case, so we try to remove as many as possible."

©CAFC.co.uk

Leading goalscorer Jason Euell will miss Charlton's home match
against Liverpool as a result of his sending off against Manchester
United on Saturday.
  Euell saw red following two yellow cards distributed by referee Mike
Riley, the first sending-off the official has handed out this season.
  The club's record signing picked up his first booking after just 47
seconds following a collision with United goalkeeper Tim Howard and
was then giving his marching orders in the 65th minute after a foul
on Gary Neville.
  Euell will serve his one-game suspension against Liverpool on
Sunday, September 28th.
  The red card was Charlton's third in five matches this season, and
fourth in six fixtures if you include the final game of last season,
when Dean Kiely saw red for a foul on Fulham's Louis Saha.
  Mark Fish was sent off in the first game of the current campaign
against Manchester City, while Scott Parker was dismissed against
Wolverhampton Wanderers, although the midfielder's three-match ban
was later revoked.

©CAFC.co.uk

>FA Premier Reserve League:

Another clean sheet, another match unbeaten but ultimately a
frustrating evening for the reserves as their 100 per cent start to
the season ended in a 0-0 draw with Watford at The Valley.
  The Hornets, last season's reserve league champions, were indebted
to their goalkeeping coach Kevin Hitchcock - filling in between the
posts because of injuries - for the save of the night which denied
Osei Sankofa early in the second half, and it was generally the
veteran Watford keeper who was the busier.
  On both flanks the skills and pace of Jamal Campbell-Ryce and Lloyd
Sam were always a handful for the visiting back-four, while Richard
Rufus looked strong and composed in the Addicks rearguard as he came
through a full 90-minute work-out.
  The home side carved the first chance of the night when Campbell-
Ryce exchanged passes with Jonatan Johansson on the edge of the area
but just had a touch too much and was dispossesed.
  Stephen Hughes - lining up against his former club - provided steady
and consistent prompting from the centre of the park, and in the
eighth minute the former Arsenal and Everton man slid in to hook a
shot which Hitchcock smothered.
  Three minutes later the overlapping Adam Gross sent over a firm,
deep cross which Wayne Brown did well to head wide of his own goal
under pressure.
  A magnificent, raking 50-yard pass from Neil McCafferty released
Johansson on the left flank and when the striker moved into the area,
his drag-back just eluded the incoming Kevin Lisbie.
  Sergio Leite was not extended by a 16-yard effort from Paolo
Vernazza and, at the other end, Hitchcock showed safe hands in
dealing with a volley from Sam.
  Canadian U20 international Elliott Godfrey went close with a chipped
effort before McCafferty twice warmed Hitchcock's hands with firmly-
struck efforts from the edge of the box.
  Tricky winger Anthony McNamee should have done better than fire wide
when he latched onto a headed clearance from Rufus, but Vernazza was
guilty of a poorer finish when presented with a clear chance inside
the box which Leite moved smartly to block.
  Lisbie turned and ran at the Watford defence in the 40th minute and,
as they backed off, the Jamaican international fired a rising drive
over the top.
  The first half ended with Johansson working hard to retrieve a half-
cleared corner before crossing for Michael Turner to head wide...

-

For the second half of this Reserves match report by Andrew French
at CAFC.co.uk, go to:
>http://www.cafc.co.uk/reserves/fixtures.jsp
[Watford | Home , Report]

>FA Nationwide Premier League Cup : 1st Round:

Charlton continued their recent good league form into the first round
of the Premier League cup on Sunday by scoring seven goals past
Southern Division Brighton.
  But there was bad news for the Addicks when their England strike
partnership was forced from the field. Leading scorer Amanda Barr had
to be replaced after 15 minutes following stomach cramps and Carmaine
Walker was sent off midway through the second half, apparently for
dissent following a disallowed goal.
  On a superb playing surface, Charlton started strongly and Danielle
Murphy rattled the woodwork with a dangerous cross that was cleared
to safety after just four minutes.
  A precision long ball out of defence by Casey Stoney, playing her
fifth match in 15 days, then set up midfielder Jessica Smith, whose
strike drifted narrowly past the far post.
  But Addicks boss Keith Boanas was forced to shuffle his pack after
the opening quarter of an hour, and Barr was replaced by fellow
international Walker.
  Brighton immediately sensed an opening and won a corner that was
taken by former Addick Sarah Wathen and headed powerfully wide by
Seagulls striker Clare Trafford.
  But Charlton continued to press forward and were eventually rewarded
after 28 minutes when Jo Broadhurst headed home Eartha Pond's far-
post cross.
  Walker doubled the score after 41 minutes when she ran on to a
throughball from Emma Coss, playing in a defensive role, and sent a
low drive in off the post.
  A Wathen free-kick was then comfortably claimed by Pauline Cope
before the Seagulls midfielder was involved in a clash of heads in
midfield and had to leave the pitch for a short while.
  Seagulls keeper Trish Gower saved a Walker header following a good
cross from Susan Rea shortly afterwards and the last action of the
first half saw a long-range effort from Fara Williams fly wide...

-

For the second half of this Womens match report by Sue Prior at
CAFC.co.uk, go to:
>http://www.cafc.co.uk/womens/fixtures.jsp
[Brighton | Away , Report]

FA Premier Academy League (Under-17s):

Charlton's U17 side was edged out by the odd goal in seven in a
gripping encounter at Arsenal's training ground on Saturday morning.
Fresh from their 7-1 obliteration of Watford the previous week, the
young Addicks were facing their biggest test of the season so far,
and although they eventually left with nothing, it was certainly a
performance to be proud of.
  With only four full-time scholars in the side compared to seven
schoolboys, Steve Avory's men competed superbly throughout the game
and even looked on a par with their more illustrious opponents in
terms of technique.
  The visitors raced into lead after 15 minutes when livewire forward
Onome Sodje – forming a twin schoolboy partnership with James Walker –
  took advantage of hesitation in the Charlton box to steel in and
calmly fire home.
  But classy Arsenal were back on terms nine minutes before half-time
when young Republic of Ireland international Anthony Stokes – who
would go on to record a hat-trick – found the bottom corner with a
sweet drive from the edge of the box.
  With wingers Alistair John and Myles Weston looking dangerous on
both flanks and David Evans and Danny Phillips proving more than a
match for the Arsenal midfield, Charlton continued to be the dominant
force in the game.
  But the young Gunners, having held on to stay on terms by half-time,
came out for the second period in determined mood and promptly
claimed the lead for the first time, even if it was in slightly
bizarre fashion.
  Seven minutes into the restart, Luke Webb's shot – that appeared to
either take a deflection or a ricochet off his standing leg – caught
Charlton keeper Darren Randolph completely cold and the ball dipped
over his head and into the back of the net.
  But despite this stroke of bad fortune, Charlton refused to buckle
and Avory's troops were level again on the hour. A free-kick from the
right caused havoc in the Arsenal box and centre-half Sheku Kamara
showed great strength to muscle his way on to the ball before turning
and firing an unstoppable shot into the corner.
  It was, however, Arsenal that were beginning to control the game and
the home team edged ahead once again in the 68th minute. A corner
wasn't properly cleared, and once again Stokes was on hand to pounce
on the loose ball and drill it home.
  It got worse for Charlton four minutes later, and after a Charlton
foray had broken down on the halfway line, the ball was worked wide
and then crossed for Stokes, whose volley was drilled into the floor
before bouncing up and into Randolph's top corner.
  Two goals adrift with not long left, it looked like the game had
slipped away from Charlton but a magnificent move set up a tense last
five minutes.
  Intricate passing involving Phillips, Wesley Douglas presented
Walker with the chance to reduce the deficit to one and the young
England U16 hopeful didn't disappoint with a clinical strike.
  Unfortunately for Charlton, though, Arsenal were able to hold firm.

Charlton : Randolph, Haynes (Ioannou 75), Clifford, Kamara, Ashton,
John (Douglas 68), Evans, Phillips, Weston, Sodje, Walker.
Subs: (not used): Burt, Shielis

[U17s Match Report By Terry Cordwell]
©CAFC.co.uk

>FA Premier Academy League (Under-19s):

England U19 midfielder Stacy Long completed an admirable comeback for
Charlton's U19 side against City on Saturday morning.
On a terrible playing surface, the young Addicks looked to be heading
for their second defeat of the season after falling behind to a 51st-
minute goal from Kyle Allcock.
  But after Barry Fuller had restored parity for the determined
visitors, Long emerged in the 87th minute to give Mark Robson's team
their third victory in four outings with a superbly taken winner.
  In a nondescript first half in which the pitch prevented both sides
from putting together any telling moves, the best Charlton could
muster was a succession of unsuccessful corners midway through the
half.
  The sides were locked at 0-0 until five minutes into the second half
when Allcock pounced on some sloppy defensive play from Manny
Shodeinde before firing past Robert Elliot, but the goal seemed to
inject life into the visitors and Charlton slowly assumed control.
  Constant Addicks pressure eventually paid off with 20 minutes
remaining, when Fuller rammed home a powerful shot from the edge of
the box after substitute Karl Beckford's corner wasn't properly
cleared.
  Although it seemed like Alan Walsh's team was there for the taking,
City defended stoutly until the final three minutes.
  But picking up a ball in the centre-circle, Alex Varney shimmied one
way and then the other before chipping a brilliant pass over the top
and into the path of Long (pictured).
  Confronted by the advancing keeper, Long steadied himself and sent a
delicate lob over the head of the stranded custodian into the net.

Charlton: Elliot, Thanda, Jackson, Shodeinde (Gross 85), Ricketts,
Fuller, Ndombe, Wilson (Beckford 65), Long, Ward (Cottrell 65),
Varney.

[U19s Match Report By Terry Cordwell]
©CAFC.co.uk

Many fans (including away supporters) would agree yesterday that the
performance of 'professinal' referee Mike Riley was appaling.
  I certainly agree, many decisions went against Charlton, in what
appeared to look like 'big club syndrome' by Riley.
  And how did Riley ignore Cristiano Ronaldo's oscar winning play-
acting. Ok, some challenges were fouls, but in classic Portuguese
fashion, he rolls around on the ground, legs in the air crying. But
two minutes later he's back on top form running round the pitch as if
nothing ever happened.
  Anwyay, it's not just me who feels like this, read the comments
below posted on the rattheref website:

"Shocking. Riley, as always, gave all the major decisions to Man U.
Big Club Syndrome strikes again. RED ALERT RED ALERT, all refs go
into quarentine and preferably don't come out until you have regained
your COMMON SENCE.
Booking Euell for nothing in the first 30 seconds was ridiculous, and
then when another challenge comes in later on he's off.
Also Riley was oblivious to Ronaldo's constant diving, falling over,
the kid could have won an oscar for his performance today. The free
kick which led to the goal should have claerly gone the other way,
Fortune (Jon) only tugged V. N once he had been man - handled to the
ground.
  Riley should not referee at anywhere near this standard if this is
the level of his competence, and if he is any better than today why
did he pack up shop for Man U??? Something has to be done because
throught the game everyone was talking about the Ref. There is soo
much more I could say but for the fear I would depress you all with
the standard of the performance today, so I shall end with a joke...
"David Blaine has given up his task of 44 days and nights in the
glass box. He was told that this amount of time would not be
sufficiant to break the world record of standing in a box doing
nothing, currently held by Emile Hesky at 4 years!!!""
  sunnyseabrooke 13-09-2003 @ 18:24

