Charlton assistant boss: We knew it might take late winner to see off Shrewsbury Town

Curtis Fleming has revealed that Charlton Athletic’s management team always thought it could take a late winner to break Shrewsbury Town’s resistance.

Thierry Small scored in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time to seal victory for Nathan Jones’ in-form side.

Only Leyton Orient (16) have collected more points that Charlton (13) over the last six matches.

This success moved the South Londoners within two points of sixth-placed Barnsley and with a match in hand.

Fleming, on post-match media duties due to Jones having a prior commitment, was asked about the late drama.

Shrewsbury substitute Jordan Shipley messed up his connection on a glorious chance just before Charlton went down the other end of Small opened his account of the season.

“It was something we thought would probably happen,” said the Irishman. “Shrewsbury have looked a really resilient team over the last six or seven games – there has been a real uplift since Gareth Ainsworth has gone in.

“We spoke to the lads about it being 96, 97 minutes that we may win the game but that we had to believe and had to keep going. At times there will be frustrations and a bad pass – but it is about the three points. I think maybe the lads are believing us now.

“Having another clean sheet is a huge bonus for us because we know that when we go into the games, the players we have on the pitch, will create chances and the lads we can bring off the bench – the game-changers – have made a real impact in the last few weeks.

“On the other side, we think we should have a little more guile and patience – a little bit more belief in the attacking third. But it is three points.

“That (the celebrations after the goal) are what we work for and what we are in first-team football for. It is the pressure that if you lose a game you’ve got to be able to take the flak and when you win a game you have got to go and enjoy it.

“Every three points is important. The players and fans go off and celebrate tonight but our heads now are on Bristol Rovers (on Tuesday) straight away – so you only get that 10-second buzz when the final whistle goes and you jump around. Then you go on to the next.

“I’m really, really happy for the lads and for the clean sheet. I think we only got five the whole of last season. So to have 11 is really good and gives us a real foundation.”

Small has been asked to play the right wing-back role due to injuries in that area.

Kayne Ramsay, who had occupied the position, made his return from injury as a late substitute, not long before the former Southampton youngster made himself the matchwinner.

“I’m not an emotional guy but I was really buzzing for Thierry,” said Fleming. “He stays out in training every day. We’ve asked him to play a position and he is learning on the job.

“He has got all the attributes to be a top player. There are some things we’ve got to work with him on – the final product or picking out the pass when he gets there. The kid is trying every day.

“He’s been hitting a few right-footers in training and we were wondering when he would score one! It’s a wonderful finish. There is still more to come from him.

“The win is huge for us. Everyone is talking play-offs but we just need to be the best version of ourselves.

“We can beat anybody in the league – but anyone can. You have to turn up. Yes, we are looking at the play-offs but Bristol Rovers is the next game (on Tuesday). There is nothing won yet. We aren’t anywhere yet.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD