And so it was, from the very first whistle we were so up for it and every red shirt chased every cause good and lost one. There's no doubt that opening goal was a dubious one but Ambrose blissfully finished off a fine cross from Marcus Bent. Ambrose deserved his luck after already showing real intent with some clever play drawing fouls on him every way he turned.

The nervousness did not lift in this house but Charlton continued to play purposeful football as opposed to the Hammers unsteady passages of possession. With the backing immense from the Addicks fans Darren Bent nearly put his bigger namesake in for a 2nd before Thomas, who was quality all match, superbly steered in a welcome 2nd leaving Davenport for dead with skill, pace and a great shot.

I was sat here like a blithering idiot, meanwhile Pards was composed on the touchline in rank contradiction to the glum looking Curbs, with his boss Egg-head's eyes piercing into the back of his head from the stands. Is it possible to be that ugly I ask you?

And while I was hoping we wouldn't concede before half-time, great work, yes I said "work" by JFH put Benty away for a classic finish. Oh isn't it good to have that boy back. Half-time and a feeling immeasurble to describe.

It was obviously important not to concede early in the 2nd half and although they had more possession with Tevez everywhere, the clocked ticked on and I slowly started to relax.

JFH hit the post, Carson was alert to a couple pieces of danger and then with 10 minutes left the outstanding Thomas lost his mind by convincingly smacking in a 4th and I was in Chicago heaven. Call me never satisfied but wouldn't it have been nice to have seen Zheng's fine header go in off the bar in injury time?

We couldn't have dreamt of anything better. Pards proving his point with real dignity and class and of course where it really matters. Curbs position meanwhile is in tatters and I think the worst thing for us is that Egg-head cracks and sacks him this week. One thing I would say about the Hammers, I thought their supporters were admirable backing them to the end. I have a load of West Ham mates, many of whom read this and I hope they except me back into their bosom next Friday when I will see them for beers but will have to remind them of the times a couple of years back when I offered to swap Curbs for Pards.

Addicks supporters will be in top voice tonight and we need to take that onto Vicarage Road next Saturday, where my son and I will join them.

Every player in a red shirt did us proud today. To say I was sorry to see Marcus Bent go off injured says a lot about how Pardew's management skills have changed him and my attitude towards him. The same for JFH who set up the 3rd goal, was unlucky not to score himself and exhibited all of his experience once he came on.

The back with Young dominant were a close knit unit supporting each other at every opportunity in complete contrast to the shambolic looking Hammers defence. Holland was simply Holland and my man of the match (it was hard to pick one wasn't it) was Alexandre Song who mixed strength and skill all game long until he went off to a standing ovation.

If only Darren Ambrose and Jerome Thomas could play like that every week then we'll not fail to create chances, which have often been so hard to get this season and finally Benty, welcome back mate. It is our pleasure.

Staying up is still a big ask but Pardew and the players statement of intent was there today for everyone to see. Watford are losing and it's going to be a good day. Thank you Charlton, you make me very proud.

Opinions of those who were at The Valley: The Sun; BBC Sport; cafc.co.uk; ESPN; All Quiet; Frankie Valley; Observer; Hammered (West Ham blog).

Super Al: Matt Holland said it all when he came into the dressing room and said that's the standard that we need every week. We produced defensively and we were disciplined. They've set a high standard today and from now on they will be judged against that.”