Handy Tod

There's not much I can add about a game that I followed via text message, except to say it's a great away win regardless of the acquisition of local bragging rights, but let's not forget the exact same three points will be available at Layer Road in a fortnight.

I was firmly of the opinion that Todorov was instrumental in the second half comeback last weekend, and following a stunning midweek goal, he has popped again with a highly valuable contribution.

He would probably be found out these days in the Premiership, but he seems to have more time on the ball than most of his peers at this level, usually a sign of a good footballer. His style is not materially different from Andy Hunt's, and if Todorov can make the same contribution that Hunt did in 1999/2000, then Charlton have every chance of the same outcome.

Pardew began with 4-5-1, handing Ambrose more freedom just behind Iwelumo, a position he is likely to be more useful in than as one of a pair of central midfielders, a role in which he lacks the physical bite to be effective. It would be incongruous to say Pardew's plan worked since we scored (obviously) after Todorov's introduction, but Ambrose's versatility is likely to see the 4-5-1 used often away from home, especially with Varney unfit, McLeod yet to fully convince and Todorov perhaps most useful as a lively substitute option à la Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

The result puts us firmly in the top half of the table, and with only Bristol City and Coventry unbeaten, I continue to believe this division is there for the taking, especially now we know that the likes of Jerome Thomas did not leave in the transfer window. The bookies have already taken notice, and re-installed us as favourites.