Charlton boss Lee Bowyer satisfied as high standards return during win at Dagenham
Charlton boss Lee Bowyer was satisfied with the reaction from his side as they followed up Tuesday’s defeat at Ebbsfleet with a comprehensive win at Dagenham & Redbridge.
Goals from Brendan Wiredu and summer signing Tom Lockyer had the Addicks in control inside ten minutes at Victoria Road on Wednesday evening.
Fellow new recruit Macauley Bonne made it three just before the interval, with youngster Ben Dempsey adding a fourth in the closing stages.
The South Londoners had seemed off the boil in the defeat at Stonebridge Road 24 hours previously but Bowyer was pleased with the improvement he saw.
“Much better tonight,” said the Addicks chief.
“We did it properly. It wasn’t sloppy, wasn’t slack. We moved the ball quickly and closed down properly. It was back to how we’ve always been. A good night, no injuries. Very pleasing.
“The difference from last night to tonight was a one hundred percent improvement. They know our standards. The odd time they’re going to come off it, I get that, but to not move the ball properly and just be sloppy in possession – that’s what we was last night. That’s why we play these games.”
The newly-promoted Championship outfit now make the short trip to Priestfield on Saturday (2pm) to take on Gillingham as they ramp up their preparations for the big kick-off at Blackburn Rovers in just over two week’s time.
“We’ll narrow the squad down a bit more so it’s a case of getting 75-80 minutes into them now,” replied Bowyer when asked what sort of side will take to the field on the weekend.
“That’s what Saturday will be and then the ones that miss out on Saturday will play at Colchester on the Tuesday to get them the minutes. Aston Villa will be the main game.”
The Addicks boss still hopes to have some fresh faces in the squad before the weekend.
“We’re working really hard,” he added.
“I’ve just spoken to Steve Gallen there. There’s hopefully some good news coming over the next few days. We’re constantly working on trying to bring the right people in on the budget we have. It’s tough but we’re working hard.”