Charlton boss Lee Bowyer: I told Macauley Bonne to go out there and be horrible – that’s why he bagged that second goal

BY LOUIS MENDEZ

Charlton boss Lee Bowyer praised striker Macauley Bonne for adding physicality to his game following the rollercoaster 3-2 home win over Bristol City.

The former Leyton Orient forward bagged a Boxing Day brace as the home side finally ended their 11-game winless run – Bonne’s tally now up to eight league goals for the season.

“They were both top finishes,” said Bowyer, after his side scored twice in the closing stages to complete the comeback victory.

“First one, if it had been the summer time it would have bounced over! The softness of the pitch helped it go in. It was a great finish, the keeper was so close to him.

“The second one, pure strength. I said to him before the game ‘be horrible, be strong. Let these centre-halves know that they’re in a game.’ At times, if there’s one thing that frustrates me with Macca is he is too honest and too nice. Don’t be nice, you’re a striker.

“I played with (Alan) Shearer, he was horrible. Every centre-half that walks off that pitch should be like ‘I don’t want to play him again.’ That’s how Macca needs to be more physical, horrible to play against. Because he can finish. Today, he knocked the centre-half out the way and that’s why he scored.”

Bonne also laid on the assist for the winning goal, with youngster Alfie Doughty arriving at the far-post to bundle home his first ever strike for the club.

“Thank goodness that Alfie listened,” added the Addicks boss.

“I said arrive at that far-post, be in this area. He took that instruction and arrived far-post and got us the winner. You have to have someone arrive at the far-post. Especially if they’re coming in hard and low like that. How many goals do you see Raheem Sterling scoring like that for Man City in that situation. It’s not hard, it’s just hard work. Thankfully he got his goal because he’s deserved it.

“Our games aren’t dull, are they. How many times have we scored two goals or more this season, it’s getting silly now. I’d like a one-niler. I’d love one at the moment. The most important thing is, I’ve sat there and spoken after games where we deserved all three points and it’s not gone our way. Today, did we deserve three points? It was quite an even one I think. First-half, it was quite even. Second-half, we went 2-1 behind without really doing anything wrong.

“The players, I have to give them all the credit. They kept going and going, that’s what they do. Their will to win is great. Our fans didn’t stop singing, even when we went behind. They’ve helped us get this win today.

“Let’s not forget what Bristol City are. A team that are tipped and should be in the top six this season. Their manager has done a great job there and they’re a good side.”

PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS