Here are five things we learned from Charlton’s 2-2 draw with the West Brom.
The kids are more than alright
Alfie Doughty, Josh Davison and Ben Dempsey were all in the youth set up at the start of the season with no realistic chance of playing under Bowyer if we’re honest.
Injuries have forced his hand to delve into the reserves and he’s found some gems.
In Doughty he has surely found a player that has established himself as a regular first team player, even with the flurry of players making a comeback from injury.
Davison, who got his first league goal against West Brom, is another who is making a strong case to be involved with the first team squad for the remainder of the season.
He’s not built like the forward Bowyer asked him to play like against the Baggies, but he held his own against a very physical Semi Ajayi and Kyle Bartley, leading the line well and winning more than his fair share of free-kicks. He’s certainly earned a chance to play alongside a Lyle or Macauley, to see how he’d fare with support closer to him.
Dempsey may not have had his best game against West Brom, but he wasn’t overawed by the challenge and gave as good as he got. He’ll improve and no doubt be back in the thick of it this season.
So, the kids who have stepped in may have been a temporary solution whist the ‘first XI’ have been on the treatment table, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they themselves keep some of the returning stars out of the side.
Pratley-the gift that keeps on giving
There are no superlatives that do Darren Pratley's West Brom performance justice.
It’s not just his ability on the ball, which has often gone unnoticed, it’s not his tackling, it’s not his constant ‘sh**housery’ as one fan put it.
It’s his infectious desire and passion to succeed. Chasing lost causes. Winning tackles he has no right to win. Covering his defenders. Buoying his men after going behind. Encouraging the youth around him, and there’s plenty of them. Taking charge and not get intimidated by the tough challenge at hand.
Steve Gallen said that after Lyle Taylor, Darren Pratley was the club's most important signing in recent years.
People are seeing why this season, with some, myself included, thinking he may be more vital than Taylor.
Player Of The Season already? He can’t be far off.
READ: What fans are saying about Pratley's West Brom performance
Jonny’s back
For as good as the youngsters were on Saturday, there was a severe lack of creativity in the side.
Jonny Williams introduction changed that instantly. Picking up a wayward clearance the Welshman’s first thought was to get forward, finding ‘that’ pass that has been missing.
He looked sharp and eager to get straight amongst it.
His pace and trickery caused problems, and his confidence radiated to those around him, bringing the best out of Conor Gallagher who you feel was laden with the heavy burden of being the creative force in Williams’s absence.
Naby over Deji?
Naby Sarr, he is a fan favourite because he’s capable of the unexpected.
The sublime and the ridiculous.
You’re never quite sure what you’re going to get.
You’re never at ease when the ball is at his feet, and never at ease when he’s left one on one.
His own goal was unfortunate, but it’s not a surprise.
He made one superb tackle, a worldy, to deny Charlie Austin when bearing down on goal, but was it made even greater because we weren’t expecting it?
Deji Oshilaja was replaced with 20 to go.
The former Wimbledon captain looked the Addick’s best defender at The Valley on Saturday, composed, quick, and uncompromising, so his withdrawal was a surprise.
If it was a straight choice between Deji and Sarr, I know who I’d want to be the last man.
Matt Southall
The great redeemer! The new chairman has brought a lease of life to the club.
He’s saying all the right things in the press conference, but also staying realistic.
Some fans may be getting carried away but you sense in Southall they have a man who is keen to build a sustainable model, offering stability to a club that needs it after four years of uncertainty.
He’s been to more games than the previous owner already, and you sense he’s already bought into the values of the club and what it means to SE7.
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