"A poor game from Mike Riley today. When I saw his name down to
referee this game I knew it would be interupted by him. He was
constantly conned by Ronaldo for his persistent diving. I did not see
Euell's first yellow card but it ws apparently harsh but his second
yellow was deserved as it was a late lunge on Gary Neville and had to
go for two yellow cards. I thought we should have had a penalty but
never got it. I just thought he was really inconsistent."
Tonyref 13-09-2003 @ 19:12

"Mr Riley set out his stall in the first minute when he cautioned
Euell for an 'aggressive' challenge on Howard. The bookings that
followed were in keeping with his declared intention. However, it was
not a dirty game and Euell can consider himself an unlucky victim of
Mr Riley's policy. Whether this is the standard we want to see
throughout the Premiership is another mattter."

"Typical Riley, poor game for a poor ref."

©ratetheref.co.uk

>>>Charlton Athletic's Premiership League Position After 0-2 Home
Defeat Against Manchester United:

Pos. Team , P , GD , Pts ,

1. Arsenal , 5 , +8 , 13 ,

10. Blackburn Rovers , 5 , +1 , 5 ,
11. Leeds United , 4 , 0 , 5 ,

12. Charlton Athletic , 5 , -1 , 5 ,

13. Everton , 5 , -2 , 5 ,
14. Bolton Wanderers , 5 , -6 , 5 ,

20. Wolverhampton Wanderers , 4 , -11 , 1

N/B League Statistics Correct On 14/09/03 A
M = 6am > 12pm | A = 12pm > 6pm | E = 6pm > 12am | L = 12am > 6am
©BBC Sport Online

>>>Post-Match Premiership Reaction From The Two Team Managers After
The 0-2 Scoreline Between Charlton Athletic & Manchester United At
The Valley:

>Alan Curbishley (Charlton Athletic Manager):
Alan Curbishley held Jason Euell responsible as Charlton crashed at
home to Manchester United.
  The Addicks striker was sent off for two bookable offences as the
Premiership champions moved to within a point of Arsenal thanks to
Ruud van Nistelrooy's brace.
  But as well as insisting the sending off ended any chance Charlton
had of a comeback, a furious Curbishley also blamed Euell for the
first goal - he was back on the line as Ryan Giggs lined up a free-
kick that led to United's first.
"The first goal and the sending-off changed the game - and Euelly was
involved in both of them," he said.
"They scored the first goal because Euell was standing on the line.
He didn't come out when the ball was cleared from the first shot - or
the second shot. And, if he'd got out, they'd have been offside.
The ref booked Euell in the first minute and he knew he was on a
booking so couldn't go into that second challenge.
There was only one result once Neville cleared the ball - and that
was the end of the game for us."

>Sir Alex Ferguson (Manchester United Manager):
Sir Alex Ferguson paid tribute to Ruud van Nistelrooy as the striker
puts his Dutch disaster behind him to sink Charlton.
  The United hitman bagged both goals at The Valley to end a miserable
week on a high.
  He was involved in a training-ground bust-up with Edgar Davids in
the run-up to Holland's defeat by the Czech Republic - and was then
seen kicking a water bottle towards coach Dick Advocaat as he was
subbed.
  Ferguson had no doubts that van Nistelrooy would be fine on his
return to Old Trafford and hailed his two-goal hero, as well as
Portuguese sensation Cristiano Ronaldo.
"That's all we need to do with Ruud is get the ball in the box," he
told MUTV.
"He's a predator and he's always moving in the box.
There were a few tackles on Ronaldo today but he just got up and got
on with it. Once he got his treatment, he wanted to get the ball
again - he's got that courage."

