Addicks 4 Reading 2 The coffee stain on my t-shirt I found last night brought a smile to my face. I think it was the 3rd goal, coffee in hand, ball in back of the net, me standing on the sofa with my arms aloft. Shit, I better check the sofa tonight.

What an enthralling game Saturday's was. It reminded me of the West Ham television game a couple of season's back - not the game, the coffee. That day it was on the sofa.

Despite Birmingham's unbeaten start to the season, Reading showed how hard it is come down and react positively. They reminded me off us last year and Derby are already doing their best Leeds impersonation. There were many things good about our performance. Our wing play, our balance, the bite in midfield, our tempo, the front two but what I really loved was our spirit.

Luke Varney jumping into the arms of Pardew after his goal was magical to watch. Not for the first time was Pards involved in a goal celebration, which goes someway to prove his popularity among the players. I think he's winning the fans back too, with a loud burst of "Soooper Al" echoing from the tele' late in the game. I hope he has the bit between his teeth because this season will not be easy but a smaller, tighter squad must be better for consistency.

Certainly much of our good work came from Nicky Bailey, he's vision and energy plus never say die attitude will make him a god-damn hero if he's not careful. Bouazza, once he realised he had the beating of former teammate Resenoir, impressed with his range of attacking abilities, and of course finished the 4th like a Premiership player. Damaged goods Pardew said.

Holland was a welcome addition back in the team, although Racon and Semedo remain the future, you know what you get with Matty, and he even got a goal (circa Ipswich 2001). Sam was creative too with a hand in each goal, but he was helped immensely by Moots at right back. I know the young Frenchman makes mistakes but I just love watching this boy play.

Gray probably had his best game in an Addicks shirt and he worked well with Varney, who added Hales-like finishing to his pace down the channels and much admired workrate.

The back four still had some hiccups but who won't against a forward line of Doyle, Hunt, Lita, Convey, Long and Sonko at set-plays in this division. Basey struggled in the first half I thought but stuck to his task well, and Hudson does reassure me at the back and although Fortune has performed credibly in the opening weeks of the season, I think we all sighed with relief when it was announced that Linvoy Primus will join us this week, with perhaps Cranie to come as well.

A word for Weaver, who looked more dominant and made some good stops. He was awfully unlucky with his penalty save and I wonder if he moved at Doyle's earlier miss? If referee's blow for a handful of those in all four leagues all season I will be surprised.

It was a great day to be an Addick - more please.

A word from Pards: "Awesome."
Addick thoughts: cafc.co.uk; Charlton North Downs; Kings Hill Addick; A Red Divided; Blackheath Addick; All Quiet; Drinking During the Game; Addicks Diary.
Reading thoughts: Steve Coppell.
In the press: BBC Sport; Guardian; Independent.
Next: Preston NE away Saturday  ¶ 11:10