Its been a baptism of fire for Charlton boss Ian Dowie, after his side were humiliated at home by a superb Man Utd side 0-3. Previous to that, they were defeated 3-1 away at West Ham Utd. For Bolton, they were unlucky not to take all three points at Fulham midweek, after conceding a very late penalty to draw 1-1. This comes after a confidence building two nil home win over Tottenham.

It could be a long hard season for Ian Dowie at Charlton. From what I've seen, they do have Darren and Marcus Bent up front, but I'm not sure Hasselbaink is the player he was. They seem to be placing alot of pressure on Darren Bent to provide the goals, and he is just not getting the service. More worryingly, is that the team have already conceded six goals in their first two matches. Bolton, on the other hand, have only conceded the one goal, and that was a penalty in the 90th minute on Wednesday against Fulham.Boss Sam Allardyce has developed a very tough Bolton team which do not give much away, and I'm sure they can get something from this match today. Away from home, Bolton seem to prove very stubborn resistance.

North Bank...Arsenal v Wolves....1979 or early 1980 I think. Me Dad, who wasn't a huge footie fan, took me for my 9th Birthday. He realised only after we went through the turnstiles that we were in a packed standing area and he made me feign a limp in an attempt to persuade a Steward to let us in the West Stand seats!! Of course it was full so he had to enjure the whole game standing...I of course loved it...especially when some likely lads near me were loudly plotting how to get to the Wolves boys after the game!!

Betfred are offering 4/7 on Bolton with a plus one handicap, and I think this is not a bad bet. I'm sure Bolton have the ability to snatch a narrow win here, but I think a safer option is to go for the handicap, as Charlton do have a great player in Darren Bent who can make something of nothing. However, it is obvious to Ian Dowie and everyone that Charlton do have problems at the back and Bolton should do enough to fight out a draw, which will be enough to make our bet a winner. 1974, FA cup 3rd round. Charlton v Pompey at the old valley.1-1 and a fantastic atmosphere. The replay was on the tuesday night and Pompey lost 3-0, a situation I was going to be getting used to down the years but I was hooked.

Philiskirk was brought in around 1986, the John McGrath era, though he was never one of McGraths' favourites, he preferred Nigel Jemson (likened him to a great white shark??) though I think the Whiskey in the potting shed was taking hold on McGrath at that point...he certainly was a great character and rescued PNE from the 4th Div.

He was a tall striker with a good touch, think he left us to go to Bolton? Last I heard was he in the process of becoming a Ref, though that is some years ago.
sat in the stand with my dad. he had refused for yrs to take me because we were so sh1t. couldnt have been a better game, though. came from behind (might even have been 2 nil down) to win. the next game i went to we were 2nil down and came back to nick a point with 2 frank bishop goals.

my dad wouldnt take me anymore, so i went with a neighbour - we stood at the clock end. i loved those days, life was easy and fun. all you had to worry about was staving off relegation for another season and getting hold of some ruff old skank at the local meatmarket.

nowadays its a disaster for most fans if you only win the league cup and have to qualify for the champions league.