Charlton Home Drew 1 – 1
Welington’s late substitution in the dramatic win at Leicester seems to be not so much a stoke of tactical genius as necessity forced by injury as our in-form Brazilian was missing against Charlton. Our other Brazilian, Scienza, hasn’t been making his usual impact of late, but he nearly gave his team an early lead in this game with an acrobatic volley from Fellows’ cross that was cleared off the line just as skilfully by James. Nathan Jones’ side weren’t tempted into the gung-ho pressing game that cost them so dearly at The Valley, and instead concentrated on getting as many of their personnel as possible behind the ball – the home team found more chances difficult to create. A corner routine nearly paid dividends in the 27th minute when the ball was played to Manning whose first-time effort from 20 yards clipped the bar, but after that there was little show for Saints’ having the lion’s share of possession. There was no time for frustration to set in after the break as after three more minutes Scienza’s cross was met with a well guided header by Stewart that gave Kaminski no chance. There looked to be only one winner, and that’s the way things should have turned out, despite Dykes having a goal ruled out for handball. Mr. Jones then introduced Tall Paul look-alike Leaburn for what was expected to be an aerial bombardment, but in no time his team were level from a more considered approach; our own substitution strategy may have been to blame for this as Tonda replaced our best defensive midfielder, Charles, not with Bragg but Jander, and Jander was guilty of following the ball rather than sticking to his man to allow Carey far too much space and time for a shot that Peretz may have got a hand to. Matsuki, Larin and Edozie were more obvious changes off the bench now the dynamic of the game had changed, and we also had to bring on Bragg. This was for Downes who seemed to be the instigator in a brawl that followed a foul by Leaburn, and there were suggestions of Downes going further than most in a confrontation with Cody; the red mist clearly hadn’t settled and both players were replaced by their respective managers. As the play concentrated around Kaminski’s goal, including four corners in added time, arguably Charlton came closest to snatching an ugly winner, so although this was expected points dropped, at least there was still a point gained.
Three LSSC Man of the Match candidates to choose from:
3. Ryan Manning. Nearly a goal and our back unit’s attacking skills were needed more than their defensive ones
11. Ross Stewart, on the scoresheet again.
24. Shea Charles. Just 64 minutes pitch time, but it didn’t take long for us to miss him.
Become a Member
Become a member of London Saints from as little as £5.