Charlton 2 Brentford 0

The day started well with news of a contract extension for Shelvey. I like the way both player and club are helping each other here, as the extension just increases the ability of the Charlton board to hold out for premium price, and Shelvey no doubt gets an increase in salary for his pains, as well as the ability to insert get out clauses into the agreement to help smooth the way for the inevitable exit strategy. Indeed, the new contract is in itself, part of that strategy.

As for the game, it was probably for Charlton, the strongest test of the season so far, and they came through it with some aplomb. This wasn't as easy a victory as you might think, as Brentford also had clear cut chances, that with a bit more composure would have stretched our resolve to make it six out of six. The fact that they didn't take them, is down to wasteful finishing as much as anything

There is little doubt that we will be one of the best passing sides in this division, and the lead up to the second goal was little short of sublime. I lost count of the number of passes involved, but I reckon it must have been a dozen plus, before Burton put Sam through, to wriggle his way past the last line of defence, and slot coolly past the Brentford keeper. The first goal was very much one from the training ground, and you could see it coming. Llera firing huge, and deadly accurate cross field passes to Sam was already a signature move, before Sam got the better of a poor defensive back header from one such ball, to cut back for Burton to push it home against one of his many former clubs. I only wish our mercurial winger could last ninety minutes, but hey, I am happy for a fully firing Sam to give us seventy any time.

This game was the first test in a month, ending up at Leeds on October 3rd, that will go a long way to telling us what sort of season we may have. Southampton, Norwich, and Colchester all have to be faced, as well as the Elland Road outfit, but on the evidence of the season to date, Charlton deserve to be feared, far more than Charlton should be fearing any opponents.