As Encouraging As Wimbledon Was Not

Well that was altogether more encouraging than last weekend, although whether that was a reflection on us (both the approach and the line-up) or the opposition – just why Portsmouth wanted to play us of all people is a mystery to me – we will only find out in the weeks ahead after contests against varied opposition. But when your front two both score, albeit with considerable assistance from their keeper, you keep a clean sheet having restricted the opposition to literally just a couple of dangerous moments, and you pretty much dominate the game, it would be churlish to pick holes. While a week ago we struggled for positives (for me just Edwards and Mannion) this time around there were no negatives and some fresh encouraging signs, not least for me the performances of Coventry and Ahadme, both of whom might have been under a little pressure.

The game itself was of secondary importance. Campbell in his new role showed an ability to find space to open the scoring, after good work from Anderson and an excellent pass from Edwards, although nobody questions that their keeper should have done better. He might have had a second in the first half but skied his shot on the turn in space inside the box after Ramsay had laid it on for him. The second came early in the second half as Ramsay this time threaded a ball down the right side to Campbell. Their keeper this time must have thought he might get to it first as he left his box, only to get nowhere near the ball. Campbell went around him and provided a cross for a stooping Ahadme to head into an empty net.

We might have scored more, especially with Aneke not converting a header when well placed, Kanu’s shot saved, and other close-run things. By contrast, Portsmouth had one moment in the first half when a guy somehow retained possession and advanced on goal only to blaze well over the bar, and one in the second when Ahadme was dispossessed in a bad area and their guy cut across the box and saw his shot saved. I really can’t remember another moment when we were seriously threatened.

Can we attribute a better performance to changes in personnel? That is of course for Jones to ponder and draw his own conclusions. The only change in defence was Ramsay starting instead of Watson as right-side wing-back, the clear indication being that the Jones, Mitchell(A) and Gillesphey central three is Plan A, with Edmonds-Green, Mitchell(Z), Potts if he joins us, Ness if he stays with us, and others likely to have to wait for their chance. Ramsay did provide more of an attacking threat than Watson had done at Wimbledon, while Edwards had another very impressive game. Small may have been assuming he would be first-choice on the left side, but that may prove not to be the case. And with Ramsay, Watson and Asiimwe to choose from on one side, Edwards, Small and Edun on the other, we are amply covered as things stand.

The change in midfield was Anderson starting instead of Berry. Whether or not that was a factor, there was more zest in this area than a week ago. But for me the big difference was a more pronounced performance/contribution from Coventry, who tackled and covered well and in addition to keeping things moving played one or two perceptive balls forward which caught Portsmouth out. We expect big things from him, need him to have a big season.

Up front the starting change was Campbell in for the unavailable Godden. But for me the focus of attention was Ahadme. We’ve apparently paid a lot of money for the guy and hadn’t seen much to date, with it obviously far too early to draw any conclusions, especially as against Wimbledon he was introduced at half-time only to be withdrawn after 77 minutes. Yesterday he looked much more effective, doing good work outside the box and looking an arial threat inside it. I actually sent a message to our Addicks group during the game saying Ahadme looking better, be good to see him score. And he duly did a few minutes later.

For me, as things stand Ahadme is the variable which largely determines whether or not we have effective striking options. On paper if you say we have available to choose from Ahadme, Aneke, Godden, Campbell, Kanu, Leaburn hopefully soon, perhaps Hylton if he joins us all might seem well (especially with Casey and Mbick coming up on the rails). The alternative assessment is that Aneke still presumably can’t last more than 60 minutes, Leaburn will be coming back after a long lay-off and will need time, Kanu is still developing, Campbell is a converted winger who will still be learning the art of what to do inside the box. On that basis, while Godden we can assume is a reliable half of a partnership, if Ahadme struggles the options suddenly look less compelling. Ideally we want to have a forward partnership, replacements from the bench for the same set-up, plus alternative options if we need to change the shape/style. Absent a match-fit Leaburn and assuming only half a game from Chuks, plus the ever-present injury risk, and Ahadme is crucial. So I was hugely encouraged by his display yesterday.

With six substitutions made after the hour and a further four before the end, there was the opportunity for almost everyone to get involved (Asiimwe and Hylton the only outfield players in a squad of 24 not to get on the pitch, while I thought it was a little churlish not to give Maynard-Brewer some minutes, we may after all need him). And nobody had a bad game. Let’s be glad about that, and the fact that we don’t seem to have picked up any fresh injuries (and Godden’s absence seems to have been down to protocols over head injuries).

There are still questions over a few of the positions to start next Saturday at Wigan. But you’d probably say seven names are, if fit, nailed on to start (Mannion, Jones, Mitchell, Gillesphey, Coventry, Docherty, Ahadme), two more, the wing-backs, are a matter of spoilt for choice, leaving just the third midfield spot (Berry or Anderson) and the second forward position (Godden, Campbell, Kanu) to be chosen. That’s about as settled and promising as I can remember at this point in the calendar (without going overboard and keeping in mind that a week ago we were deservedly beaten by Wimbledon).