By Hugo Varley
This weekend saw another excitement filled installment of the Football League. Here are five things that we learned from the action.
1.Charlton in free-fall
Guy Luzon’s side fell to a 1-0 defeat at high-flying Reading on Saturday but if the stats are anything to go by the South London side got away lightly. Reading had 60% of the possession and had 23 shots on goal during the match at the Madejski Stadium. The Addicks have now not won since the 22nd of August and face a crucial match at home to Preston North End at the Valley tomorrow.
2. Paul Clement finally looking at home at Derby
Following a difficult start to the season, Derby County have hit form and are now unbeaten in their last six games. Yesterday’s 4-2 victory over Wolves pushed the Rams into the play-off places for the first time this season and the team are beginning to look like real promotion contenders.
3. Gillingham are the real deal
Rory Donnelly hit a last minute winner at Crewe to fire Justin Edinburgh’s men to the top of League One. After finishing 12th last season, the Gills have surprised fans and pundits alike with their high quality and entertaining football this season. Edinburgh certainly deserves recognition for the squad he has assembled over the summer.
4. Blackpool stronger than first thought
Blackpool were relegated from the Championship last year with a measly 26 points and when Neil McDonald’s men failed to record a win in their first seven games of the season, back to back relegation appeared highly likely. However, in recent weeks McDonald seems to have steadied the ship and Saturday’s draw at promotion chasing Coventry extended the team’s unbeaten run to four games and showed that the Seasiders will be no push overs this season.
5. Could this finally be Portsmouth’s year?
Portsmouth have so far struggled to mount a promotion push in League Two, however this season it looks as if things could be different. Under the guidance of Paul Cook, Pompey have started the season brilliantly and are currently sitting in 2nd place in the table. Saturday’s hard fought victory at Newport added further weight to the argument that Portsmouth are a force to be reckoned with in League Two this season.
