Try to focus on the positives
- Published
The wait goes on after 29 years of no wins against Millwall, the only south-east London team not to win the FA Cup and appear in the Premier League.
OK, enough of the friendly ribbing.
Back in June, when the Championship fixtures were announced, it was so typical to see this match-up [Charlton v Millwall] clash with my planned break to Bologna, Italy (thoroughly recommend by the way).
This meant delicate negotiations for Mrs S to drive back home from Luton Airport so I could concentrate on proceedings in SE7.
I was delighted to see Sonny Carey flash up on my phone in the 40th minute as Charlton took the lead against our hoodoo neighbours.
Periodical checks ensued for the rest of the game (well, every minute) until a heart-sinking feeling, when I saw a red card symbol against Kayne Ramsay's name in the 74th minute.
A battle commenced within my brain.
The negative side said we've blown it. No way will we hold on with 16 minutes remaining plus a probable one-hour additional time.
The positive side told me we could hold on with 10 men, because these days, good organised sides are adaptable in these scenarios. Certainly with Nathan Jones' tactical prowess, we had every chance. We could pack our already renowned defence with the likes of [James] Bree, [Reece] Burke, etc.
It was not to be. Truth be told, after their 88th minute equaliser, I was very happy to hold on to a precious Championship point.
To highlight the positives:
We went toe to toe with an established Championship side who finished eighth last season.
Tyreece Campbell is looking to be an extremely dangerous frontman, Charlie Kelman just may have turned a corner and is almost ready to turn genuine promise into goals.
And Carey, perhaps the most unsung of our 10 summer signings, has surprised us all with his exceptional play and what would have been Charlton sainthood had his goal remained the difference on Saturday.
So onwards and upwards - off to Sheffield United, who are still to register a point, on Saturday. If we can be the best version of ourselves - why not?
Oh, just a minute. New manager bounce after sacking Ruben Selles.
There goes that negative side of the brain again!
Paul Sullivan provides commentary on Charlton Athletic games for the visually impaired.