Calling at the station, earlier train delayed “Can I catch it”? A simple question asked.

“Ian” of Virgin Trains takes the tickets, shuffles like a professional croupier. He adds delay matched only by the snooze button on your alarm. Eventually he nods. The theoretical answer given, a mad dash, the train is still there.

I'm running, I implore the train staff standing in the beginning to close doors to wait please. My best sad puppy pleading isn't enough. She shakes her head and the window of opportunity closes before my eyes. I stare at the stationary coaches, a minute passes, moments of reflection, indecision hurts.

And deep down I blame myself, I knew the tickets were valid; I should have jumped on without checking with “Ian”. Let's hope my lack of courage of conviction isn't followed by the Rams this afternoon.

Arrive in London. Borough Market provides the lunch, great food, good beer, gregarious company the day gets better.

Even “Engineering Works” can't dampen the mood as we switch to Underground and bus to reach the Valley.

Team news, Jamie Hanson fills in at left full back for the absent Olsson. Camara makes the bench.

It's a slow start, we pass and probe, the Addicks more direct look sharper, apart from the final ball which neither side excels at.

Watching you wouldn't say one team was challenging for promotion and the other fighting relegation. Certainly Charlton were the brighter in the opening minutes.

Derby responded and first Tom Ince then Chris Martin tested Nick Pope in the home sides area in a single move, the stopper producing two excellent saves the first with his feet before tipping Martin’s shot over the bar.

At the other end Cyrus Christie pulled off a fantastic block to stop Johann Gudmundsson scoring with the goal otherwise gaping wide.

Charlton’s sword was like a hot knife through the butter of the Derby defence; a rapier thrust by Callum Harriott left us all relieved as the ball flashed outside of the post.

This wasn't the Rams of Hull; this was the laid back lethargy of Cardiff and two steps beyond.

As the half time whistle blew, you would mark both sides as five or six out of ten, Derby particularly weak on the Left as Hanson was stifled playing out of position and two many passes hit speculatively into space or flicked on willy nilly.

Second half and we still affect casualness at the back, Richard Keogh especially guilty, hauling his man down on the edge of the box after losing possession. Luckily the Addicks can't finish. Fortunately the post saves us.

And when they do get the ball in the back of the net it's pulled back for a foul as Jorge Teixeira challenges deep on the back post with Scott Carson and Shackell both of whom are left flat on the deck. One of those moments when you'd be disappointed if it was your team who were denied but delighted if you were the defending side.

Eventually a goal comes, it's scrappy, a corner half cleared, played back in and Johnny Russell nods it up higher still, over the keeper and into the back seat of the net. 1-0 to the Rams.

Then we defend. And attack. It's open play, both sides giving their all, Martin claims a penalty but a tumbling dice is known to gather no moss.

Craig Bryson throws his body on the line and Martin blasts over.

A cameo by Will Hughes proves nothing and we see the game out.

Three points, playoffs almost guaranteed, we applaud the players off.

As they leave the manager approaches the travelling faithful with his pumping fists and arm waving exploits.

It didn't motivate me, I'd cheered and clapped the team, I didn't need a manager to get me going after the event. Who would in all honesty?

Still…….

Match Highlights:

Gaffer Interviews:

Darren Wassall was happy to get t3 points on the road:

Johnny Russell was pleased to get on the scoresheet again:

COYR!!

Photo: Action Images

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