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Oh That's Better
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FA Cup Magic?
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By:
Eric Hitchmo
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09/11/2010
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More On Charlton Athletic
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It's strange how much football can contrast over the space of five days. Last Tuesday we watched an absolute horrorshow, and when Charlton were due to turn up in the FA Cup, a Barnet fan can be forgiven for perhaps expecting to see a similar hiding handed to their team. It would be fair to say that I did not exactly expect much from this tie, however, we showed some of the qualities that we will so desperately need over the remaining six months of this season.
The reports I have seen of the game, as well as the highlights, seem to suggest that Charlton were the dominant force throughout, and deserved to win. Perhaps this is a bit of bias showing through here, but I can't help but think that this does not paint the whole picture. Barnet were as much a part of this cup tie as Charlton were, and to suggest that the League One side should have progressed with ease does our performance, most notably in the second half, an injustice.
The first half though was pretty drab. Goalmouth action was limited, and when it did come, it came from the visitors. You could clearly see who the higher ranked side were, and at times it looked as if it would be a matter of time before the cut through us and made the advantage count. However we held on, through a combination of not only Charlton wasting opportunities in the final third and a touch of good fortune, but largely thanks to a strong showing of battling tendencies and a will to stay in the game. We did not lie down and give in, like we saw on Tuesday and many times before. The story may have been different if Johnnie Jackson had not squandered a great chance, however we went in at the break level.
Even bearing in mind such a battle, this was not conducive to entertainment. The second half snatched us from the jaws of boredom and turned into a cut and thrust, pulsating London derby of a cup tie, if you'll excuse the slight myriad of puns. Barnet began to open up and attack, and this led to an end to end game of football which kept most of the crowd on the edge of their seats.
Charlton did still have the better chances. Jake Cole had to make a fine block from a Therry Racon shot which was deflected, the rebound from Paul Benson was very well blocked too. Racon again struck a low one from outside the box which had to be tipped wide. Pawel Abbott rattled the crossbar with a header. This was where the highlights appeared to stop, as the editors decided that only one of Barnet's openings merited a mention. Mauro Vilhete replaced Steve Kabba and again did well, not being overawed by the occasion and not letting himself be bullied by a League One defence containing two stalwarts in Gary Doherty and Christian Dailly. The smallest man on the pitch got a header in at the near post which had to be tipped wide by the Charlton 'keeper Elliot.
Barnet pressure continued. Mark Marshall looked our biggest threat once again and gave the visiting defence something to think about. Perhaps he can be accused of being a tad greedy at times, shooting when a cross or pass may be the better option, but we don't have anyone else who can beat a man like he can. This takes into account an outrageous piece of skill by the corner flag in front of the Family Stand, beating his man and delivering a low cross which won us a corner. It's hard to describe what it was he actually did. He sort of wrapped his right leg round his standing leg, with the ball, or was it without the ball? He then flicked it past the defender and ran onto it. I couldn't work it out, let alone the defender! Either way, in a tight, confined space, with a defender for close company, to not only beat him, but keep the ball and deliver a cross was spectacular. As Soccer AM might say, it was unbelievable tekkers!
Charlton's keeper kept out a few more good efforts too. Marshall again fired one towards the top corner which required some attention, sub Ricky Holmes also stung his fingertips with a drive from the edge of the box. But in the end neither side could find a way through, and the game will be replayed.
So yes, Charlton on balance probably did have the better of it. But to say the dominated the entire game would be harsh on us. We played our part too and gave them a little bit of a scare late on. They may feel as if they could have won it, but they will be massive favourites with the game going back to The Valley. Luton or Corby await us if we manage to pull this one off. I'm not confident with our away record this year, but who knows. We expected nothing out of the home game, so we travel more in hope. It's faint hope, but, you do just never know.
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