Dean Holden offers to help lovestruck Charlton fans as he praises their support during Forest Green win on Valentine’s night
Charlton boss Dean Holden has offered to play Cupid after he thanked the 871 travelling supporters who made the trip to Forest Green Rovers on Valentine’s Day.
They saw their side huff and puff to a 1-0 victory over League One’s bottom side thanks to Corey Blackett-Taylor’s 12th-minute strike.
The South Londoners were forced to hang on for their victory as Duncan Ferguson’s Rovers piled on the pressure but a combination of defensive blocks, poor finishing and a fine Ashley Maynard-Brewer saved earned the Addicks a fifth win in seven league outings – including each of their last three away trips.
“Outstanding,” said Holden of the supporters who made their way to Gloucestershire on an evening usually preserved for romancing a special someone.
“Brilliant support getting right behind the players when we need them.
“Maybe we need to get them on some dating websites though because a thousand coming up on Valentines is a great achievement!
“For 20 minutes we were as good as we’ve been since I came into the job. We passed the ball excellently. We were patient and waited for the spaces to open up but played with purpose. We were running in behind and getting our wingers into the game. They couldn’t really live with us. If I’m being brutally honest, I think the players thought it was a bit too easy at that time. A little bit of carelessness crept in at that point, 25 minutes in.
“Hitting long balls we didn’t need to hit, leaving them short. They were counter attacking on us without really hurting our goal but there was certainly a change of momentum. We should have been out of sight with how we dominated the game early. Second half, we came out dominant, but we didn’t run in and play behind them anywhere near enough in that second half.
“Ashley Maynard-Brewer has not had a great deal to do but the one save he had to make from the corner is an outstanding save. It’s not an easy place to come. They’re bottom of the league but they’re fighting for everything and it’s a lively point. You don’t turn your nose up at three points anywhere but there’s lots of work to do.”
PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS