Jonny Williams praises “exceptional” Charlton defence after hard-fought win over Brentford

BY LOUIS MENDEZ

Charlton had to fight hard to hold on to their victory against Brentford on Saturday – and midfielder Jonny Williams says the display was testament to the type of side that Lee Bowyer has put together.

The Addicks were on the backfoot for long spells but took a first-half lead thanks to Chelsea loanee Conor Gallagher, who finished after being sent away by Williams.

Brentford piled the pressure on in the second-half but the South Londoners defended heroically to hold on to all three points as they remain unbeaten five games into the Championship season.

“It’s massive, what the manager has created here,” explained Williams, who has four assists already to his name this campaign.

“The job they’ve done, bringing in players that fit into the system and buy into what we’re doing. Everyone wears their heart on the sleeve and gives more than one hundred percent for the manager. It’s credit to him for bringing in the right players. It’s a joy to play alongside them and he’s bringing the best out in me as well.

“Our main aim is to try and play attractive football. That is something the manager wants us to do. When you come up against a team that want to do that as well, it’s going to be tough. We knew at times that Brentford were going to have a lot of the ball but some of the blocks and performances at the back were exceptional. Some of the best I’ve seen playing as a teammate. Pearcey, for one, was exceptional.

It’s early but we can only keep playing what’s put out in-front of us,” added the Welsh international when asked how impressed he was to find the Addicks sat second in the table at this point.

“So far, so good. Long may it continue. We know we’ve got a tough run of games coming up. It’s nice to be surprising a few people along the way.”

Goalscorer Gallagher has already bagged three strikes in what is his maiden season of senior football.

Williams says that the sky is the limit for the 19-year-old midfielder.

“He’s a pleasure to play alongside,” said Williams.

“We always have a laugh in training. What surprises me most about Conor is his will to win and his desire to get better. Prove what a good player he is. He puts in an absolute shift. Sometimes you don’t know what you’re going to get with loan players, especially from top clubs going on experiences from the past. But he’s been a pleasure to play alongside. He’s a clever player, picks up good positions. He’s proven what a good player he is and what a good signing he’s been.

“That’s probably a reason why he’s at Chelsea. He’s showing why he is a Chelsea player. You saw what Mason Mount did in the Championship last year. If he carries on like that, I don’t see a reason why he couldn’t get a chance one day. He’s still so young. If he keeps scoring, nothing is going to stop him. He’s been unbelievable.”

PHOTOS KEITH GILLARD