Nathan Jones said his Charlton side are in “a wonderful place” after Matty Godden’s brace earned them a 2-1 victory over Wigan.
The Addicks have recorded seven straight home League One victories for the first time since 2019 and they are undefeated in their last six matches, taking 16 points from a possible 18.
No wonder fans are dreaming of a top-two finish after Godden, a summer signing from Coventry, scored twice from close range in the first half to take his tally for the campaign to 15 goals.
Godden finished confidently in the 11th minute after Wigan failed to clear Kayne Ramsay’s cross and his second was a routine tap-in after Macaulay Gillesphey headed down Luke Berry’s free-kick after 35 minutes.
Charlton looked to be cruising until Chris Sze cut the deficit in the closing stages.
Jones said: “We were pretty dominant. They have had two opportunities in the game and that shows we have been very, very good defensively.
“We made it a little more hairy and interesting than we needed it to be. We were aggressive, front-footed and moved the ball – everything we work on, we did.
“I’d love to go back to July and look at some of the comments, scepticism and things that said he (Godden) is not him, he is not this or he is a journeyman. I knew he wasn’t.
“I could be really self-righteous now and say: ‘I told you so’. Matty Godden is class. He has had a wonderful career and is a goalscorer. We brought him here to score goals for Charlton Athletic and he has given us the return we wanted.
“Apart from the last six minutes I didn’t see us losing the game but we didn’t kill things off and took the odd liberty late on. I’m just delighted with the win – because that is the most important thing.”
Sze made it a jittery finish for the Addicks when he was able to convert despite an excellent initial save by Will Mannion from Ronan Darcy.
New Wigan head coach Ryan Lowe, initially expected to take a watching brief, was in the technical area.
“It was too late that we rallied,” said Lowe. “I told the boys we need to have a bit more of a calmness. This place (The Valley) is a bit of a fortress and we left it too late.
“(If Owen) Dale goes through second half and he scores, then it is a different ball game.
“We just needed a little more belief and they know that.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be easy. There wasn’t much football from either side.
“When we did get it down we looked good but it was balls into the box, set-plays and long throws – that is them and they are quite good at it.”
Chris Wilder labelled his side’s 2-0 win over Stoke a “proper away performance” as they got back to winning ways.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.An improved showing saw Sam McCallum, making just his eighth start of the campaign, score late in the first hal...
Goals from Sam McCallum and Andre Brooks ensured Sheffield United returned to winning ways with by beating Stoke 2-0.The Blades had seen their automatic promotion hopes ended after losing four of their previous five, including their last three matches away from Bramall Lane.McCallum had scored just one goal since his summer move from Norwich but popped up at the back post when Rhian Brewster&rsquo...
Partick Thistle stunned title-chasing Falkirk as Terry Ablade secured a dramatic 2-1 William Hill Championship victory in the eighth minute of stoppage time.Thistle were reduced to 10 men after 35 minutes as Stuart Bannigan’s late challenge on Dylan Tait earned the midfielder a second yellow card.The hosts had taken a sixth-minute lead through interim manager Brian Graham’s 19th goal o...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Then & Now This Klopp seeing Slot can win the league with 80 points whilst he finished 2nd with 97 No, I won't. Real Madrid released a statement protesting the referee selection for Saturday's Copa del Rey final. Run Forest, run! In comparison Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, Bleache...
WHAT HAPPENED?The Sun has reported Arsenal are ready to make a significant move to bolster their defence with a bid for the Barcelona defender, who has played a crucial role in the Blaugrana's push to win the treble this season.THE BIGGER PICTUREKounde is under contract until 2027 and has established himself as a key part of the Barcelona defence. He has played 51 times in all competitions this se...
Paris Saint-Germain gave serious thought to signing Christopher Nkunku during the winter transfer window but ultimately chose not to move forward. Although he remained at Chelsea, signs now point to a possible departure this summer.Nkunku joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig in 2023 for £52 million, but injuries and competition have kept him from locking down a regular spot in the starting lineup, ...
Ruben Amorim has said he is convinced that Manchester United can land their summer targets even after a disastrous season which could end in failure to qualify for European competition.United's hopes of reaching the Champions League rest on winning the Europa League. Even if they lift the trophy, Amorim's team remain on course for their lowest Premier League finish.The Portuguese coach is plotting...
Rashford urged to move to Newcastle by WrightIan Wright believes Newcastle United would be an ideal club for Marcus Rashford with his future at Manchester United in doubt.Wright told the Ringer FC podcast of a possible deal for Rashford: "It's the kind of signing Newcastle should be making. That would be amazing. That would be dangerous. Rashford at Newcastle? Yeah. That would be really good. I re...
Birmingham boss Chris Davies says the Blues should be very proud of breaking the 100-point barrier.Alex Cochrane’s winner after 75 minutes was hit from 30 yards and was perfectly-placed to find the corner and hand City a 1-0 win at Stevenage.And it takes them onto 102 points with three games remaining.“I’m very proud,” said the Birmingham boss. “Not many teams will ge...
Alex Cochrane’s superb long-range strike was enough to take League One champions Birmingham over the 100-point mark with a 1-0 win at Stevenage.The game was the perfect example of a clash of styles, Birmingham wanting to play it around, but Stevenage aiming to outwork them.Boro arguably would have been happier with their first-half showing, Jordan Roberts pulling a low shot wide of the targe...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Cole Palmer’s girlfriend Connie Grace dazzles in low-cut top and mini skirt
- 3 Man Utd & Man City join PSG in race for Akliouche
- 4 We always have a chance – Miron Muslic bullish as Plymouth boost survival hopes
- 5 Tottenham to compete with Man City for defender
- 6 Ten-man Falkirk beaten by Raith as late goals keep title race alive
- 7 Big Brother legend Chanelle Hayes flaunts weight loss in red bikini
- 8 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 9 Daily Laugh - Totttenham 1-2 N Forest
- 10 Conor Gallagher's girlfriend dazzles on red carpet as stars gather in Madrid