Four takeaways from Charlton’s defeat at Shrewsbury: An ugly end to an untidy contest

Daniel Udoh’s added-time strike condemned Charlton to a first defeat under Johnnie Jackson. Here’s Louis Mendez’s four takeaways from the clash at Shrewsbury.

UGLY CONTEST

An untidy game that looked set to fizzle out into an unforgettable stalemate but there was a late twist in the tale. Shrewsbury are an ugly team to watch but it was up to Charlton to find a way past them and they didn’t. Despite enjoying the vast majority of the ball following an opening 20 minutes where the hosts started well, the Addicks didn’t create a great deal and clear-cut chances were few and far between. The winner from Daniel Udoh was as scrappy as they come and there was more than a hint of a foul on George Dobson, even if the South Londoners could have done a better job of clearing it in the first place. A first defeat under Jackson and a disappointing day.

BOUNCEBACKABILITY

One idea bandied about a lot during the fine start under Jackson is that we don’t know how his side will react to a defeat. Apart from when they reacted to the Accrington Stanley defeat to go and beat Sunderland in his first game, which apparently doesn’t count. Losing games comes with the territory unfortunately but it will be important to see how Jackson’s side take it. They didn’t really deserve to lose and played some part in the contest so the starting point that needs recovery from is already a lot higher than the side Jackson reignited following the loss to Stanley. But Charlton hadn’t done enough to win at the New Meadow and there will be lessons to learn about the intensity at which they moved the ball about and their willingness to attack crosses into the area.

SOUARE LATE TO THE SOIREE

Pape Souare seems to be one of those players who suffers from not getting a run of games. Positionally, he seemed a bit lost at the New Meadow and he offered very little going forward from the left wing-back role. It was the former Crystal Palace man’s first start in the league under Jackson. The caretaker boss has made it clear that when players get their chance, he wants them to grab it with both hands and make themselves undroppable. I don’t think we saw that from Souare.

BATTLE HARDENED FANS

Ultimately unrewarded but it was a herculean effort from some of the Addicks support to make their way to Shrewsbury. Storm Arwen rendered most routes into Shropshire via rail obsolete but fans clubbed together to sort cabs, busses and lifts from Crewe and Wolverhampton against the odds. It had all the makings of an “I was there” afternoon – but sadly Udoh’s late intervention transformed it into an “I wish I hadn’t bothered” moment.

PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS