Charlton boss on overdue clean sheet and makes really positive statement about defensive prospect Ness

Charlton Athletic have kept their first clean sheet in 11 League One matches but boss Dean Holden admitted that not everything was perfect about their defensive display in today’s 2-0 win over Barnsley.

The last time that the Addicks had shutout the opposition, aside from Brighton in the EFL Cup, was the 1-0 victory at Shrewsbury on October 22.

Asked if it was a major plus for the defence, Holden said: “For the whole team, really. There is so much to work on. At times we got stretched – the distances were too big between the units – which have been great in the last few games.

“They gave us problems. The outside centre-backs played really wide and moved the ball well. With all the changes in our team, we had to adapt to that. What I would say is that I don’t know how many blocks we put in, but wow, they put their bodies on the line – don’t they?

“That’s really good to see. Ash makes a good save first half and they’ve hit the crossbar a couple of times first half. Second half it was a lot more solid and we looked so dangerous on the counter-attack with our pace and power up front, that’s the strongest part of our team at the moment.

“It was an exciting game for the neutral. I’m sure the supporters enjoyed it. We played some outstanding stuff, some of the stuff wasn’t so great. I genuinely don’t care how we win at the moment. It’s about getting a foundation – three wins on the spin. We’ve jumped a place higher up the league. What happens off the back of that is that you build momentum – support base, players and staff.

“On Monday it means the training ground is going to be rocking again. We’ve got the first free week since I’ve been here, in terms of working on the things I’ve alluded to – the shape of the team, the way we defend as a unit and also when we’ve got the ball.

“Peterborough is another big game and we’re looking forward to it.”

Lucas Ness, 20, once again impressed for the South Londoners.

The young centre-back has been entrusted with a first-team spot under Holden and was one of their standout performers in Tuesday’s EFL Cup quarter-final tie at Manchester United.

Ness had been out on loan at Torquay in the National League before defensive injuries saw him recalled.

“I said to him in training yesterday that it is a long way from being at Torquay – he’s playing at Old Trafford and League One against some good teams and good opponents,” said Holden. “He looks assured. I love his mentality. He doesn’t want the spotlight. He brings a calmness to that defence. Ryan, alongside him, as a senior member.

“His positioning was good today. There was one I remember in the second half, they got beyond our backline and he’s got into that John Terry position at the near post to make a brilliant block.

“His game is anything. He’ll go to war with you. With the ball at his feet, he can play. He’s got a big future ahead of him.”

MAIN PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD