Assistant Scott Marshall said Ben Garner spoke to Charlton team virtually during interval of Fleetwood draw

Charlton assistant boss Scott Marshall was pleased to see his side recover from a “wobbly” first-half to take a point at Fleetwood Town.

Manager Ben Garner was forced to miss the game after contracting covid but was able to maintain contact with the technical area throughout.

Marshall led the team from the dugout but said Garner did speak to his team during the interval over video call.

The Addicks trailed to a Callum Morton goal at the interval – looking well below par during the first-period.

But a switch of shape from 3-5-2 to the usual 4-3-3, plus the introduction of debutant Manny Egbo at the break, proved the catalyst for an improved second-half. The South Londoners were on level terms as substitute Miles Leaburn bagged his third goal off the bench this campaign – superbly flicking home Jes Rak-Sakyi’s low cross inside the final quarter-hour.

The result leaves the Addicks still in search of their first away league victory of the campaign and five winless in League One.

So, was Garner forced to throw a virtual teacup at the break?

“Maybe!” laughed Marshall.

“You’d have to ask him. It could be all smashed in the cupboard. No, not too harsh words at half-time, but done in the right way. It was a positive response. We want the guys to go out and perform. They need encouragement to do that, and they’ve done well.

“We were in constant dialogue [with Garner]. Ben was watching the game and giving us updates in terms of tactical things that he can see from his viewpoint which was a great help.

“It was a pleasing second-half. We created some good chances, scored a very good goal. Hit the bar and the post. It was a pleasing response after a bit of a wobbly first-half.

“I know you can’t feel it as much now but there was a bit of a wind running down the pitch which made it difficult to get into a rhythm,” added Marshall when asked why the side were out of sorts in the opening 45 minutes.

“We were a bit tentative in terms of getting on the ball and controlling the game. They were putting us under a lot of pressure. They hunt in a pack and put you under pressure, stop you getting into any rhythm in the game. They do that really well. Their goal was typical of how they play, put you under pressure and nick it off you. Two passes and there’s a cross across your box or an effort on goal.

“We didn’t get as much control as we thought we would with the shape we were playing first-half. It was really pleasing to get a response as we did second-half.

“Ben passed on some instructions at half-time. We made a couple of changes in terms of the shape and Manny Egbo came on and had a positive response.

“They’re all positives that we’ll think about but we want 90 minutes of quality so we can come to places and get three points.”

Leaburn’s impressive flick hauled the Addicks level late on – further elevating his super sub reputation.

Marshall added: “It’s a great goal, a fantastic bit of skill. It seemed to take ages to get across the line eventually. But it was a fantastic moment and Miles has got some good goals already, let’s hope it continues.”

PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS