Extended player ratings: Charlton 1 Saints 1

Last updated : 14 April 2008 By Chris C
Starting line-up

R. Wright - 8: Swept up expertly at the back to keep the dangerous Lita at bay and made a truly world class save at point blank range from Ambrose to keep the scores level. One or two moments of uncertainity and some mixed distribution failed to relieve the pressure.

J. Wright - 8 MOTM: Once again didn't put a foot wrong all afternoon despite the Saints defence being under sustained pressure in the second half. Very solid in defence and showed a decent range of passing, as well as good delivery on the rare occasions he was able to get forward.

Perry - 6: Had to battle all afternoon against the bulk of Iwelumo and then Gray and the pace of Lita resulting in several moments of defensive uncertainity, but you couldn't fault his bravery.

Lucketti - 7: Another composed performance from Lucketti who won nearly everything in the air and on the ground despite a very dangerous looking Charlton front line. Was the key organiser in Saints' back line ensuring we kept our discipline when under huge pressure at the end.

Surman - 6: No left back, but sacrificed his attacking instincts for the sake of the team, working hard to keep the defensive line intact. Allowed Charlton too much space on the right flank, but fortunately Halford wasted several good crossing opportunities. Little chance to show his skills in attack with Saints on the back foot for much of the game.

Licka - 5: Not his kind of game with Saints struggling to retain possession and Charlton pressing well and Licka lacking the power to win or hold onto enough ball. Was in Ben Thatcher's pocket for most of the game. Mixed bag from his usually excellent set piece delivery with one wasteful corner going straight out of play.

Idiakez - 5: Wasn't given the time and space to work his magic with Charlton's midfield frequently on top. Had a dangerous curling free kick well saved early on. Was suprisingly effective battling in the air as Lucketti and Idiakez double teamed on Iwelumo.

Safri - 7: Another tigerish display from Youssef who battled hard in midfield all game. Put in some crunching tackles, but lacked enough options when on the ball to show his usual excellent distribution.

Euell - 5: Failed to make the impact on the game he did against Bristol with Saints struggling to retain possession, but used his height well to unsettle the Charlton defence including setting up Stern John for the chip that led to the freak opening goal. His runs infield left Drew Surman exposed at times.

John - 6: Cheekily claimed the first goal when a combination of keeper and defender somehow bundled the ball into their own net from the softest of chips. Held the ball up well, but did little else with Saints creating few chances. Needed much better service.

Wright-Phillips - 4: After last week's tireless display, it was back to square one for Bradley. With possession at a premium he was caught offside and lost the ball countless times, also wasting several promising opportunities on the counter. Guilty of allowing his head to go down as frustration got the better of him. Booked for a spot of handbags with the Charlton centre back.

Substitutes

Viafara - 6: No shortage of effort from the Columbian who never stopped running, but unfortunately not always in the right direction with Saints struggling to win the ball back. Conceded possession too cheaply, but cancelled that out with his hustling of the Charlton midfield.

Saganowski - 7: Encouraging cameo from the talented Pole who looked desperate to make an impression, closing down the Charlton defence well. Should have been on earlier as his clever movement looked much more likely to cause Charlton problems then Bradley's pace.

Pericard - 4: Thrown on to use his bulk to hold the ball up, but made no impression on the game and looked a very limited player. Surely there's more to come from the former Juventus player?