The New Charlton?

Wow. Who knew that Charlton had that in them? There are always glimpses but very rarely the complete performance that dispatched newly-relegated Reading. Various blogs will give you a blow-by-blow account of the match so I'll make my analysis short and sweet.

Weaver - In my opinion, one of the best 'keepers in the league. Not too much to do on Saturday but seems even better with the organisational skills of Hudson in front of him.

Moutouakil - Needs a run of games. Excellent going forward and quick enough to get back and defend. Not the complete player yet but gives us a real attacking dimension.

Hudson - What else can you say. It is still early on but he is doing what we bought him for and more. The epitome of a captain - leading from the front.

Fortune - Another solid performance form Forch, if not as good as Swansea. He gave away a dubious penalty and will be worried by Primus' arrival but if he keeps his form then he will stay in the team.

Basey - Looked slightly nervous and given a tough time by Kebe. I think he is more of a left-midfielder than a left-back. Youga will have no problem reclaiming his place.

Sam - Gave the more physical Hunt a tough time but his decision making can still let him down. Will be wary of the fit-again Ambrose.

Holland - No longer the official captain but played like he was. No longer a spring chicken but played like he was. Matty still has a huge role to play shown by his energy and the alertness for his goal.

Bailey - The player we have been lacking since Scott Parker - tenacity and talent. Like Hudson, I don't want to get carried away but Nicky may prove to be a vital cog.

Bouazza - A geneuine left footer who can score and cross. Helped Basey out too down the left. Looks like another quality signing.

Gray - Like Pards said, an outstanding centre forward performance. Held the ball up, brought others into the game, great link-up play with Varney and capped it off with his penalty. Despite Iwelumo's bright start for Wolves, I know which Scot I would rather have.

Varney - His hard-work finally paid off. He may miss opportunities but he alwas gets in the positions to score. With a bit of confidence, he could be one of the Championship's top marksmen.

Preston are up next and the only change I anticipate is Youga for Basey. This is the real test and where we failed last year - following one excellent performance and result with another. With a stronger spine and still a bit of flair, I think we can do it, the boys now have to go out and prove it.

Winning Ways

For the first time in a couple of seasons the Addicks won their opening game and regardless of the little niggles some have with the performance, the most important thing is that we are up and running with three points.

At times Weaver looked dodgy, though the soggy pitch could shoulder some of the blame. Semedo and Youga were rarely noticed at full-back which suggests that they did thier jobs effectively, while Captain Hudson and a rejuvenated Jon Fortune showed they could be a resolute combination in this division. Sam and Thomas threatened (if not all the time) and Gray and Varney seem capable of forging another solid partnership. Shelvey struggled and was removed before any further damage could be done but Racon looked neat and tidy and will hopefully play a pivotal role this season.

A cup run would be nice, to boost finances more than anything, and the likes of Bouazza, Basey, Holland, Dickson, Fleetwood and possibly Todorov will be looking for a run out against Yeovil on Tuesday. The Hornets are up next on Saturday where I would expect Holland to replace Shelvey in the starting eleven. They will be a tough test so let's just hope the calm optimism from the weekend is not extinguished.