Dempsey does the trick after Duff start!

I decided at the last minute on Friday evening to book a ticket for today's cup game at home to Charlton Athletic. I've not been to the Cottage since the opening game of the season against Aston Villa back in early August, so thought it was about time I went and lined the terraces and players pockets. Did they earn it? Given it was a cheap cup game ticket, then maybe only just in the end.

This morning was a bit of a slow casual start and I decided to leave later and travel to the game. This meant forgoing lunch at the Chancery in Lillie Lane, where you can get a nice pint, 25% off meals with match day tickets and appreciate the hiring policy ;o)

I made it to my seat with about ten minutes to spare before kick off. After an early goal from Clint Dempsey ("he scores with his left, he scores with his right, that boy Clint Dempsey makes Drogba look shite"), the lads decided to go into their regular sleep mode. Even a few close shaves were not enough to wake them up.

When they did have the ball they were either too casual and or went into a state of 'oh we have the ball and what do we do now'! I think the Flying Scotsman on quarter speed would have been more effective. Bobby Zamora didn't look like his heart was in it at times. He certainly wasn't getting much service to galvanise him beyond a stroll.

By half time I'd rather have been watching paint dry!

Another lull in action. Note the sea of red in the Putney End (c Rotton Yarns)

All came good in the second half when Damien Duff replaced Kerim Frei after 57 minutes. He showed them what to do - run hard at the opposition both on and off the ball. Creating neat one two's with Bobby and the others around him. The interaction with Bobby was great - it certainly woke him up and got him moving! That said they still didn't seem to get beyond half speed at times, but it was enough.

Damien had only been on 2 minutes and nearly scored and it was a minute later when that boy Dempsey done it again! 2-0 hurrah! Ten minutes later, Bryan Ruiz gets the ball and is brought down by the keeper. Up steps that man Clint to take the penalty, making it 3-0 and claiming his hat trick. Six minutes later it was all over bar the shouting for Charlton when Damien Duff grabbed a deserved goal to make it 4-0.

All in all following an hours worth of agonising faff and general duff playing, I suppose it wasn't a bad game for half an hour . The Charlton supporters were amazing - they filled the entire Putney End and made a hell of a din.

At times I thought I was sitting in a library up at the Hammersmith End.

Its a shame they didn't do better - the score line does not reflect how well they played and but for David Stockdale came close on occasions. They should feel very proud.