29. Sometimes A Draw Feels Like A Defeat (Charlton Athletic 2 Derby County 2)

2008.12.15

I know, it's nothing to do with the match, but Cliff noticed this oddity when we went for drinks in the stand before the game. The mustard bottle has a picture of tomato sauce on it, and vice-versa. All part of the mad world of Charlton Athletic.

Not long before kick off and the West Stand looks half empty.

Kick off.

Wish I had some kit like that!!!

Recent Charlton departee Luke Varney versus his old team mate Jonathan Fortune.

Yes, it's in. 1-0 to Charlton, Andy Gray (not in the shot).

It's only the 4th time this season we've had the lead at half time.

Free kick to us.

Nathan Ellington just about to put Derby level from the penalty spot.

Several times this season we've conceded immediately after scoring. This time things were reversed. Here Lloyd Sam is about to set up Charlton's seond goal.

Here's the goal on the "big" screen.

That's the number of tickets sold. The actual number of people there was quite a bit less.

Martin Cranie and Andy Gray out on the wing (personally I prefer my centre forwards in the box).

No! Travesty! Ellington gets his, and Derby's, second goal in the fourth minute of added time. Why so much time was added is anyone's guess.

Gutted! Still, at least we're off the bottom on goal difference.

Nothing to do now but pack up and go home.

My team, Charlton Athletic, were until a couple of years ago proud members of "The Premiership", the self-proclaimed, best league in the World. True, they never quite had the success of Man Utd, Liverpool or Arsenal, but they were a respectable mid-table club playing a high standard of football in a very difficult league. How things have changed since then. Charlton haven't won a game since the 4th of October and started tonight rock bottom of the league which laughingly calls itself "The Championship".

Tonight they faced another struggling club Derby County in what will be their last home game before Christmas.