‘Matty Godden is class’ – Charlton Athletic boss never had any doubts striker would be Valley hit

Nathan Jones talked about Matty Godden proving the doubters wrong after taking his goal haul for the season to 15 in Charlton Athletic’s 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic today.

The Addicks manager was determined to add the experienced frontman to his squad last summer.

Godden and Gassan Ahadme arrived in the striking department in the summer transfer window with League One Golden Boot winner Alfie May sold to Birmingham City.

Godden, 33, scored two close-range finishes against the Latics as Charlton made it seven straight home league wins for the first time since 2019.

“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,” said Jones.” I knew he wasn’t.

“I could be really self-righteous now and say: ‘I told you so’…but no. 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 Matty Godden has given us the return we wanted.”

Charlton are five points behind second-placed Wrexham with nine games to play. They still have to face the Welsh side away next month.

“We were pretty dominant,” said Jones, reflecting on the performance against Wigan. “A two-one scoreline but they have had two opportunities in the game – it shows we have been very, very good defensively.

“We made it a little more hairy and interesting than it needed to be but we were excellent.

“We got the goals and could’ve been out of sight just after half-time – it’s a glorious chance for TC (Tyreece Campbell) and then Godders. We controlled the game really well. I’d have liked a little more quality in the final third but we had umpteen chances and umpteen situations, as well as really limiting them to very, very little.

“Apart from the last six minutes I didn’t see us losing the game but that is what happens if you don’t kill games off and take the odd liberty, which I felt we did late on. I’m just delighted with the win because that is the most important thing.

“Tennai Watson came in today and hasn’t played in ages. He’s had a magnificent game. The players I rested (at Crawley) – Berry, Godden and Docherty – were superb. It shows we are in a wonderful place squad-wise and I’m really, really delighted.

“Wigan are a good side – they have a very healthy budget at the level. This isn’t a shoe-in or guarantee – you still have to do the job. We were outstanding first half. It’s just a real shame we couldn’t (take the chance early in the second period) because then we should be out of sight and it’s a different afternoon. But let’s not look at the negatives – let’s look at the positives.

“We are in a really good place and it’s important we backed up last week when we play Orient, Barnsley and Stockport – three promotion chasers – with two not in the same position. We have backed that up with six points from the two games.”

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS