Shouting from the Hop

Charlton had a reasonably comfortable win this afternoon in their home match versus Premiership new boys Wigan. A single goal from Darren Bent - his third of the season - was enough to win the game, though it did look suspiciously like he had his hands on the defenders shoulders well before nodding the ball into the back of the net (see right).

Powell hit the bar with a header in the first half, and Bent the post with a snapshot in the second, and plenty of other chances went begging - Bent, Murphy, Rommerdahl, and Thomas all missing the target during the match.

Wigan did not trouble Anderson at all in truth, and the defence coped with the physical Jason Roberts quite well. Both full backs got forward at every opportunity without compromising the defence. The midfield were dominant throughout, with Murphy (who was kicked at every opportunity), Smertin and Kishishev all outstanding. Both wingers had reasonable games and Bent worked very hard.

Wigan manager Paul Jewell was prominent, standing with his arms outstretched every time the ball didn't go where it should in his opinion. Maybe he should have worn his own trackie bottoms rather than those with assistant Chris Hutchings initials on!

The crowd were pretty good, with Amarillo getting the throats clear before the match, but the (ex-Spurs) blokes behind me are back - their first return since an hour into the Man Utd thrashing in April - which is a shame!

So, two wins on the bounce - the first time this has ever happened in a Premiership season for Charlton, but The Addicks slip to second place in the table due to Spurs having one goal better goal-difference after their own win today.

Charlton are likely to move further down the table before their next game (Away to Boro next Sunday lunchtime) as most Premiership clubs have games either tomorrow, midweek, or next Saturday and could therefore overtake them. However, this is a good start to the season; the players are confident, playing good football when they can, and in a very professional manner. Hopefully this will keep the moaners at bay for another week or two!