Charlton Athletic matchwinner Alex Gilbey played ‘like he had a point to prove’

Charlton Athletic manager Johnnie Jackson was delighted to see Alex Gilbey end his wait for a League One goal – with the midfielder clinching a vital 1-0 victory over Gillingham.

The Addicks had taken one point from a possible 21 heading into the contest and also not scored in their last three fixtures at The Valley.

But Gilbey made it third time lucky in the 40th minute after Gills keeper Pontus Dahlberg had saved initial attempts by Corey Blackett-Taylor and Jayden Stockley.

Dahlberg paid for the price for spilling Blackett-Taylor’s initial shot straight out in front of himself. It was Gilbey’s first goal in the league since December and his third of the campaign.

Jackson said: “You’ve got to be in those positions to pick those bits up.

“I played that position and me and Gilbs have a lot of conversations about that, getting in those positions. The type of player he is and the ability he has got – the engine to get up and down the pitch – he should score more goals. I know he would agree with me.

“He’s come out of the side and you’re looking for a reaction when you do put them back in. He played like he had a point to prove tonight – go and prove me wrong.

“To get that win when you’ve been on a bad run is important, regardless of where you are in the league. It becomes doubly important when you’re playing someone below you and the gap is not that big.

“It will just help the lads and be a reminder that we’re a good side and capable of good things. We haven’t been performing to that level – but when it comes together we can be a threat for anyone.

“Especially in the first half we played some really good stuff and had total dominance. Probably a goal was the least that we deserved at that stage.

“Then a little bit of anxiety creeps in – just because of the nature of the run you’ve been on. When you haven’t got that second goal it makes it a little bit more nervy at the end there.

“We got over the line and that’s all that matters really.”

MAIN PICTURE: PAUL EDWARDS