Proud Addicks Leyton The Line

Even before this game kicked off, I couldn't hide from the fact that I felt more energised about the Addicks than I had in many years.

So much so that my vociferous celebration of Chris Solly's goal woke up my youngest son, when previously he'd have slept soundly so emotionally uninvolved have I felt for some time.

"You woke him up, you go up and settle him," said the wife.

"No you go sweetheart," I smiled, "...and tell him not to worry.....it's 3-1."

After four years of flawed experiments, we finally seem to be going 'back to basics', and not before time.

No more 'general managers', speculative signings or one-month loans.

It's a work-in-progress, but the club seems to have found its soul again, both on and off the pitch.

So long as we continue down this path of signing honest players, and moulding them with talented youngsters (plus the odd long-term loan), then we can afford to be patient because it's the right path.

Parky keeps talking about the fact that this team will improve, and that excites me because I think he's right.

Indeed few could deny that the Os were the better footballing side tonight in terms of passing.

However it is clear too that in the likes of Reid, Martin, and Abbott, we have some individuals that can do some real damage at this level.

Blend some more familiarity and confidence about playing with one another, and we may have a very competitive side as early as this season.

Perhaps only Christian Dailly desrves even a modicum of criticism for his rash challenge, but ironically it galvanised the remaining ten to a huge three points.

Abbott was a terrific lone front man after the red card, whilst Doherty and Llera put their head on every ball delivered into the box at the other end.

Martin's workrate was immense and his role intelligently played, perhaps suggestive of the type of footballing education received at the likes of Manchester United.

Wagstaff showed doubters (like me) what a threat he poses, so the frustration remains why he can be so anonymous at other times.

The midfield pairing of Racon and McCormack worked their socks off, adopting a disciplined dual holding role after Dailly's dismissal.

The full-backs were barely noticed which usually indicates a solid performance, whilst Solly's well-taken goal put a smile on the face of all those who knew he was unlucky to be dropped.

Rob Elliot's punching and kicking was iffy, but he is a solid and enthusiastic keeper at this level.

It was interesting too that Matt Spring (whose hair was strangely mssing its silver flecks) was first to congratulate the youngster on his goal, suggesting Solly is a highly popular member of staff.

Finally it was great to see Jose Semedo on the pitch at the end, in his training gear. One of Pardew's few positive legacies.

Indeed it reminded me of Brentford away last season, when Messrs Burton and S.Sodje (similarly suspended) sat ashen-faced and casually-dressed in the directors' box and couldn't wait to leave at the final whistle.

The club has done some terrific work in the summer, and early indications are good.

Oh, and we're top of the league, did I mention that?