Charlton Athletic need goals – and it is whole squad’s responsibility to deliver them

Johnnie Jackson has urged all of his players to take on the responsibility of scoring goals as Charlton head to Crewe tomorrow.

The Addicks need a string of wins – and quickly – to keep alive any lingering hopes of reaching the League One play-offs.

But they have produced blanks in three of their last four fixtures, Jonathan Leko’s stoppage-time winner against Milton Keynes last week in the EFL Trophy is the only time they have netted since December 11.

Conor Washington, who scored twice in a 2-0 win over Cambridge shortly before Christmas, missed the FA Cup loss to Norwich with a hamstring injury.

Top-scorer Jayden Stockley had been ruled out with a hip problem.

Asked about the goals drying up in recent fixtures, Jackson said: “I can’t ignore it – but we are creating chances every game. I take heart as a coach that we are setting up the team in a way that is going to get the ball into the opposition’s final third.

“Out of possession we are doing well and winning it back in good areas. What we need to do is add that last bit. You can’t lose Conor and Jayden out of our team and our goals are then gone. People have to step up – the midfielders need to chip in as well as the defenders from set-plays. It can’t just be the forwards.

“I was a goalscoring midfielder. I’m looking at the midfielders and saying: ‘C’mon, you need to step in’. Defenders have to be chipping in with goals as well, we can’t just be reliant on the forwards.

“I’m encouraged by the way we’re playing. I believe that if we keep doing the right things and getting the ball in the right areas that goals will come. It is just about a little bit of individual responsibility when chances do come. When there is the opportunity to get shots off just take it. We need a little more killer instinct in the final third.

“But we are playing well and producing some good moments and chances in every game we’re playing.”

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS