Snatched from the jaws of defeat

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Just when you thought it was all over and Blues were staring down the barrel at yet another home defeat, Jukey forced the ball over the line deep into injury time after Dean had forced a save from the Charlton keeper.

And it really hadn’t looked like it after Charlton took the lead in the second half, yet another case of Blues’ full-backs not being able to defend. This time Colin allowed the impressive young full-back of Charlton, Doughty, to skin him, get to the bye line and pull it back for Bonne to score on the hour.

After that Blues’ showed their lack of ability as they huffed and puffed but failed to create an opportunity worthy of the name. Indeed on two occasions, Charlton looked like extending their lead as Bonne almost repeated the trick, a good save from Camp denying him, and McGeady hit a post.

But a bit of quality did finally surface, in the form of the best footballer at the club. Bellingham, who had seemed so out of sorts lately, came on in the last half hour and showed a composure that belies his tender years. None more so than when he picked up the ball on the right-hand side and fed it into Dean, who forced the save, that made the goal, that may have saved the season that Dong built.

“Blues got out of jail as a result of the intervention of the youngest man on the pitch“

Blues were much more committed, responding to Harlee Dean’s rallying call after the dreadful Stoke performance, as they reverted back to the familiar 4-4-2. And they should have gone in at half-time with a lead to show for their endeavours, but Hogan fluffed the penalty kick, symptomatic of the dreadful time he’s been having since the resumption.

But after Charlton scored, there was a feeling of here we go again, especially as the ball refused to break Blues’ way on numerous occasions, and the ref seemed disinclined to give us anything.

Again Bela failed to last 90 minutes, perhaps then he’s better saved as an impact sub. Crowley impressed, without creating a clear cut chance for his teammates nor troubling the keeper on a number of occasions when in good positions in and around the box. The defence was more solid, particularly at centre-half, but Colin and Pedersen still worry you in carrying out their basic task of keeping the opposition at bay, but that’s the way with so many modern full-backs. Sunjic was much better and Dutch Mike showed up well when he replaced him.

Blues got out of jail as a result of the intervention of the youngest man on the pitch, but it leaves them four points above the drop zone with two to play, which should be enough. But you can’t be certain when it comes to Blues.