Johnnie Jackson: Charlton found a different way to win against Cambridge
BY LOUIS MENDEZ
Johnnie Jackson says his side found a different way to win after they edged out Cambridge United 2-0 at The Valley.
A brace from Conor Washington saw the Addicks stretch their unbeaten run at home to seven games in all competitions.
The hosts had the lead on the half-hour mark but had to wait until a minute from time for Washington to make the game safe – and they also had goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray to thank for keeping them ahead with a string of important saves.
The visitors had scored in every away league game this calendar until that run was halted in SE7 – a result that sees Charltom climb to within eight points of the play-off places.
Whilst Tuesday’s home triumph over Ipswich was up there as one of the displays of the season, the win over Cambridge was hard-fought.
“A different way to win,” admitted Jackson.
“A different type of game, different conditions. A lot scrappier. But the same outcome so I’m very happy. I think it was going to be very difficult to replicate [the performance against Ipswich] with completely different opposition and the conditions playing a part. It was a really quick turnaround and they expended a lot of energy, my lads, on Tuesday night.
“To expect the same again was probably a bit of a pipe dream but we’ve had to do it a different way and we’ve got it done. Signs of a good team there with a different way of winning.”
Washington bagged his sixth and seventh goals of the season with his brace against the U’s – just reward for his continuing hard work according to his boss.
Jackson said: “Really pleased with Conor and really pleased for Conor. His performance on Tuesday night was outstanding and deserved goals. Similarly, today but he’s added the goals. Really pleased for him. He does tireless work. Runs and runs and runs.
“He’s got good movement, makes intelligent runs on that top line and we find him. He gets in numerous goal scoring opportunities or opportunities to assist and he’s got two goals today. Delighted for him.”
MacGillivray had lead a quiet life in midweek but was called into action often this afternoon – denying both Sam Smith and Adam May in one-on-one situations amongst a succession of important stops.
“Outstanding,” said Jackson of his number one.
“That’s what you need your goalkeeper for. He had very little to do Tuesday night but was busier today. In them moments where it’s a slender lead and the game is in the balance, that is when you need the goalkeeper to step up. Macca is a top goalie and he remained ready to come out and make those saves when we needed him.”
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