©Sky Sports

>>>FA Barclaycard Premiership 03/04 :

Two second-half goals from Ruud van Nistelrooy ended Charlton's
defiant hopes at The Valley on Saturday.
  Charlton battled bravely throughout the encounter, and the two goals
that separated the two sides at the end of the match in no way
illustrated the tightness of the game.
  But there was further bad news for the home side, when Jason Euell
was sent off after collecting his second yellow card – Charlton's
third red card in five matches.
  After fielding the same starting XI in the previous three fixtures,
Addicks boss Alan Curbihshley wasn't afforded that luxury this time
with Mark Fish suspended, Hermann Hreidarsson injured and Luke Young
ill.
  Presumably believing that he may as well make four alterations as
three, Curbishley also opted to hand Paolo Di Canio a first start for
the club, although South African Shaun Bartlett could consider
himself unlucky to be the man chosen to make way after some fine
early-season form.
  Also into the team came new loan signing Chris Perry for his Addicks
debut, Chris Powell and Graham Stuart, with 19-year-old Osei Sankofa
promoted to the bench. Radostin Kishishev took his place at right
back in an unfamiliar looking back line...

The ten-man Addicks were unable to break down United and gain the
consolation that their dogged performance at least deserved.

Charlton:
Kiely, Kishishev, Powell, Fortune, Perry, Stuart, Parker (Lisbie 89),
Holland (Bartlett 78), Jensen, Euell, Di Canio (Johansson 83).
Subs (not used): Royce, Sankofa.
Bookings: Euell 1 (foul on Howard).
Sendings off: Euell 65 (second yellow card for foul on G Neville)

United:
Howard, G Neville, P Neville, Ferdinand, O'Shea, Fortune (Silvestre
83), Keane (Solskjaer 59), Giggs, Ronaldo, Butt, van Nistelrooy.
Subs (not used): Barthez, Djemba-Djemba, Forlan.
Goals: van Nistelrooy 62, 81.
Bookings: Butt 75 (foul on Parker), P Neville 83 (foul on Parker).

Ref: M Riley.
Attendence: 26,078.

-

For the rest of this Manchester United home match report by Matt
Wright, including statistics, go to:
>http://www.cafc.co.uk/firstteam/fixtures.jsp
[Man United | Home , Report]

-

For a report from an opposite view, go to United's official
website:
>http://www.manutd.com

-

Do you write match reports from a fans perspective for Charlton, home
and away, if so, contact CACC and see your website listed here on
every Premiership match report posted on CACC:
Mr_CACC@...

>Independent View From FFC > Charlton:

Paolo Di Canio's most famous goal in England is probably that one he
scored against United in the Cup up at Old Trafford where Barthez
tried to con him by thinking he had been flagged for offside.
  It is unlikely Barthez will be doing that this weekend but Paolo may
start for the home side. Man United are without Scholes, and both
Butt and Ferdinand are rated as doubtful.
Draw

©Trafficjam [FansFC.com: Charlton]

>Chris's Prediction:

2-2 To The Addicks!

It's well reported in the press that United are having a bit of an
injury nightmare at the moment, but come on, let's face it, even if
half their squad are out, they are still a top quality side.
But saying that, United do have key players out, and after losing
their last Premiership game to Southampton, i think it may be
possible for an excellent point against the defending champions.
  And let's hope we get to see Mr Di Canio make an appearance today, i
saw him at the reserves Tuesday night, and boy, did he look on form!
  Come on Curbs, give us what we all want, a Di Canio home debut!

Come on you Addicks!!!!!!!!!

Chris Allen

Chris Powell has a message for the Hermannator - I'll be back.
  Icelandic international Herman Hreidarsson has played on the left of
the Charlton's defence for all four of Charlton's Premiership games
so far this season.
  The new-boy has taken the spot Chris Powell started in for 35 of
last season's 38 Premiership matches. Add in two substitute
appearances, and it means that Powell was in the 16-man squad for all
but one of last season's Premiership games.
  So, Powell - who agreed a one-year deal in the summer after much to-
ing and fro-ing - has a tall order to meet if he wants to regain his
spot, but he's never been one to pull out of a challenge.
"I still feel I can make the left-back spot my own again and that's
what I plan to do," declared Powell.
"I know what I'm capable of and so does Curbs. Now it's a case of
getting back in the starting 11 and staying in."
  A couple of niggling pre-season injuries have not helped Powell's
cause. He was fit to make the 16 against Wolves but after the team's
4-0 win knew his chances of a recall would have to be put on ice.
  But this is a new experience for Powell, who has played 30-plus
games a season for as long as he can remember.
"Hermann's come in and done all right," said Powell.
"But I'm sure he doesn't personally see himself as an out-and-out
left-back. He's like any other footballer - he'll play where he has
to to get a place in the starting 11."
  Another factor that will improve Powell's chances of returning to
the first-team fold is Paul Konchesky's desire to leave the club.
  When the transfer-listed defender was loaned out to Spurs before the
transfer window closed last week, Curbishley said Konchesky, had been
left out purely because he preferred Hreidarsson at left-back with
Powell on the bench.
And Powell added:
"Paul put in the request because he wasn't happy. He got a bit fed up
with playing left-midfield with me at left-back.
It's something that Paul's decided to do and I hope it all works out
for him. I don't mean that because it's less competition for me - I
just want things to go well for him.
Me and Paul used to speak about a lot of things and we got on well.
He's ambitious and has every right to do what he wants to fulfil
those ambitions.
I've always told Paul that I see him as the long-term left-back at
Charlton. The Spurs move is not signed and sealed so anything could
still happen.
Things can change quickly in football. I could come into the side
soon and stay there for the rest of the season - so, you never know."
  Powell, capped by England five times, has plenty to ponder and
plenty to offer this season. And one thing he might offer is a bit of
advice to team-mate Scott Parker.
  The Charlton midfielder is clearly desperate to play for England -
having already represented his country at every level from U16
upwards. But Powell reckons Parker needs to stay patient - that's
coming from a guy called up by England at the age of 33.
"It will happen for Scott - I'm sure of it," said Powell.
"The only thing working against Scott is the abundance of midfielders
he's up against.
The people who he's competing with - like Frank Lampard, Steven
Gerrard, Paul Scholes and Owen Hargreaves - have got themselves
established a bit now and are top players.
Those guys are in front of him now in terms of selection - but I
don't think they're in front of him in terms of ability.
You never know what will happen in terms of form and injuries so
Scott just has to stay patient. It'll be an interesting season for
Scott because people are watching to see if he'll do the business
again. There will be more expectation and Scott knows that and
already he's been our star player this season.
If he continues to keep playing well his chance with England will
come. He's got plenty of time and he's already been called up to the
squad once.
I know Scott does think about England a lot and he should - it's the
pinnacle of every player's career. Scott knows that even if Sven
Goran Eriksson's not at The Valley watching, someone else might be.
But what Scott can't do is give up. If I'd have given up on playing
for England, let's just say I'd have given up many years before I
actually got the call-up.
You really never know what's around the corner in football. That's
why, right now, I'm looking forward to fighting for a place in the
starting line-up.
If I get in and do well, there's no reason I can't get back in and
stay there. That's the plan."
  Watch out Hermann - Chris Powell cometh!

©icSouthlondon

Chris Bart-Williams completed his loan switch from Charlton to
Ipswich and said:
"I want my football to do the talking for me".
  The 29-year-old former England B and Under-21 cap has arrived at
Portman Road for a month.
  He and Alan Mahon, a three-month loan capture from Blackburn, will
make their debuts in Saturday's First Division game at West Brom.
Bart-Williams said:
"I'm feeling really fit and sharp. I've played against Ipswich many
times and know they have a reputation for good football. This is a
really good move for me and I hope to put in a good display at The
Hawthorns."
Manager Joe Royle said:
"The two new players have put a bit of a buzz around the place again."

©TEAMtalk.com