Godden is golden for Addicks’ boss Jones

By Daniel Harris

CHARLTON ATH 2

Godden 11, 38

CHARLTON: Mannion 6, Ramsay 7, Jones 7, Gillesphey 8, Watson 7 (Mitchell 89), Coventry 7, Docherty 6, Small 6 (Anderson 90+4), Berry 7 (McIntyre 90+3), Campbell 7, Godden 8 (Leaburn 76, 6). Subs not used: Reid, Enslin, Ahadme.

WIGAN ATHLETIC 1

Sze 84

WIGAN: Tickle 6, Carragher 7, Aimson 7 (Robinson 83, 6), Kerr 7, Chambers 6 (J.Smith 70, 7), S.Smith 6, Norburn 6, Dale 7 (McManaman 83, 6), Weir 7 (Sze 45, 7), Mellish 6 (Darcy 45, 6), Taylor 6. Subs not used: Watson, Sibbick.

Att: 16,491 Rating: ★★★★★ Ref: Graham Scott 7/10

NATHAN Jones described his Charlton Athletic side as being in “a wonderful place” after Matty Godden’s double earned victory over Wigan Athletic.

The stats make lovely reading for the Addicks. They have recorded seven straight home League 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 Charlton fans are dreaming of a top-two finish.

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 morehairyand 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.” The Addicks took the lead in the 11th minute, Godden – a summer signing from Coventry City – producing a sharp spin and finish past goalkeeper Sam Tickle from close range after Kayne Ramsay’s cross was not properly cleared.

Will Aimson was on hand to scramble clear when Tickle could only parry a Macaulay Gillesphey free-kick.

The hosts extended their lead after 38 minutes. Luke Berry’s free-kick was headed back across the face of goal by Gillesphey and God-den turned home from two yards out for his 15th goal of the campaign.

Tyreece Campbell and Godden werebothdenied just moments after the second half started.

Wigan, with new head coach Ryan Lowe in the technical area, carried more of a threat late on with Dale Taylor putting an effort wide from Chris Sze’s pass.

And they ensured a nervy finish when Sze lashed in after goalkeeper Will Mannion had initially produced a fine save from Ronan Darcy in the 85th minute.

Lowe said: “It was too late that we rallied.

“I told the boys we need to have a bit more of a calmness. This place is a bit of a fortress and we left it too late.”