Conor Washington gives his verdict on Charlton Athletic’s fightback win against Bristol Rovers

Conor Washington was pleased with Charlton Athletic’s spirited response as they kicked off Johnnie Jackson’s caretaker spell in charge with a victory.

It didn’t look like that was going to be the case as Bristol Rovers went 2-0 up inside the opening 32 minutes. Luke Leahy sent Ben Amos the wrong way from the penalty spot in the 18th minute and then Ed Upson’s long-distance drive – which looked a comfortable take – also hit the back of the net.

But Andrew Shinnie crucially cut the deficit almost instantly and then Jake Forster-Caskey whipped in a free-kick to restore parity before the break.

It was left for Washington to convert the clincher six minutes from time. He latched on to Alfie Kilgour’s header and although his first touch found the right upright the Northern Ireland international followed up from close range.

Washington, who has 11 goals for the campaign, told Valley Pass: “It was pretty indicative of every home game we’ve had – we gave ourselves a mountain to climb. But we’ve shown great character to come back from 2-0 down to win 3-2, it could’ve been more. Especially the second half and the last 15 minutes of the first-half, we were the team on top.

“Everything at home seems to have gone against us, all season it seems, and you felt it was going to go that way again today. But going on to do what we did – showing that determination and grit – is something that has been instilled in us the whole season. It’s nice to reap the fruits of our labour.”

Jackson only took control of the team on Monday morning after Lee Bowyer’s resignation.

Asked what the former Charlton captain – who had been Bowyer’s assistant – said at half-time, Washington responded: “‘Keep doing what you’re doing. Because the last 15 minutes it felt like we were right on top and that we’d go on and win the game. He told us to keep calm, keep passing the ball and it will come – and obviously it did.”

Washington has netted four times in his last three matches.

He said: “It’s not the greatest touch…I’m not sure if that counts as a goal and as an assist. I’ve gambled on them all season and we did it a lot tonight – turned them in behind them. I probably could’ve had a couple more on the evening.

“As long as I can keep the run going, the better.”

PHOTOS: PAUL EDWARDS