Ten games into the new season for Charlton and we can look back at a reasonable start, if not a good one to a hard league this year.

With five wins, two draws and three losses, many fans will look at the start with mixed emotions. But with teams around us excluding leaders Shrewsbury, within a result or two of Charlton, being disheartened at this point in time is a little over the top.

Our recent form against lower league opposition has been far from great but Charlton are a big target and we can expect teams to come and push us. Charlton’s failure to take their chances has led to these games being lost or drawn.

Karl Robinson loves his 4-2-3-1 formation and it’s shown in glimpses the attacking power it can offer. The skill of Tariqe Fosu, Billy Clarke and Ricky Holmes can open up most defences which we have seen. We’ll need that to get promoted this season.

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Ricky Holmes | Picture: Benjamin Peters Photography

The chances we are making show that the formation has merit but so far we haven’t taken as many opportunities as we really should have.

Is this something to worry about at the moment? Not really - if you look at Shrewsbury who are sitting pretty at the top with 26 points compared to Charlton in 7th with 17 points, they have scored less goals than Charlton but have had a more solid defensive record.

Defensively some poor decisions and wonder goals have opened up the Addicks.

Only a quality goal from Walsall’s Daniel Agyei on Tuesday night stopped Charlton taking three points, which would've given us a nice little bounce back in the right direction.

Jason Pearce has shown what a leader he is. Unfortunately, we're now missing him for two months. Let’s hope that Ezri Konsa and Naby Sarr hold the defence together until he is fit. 

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Ezri Konsa | Picture: Benjamin Peters Photography

One major factor that will affect this squad is the return of Ben Reeves and Mark Marshall. The quality these two players can bring to any side is what teams in this league will dream of. I can see more opportunities being taken with these two back in the fold.

I’m still sure that this team will reach the play-offs. But realistically, automatic promotion is still on the table and with a few more chances being taken this has to be our aim. 

With the four-game winless run, there has been some negativity amongst fans, which is normal. But the players can put a smile back on our faces with a win on Saturday.

I know it’s a horrible cliche but you are the 12th man and you will help the team win games. Keep it up!