Conor Coventry admits crucial first Charlton Athletic goal was “a little bit scrappy”

Conor Coventry admitted his matchwinner for Charlton Athletic tonight was “a bit scrappy” but did not care one bit as it secured his side a long overdue three points in League One.

The former West Ham United midfielder’s finish in the 1-0 win over Burton Albion was not the cleanest of connections with his left foot. But Coventry reacted sharply after his initially right-footed strike was kept out by Brewers keeper Max Crocombe.

Charlton had been winless in five league matches before this evening and came into the fixture against the bottom club in the division badly in need of a positive result.

It was Coventry’s first goal in Addicks colours since he joined in the January transfer window.

Coventry told BBC London: “It’s nice (to get off the mark for Charlton). I wasn’t thinking about that at all  – I just wanted us to win the game.

“It has taken me a little while, I’m not the most prolific in front of goal, but it is a lovely feeling.

“I hit the first one better than the one that went in, that was a little bit scrappy. I don’t mind, I’ll take it.

“As a team we had a lot more shots – probably the most we’ve had this season – and on another night we could’ve scored a lot more.

“It’s tough because we’re on the back of a couple of losses and we’re not where we want to be or think we have the capability to be in the league. It is tense. You don’t want to let another opportunity slip and slipping down the table. At the same time I had belief in the lads that were out there and we’d take one of our chances.

“They made it awkward for us all night. Thankfully we overcame the challenges. We needed that. Everyone is relieved, happy and hopefully it can set us up to go again.

“The focus is on the next game and we know Walsall (in the FA Cup) are flying and it is going to be a tough game at their ground. We want to try and build a bit of momentum.”

PICTURE: KYLE ANDREWS