After Rovers won at The Valley for the first time since 2015, boss Tony Mowbray spoke of his delight after his much-changed Rovers side ran out comfortable 2-0 winners against Lee Bowyer’s struggling Charlton Athletic side.
“We had to work really hard for the victory today. There was a big atmosphere in the stadium with around 25,000 people here, alongside the weather conditions being terrible, but we didn’t let that faze us. We kept our concentration high and we managed the game well. We got ourselves ahead and then didn’t give them too many chances to peg us back. I think, with them being at home and being backed by such a large crowd, they were always going to put balls into our box and look to be a threat but barring one or two good saves from Christian (Walton), we weren’t under massive pressure from them. Everybody did their job today and we scored a couple of goals to seal the victory, which was pleasing. Now we turn our attentions towards preparing for Brentford next week.
“I think after the first 10-15 minutes, we grew into the game and we managed to control the rest of the first-half. Most of the game was played in their half after that opening period, and we managed to capitalise on the chances that fell our way after that. We had more chances that sprung up around the edge of their box towards the end of the first-half and we talked at half-time about having a bit more quality around the edge of the area in order to pick the final pass. During the second-half, we probably got in-behind them at the byline, three, four or five times, but we couldn’t find that final pass or the striker receiving the ball couldn’t find the space to move. These are all things that we have to keep working on in training in order to improve, but I’m happy enough, because coming here and getting the points, away to a Charlton side who, at The Valley have beaten Leeds United and drawn with West Bromwich Albion and Fulham, is not a bad feat at all. We now have to forget about this game and move onto the next one.
“Our game management was good today, unlike at times last season. We generally kept them away from our goal, but it was difficult, especially in the second-half when they changed system and went to a back-four in order to get more men forward. They played a diamond, so they could play in-between our lines using (Aiden) McGeady who’s a very talented individual who could link up with their top goalscorer (Lyle) Taylor. It was something we had to manage, but I thought we did it really well, whilst also asking questions of them defensively. We didn’t just kick the ball up the pitch aimlessly, we picked the right pass most times, so overall, I’m happy with the team. I’m happy with how they applied what we asked them to do and with how they gave Charlton problems.
“I’m delighted with everybody; they all played their part in what was a difficult game. Although he’s still a young boy whose physical frailties you can spot at times, the talent of John Buckley with the ball is unquestionable. He will grow into a man one day, but he has lovely fast feet, he can play off either foot, he sees forward passes, he can dribble and carry the ball, he’s got bags of energy and although he’s still got some physical weaknesses, we’re delighted with his progress and his goal today. He’s desperate to be a footballer. Nobody wants to work harder or put in the hours at our football club more than John. He’s always asking questions, he’s always on the training ground after training’s finished honing his craft and I’m just delighted that he’s reaping the rewards of all of the hard work that he puts in.
“The last 18 months have been a bit of a struggle for Dominic (Samuel). His living situation during his long-term injury was a bit of a struggle because his family and the people he loves were all down south, near Reading and he was up north on his own, so it’s been a long haul for him. I’m just pleased with him since his return to the side. He looks lean, fast, mobile and looks hungry to score goals. Let’s hope he can grab a couple to keep that hunger going in order to help our team out over the last 13 games of the campaign.
“I’m happy with how Christian performed today and with his performances in recent weeks. All goalkeepers are going to have areas they need to improve upon at this level, because we can’t all go out and sign an Ederson or an Alisson. This is Christian Walton, on-loan from Brighton and Hove Albion, who was at Wigan Athletic last year, and he’s not the finished article by any means. He is, however, working hard and listening to me and my staff. He made some critical saves for us today because if they had managed to score to get it to 2-1, then their home crowd would have erupted and suddenly things could have got a lot harder. Thankfully, we managed to keep them quiet, in order to see the game and victory out.”
