Charlton striker Conor Washington sets aim for the campaign after bagging debut goal at Crewe

BY LOUIS MENDEZ

Conor Washington’s Charlton career got off to the perfect start after the striker bagged a debut goal during the league opener at Crewe.

The Addicks kicked off their League One campaign with a comfortable 2-0 triumph at Gresty Road. Alfie Doughty had edged the visitors ahead midway through the first-period, with Washington doubling the lead just before the interval as he latched onto Deji Oshilaja’s flick-on to scuff an effort past Crewe stopper William Jääskeläinen.

Boss Lee Bowyer felt his side played within themselves during the victory but Washington was pleased to get his season up and running with a goal.

“Three points as well, it doesn’t get much better than that,” said the forward, who joined the Addicks from Scottish side Heart of Midlothian in the summer.

“A tough away trip, they’re going to be on a high after getting promoted last year. The manager came in after the game and said it wasn’t the performance we wanted and we know our levels have got to be a lot better than that but at the same time, we’ve got to take the positives – it’s three points away from home.

“I’ve got to give credit to Deji. He managed to pick me out and he even said my name before he headed it to me. I don’t think centre-halves get enough credit for stuff like that. It was a great header in. I’ve tried to get contact on it and sliced the life off it but they go in!

“It’s great to start with a goal and three points. I’ve had plenty where you catch it too sweet so delighted to have scored and most importantly we got the three points. We build and go on to Tuesday [against West Ham in the League Cup] now.”

The forward had missed the Addicks’ two cup games before the league season commenced, as he was away on international duty with Northern Ireland – starting in each of the Nations League encounters with Romania and Norway.

Having notched four goals in all competitions for Hearts last season, the striker is hoping to hit double figures this year – a feat he hasn’t achieved since he plundered 17 in all competitions during his last League One campaign with Peterborough in 2015/16.

“I just try to get to double figures as quickly as possible and see where it takes you from there.

“I managed to get minutes when I was away [with Northern Ireland], which was positive. I missed the two games [AFC Wimbledon and Swindon] so it was good to get minutes in the games that I did.

“I’ve felt good all pre-season, there’s been no fitness issues. I felt good, I felt sharp, so I was looking forward to trying to get into the team.”

PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS