Dean Holden sets Charlton squad challenge after emphatic 4-1 win at Morecambe
Dean Holden has challenged his Charlton squad to find some consistency between now and the end of the season after running out comfortable winners at Morecambe.
The South Londoners beat their struggling hosts 4-1 at the Mazuma Stadium after racing into a three-goal lead before the interval.
Miles Leaburn broke the deadlock with a smart chest control and volley following Terell Thomas’ flick on 17 minutes. They had a second four minutes later as Jensen Weir appeared to volley Ryan Inniss’ flick-on into his own-goal – although some outlets have awarded the goal to Corey Blackett-Taylor.
The Addicks winger certainly bagged Charlton’s third on the stroke of half-time as he pounced on Tyreece Campbell’s excellent cross.
Donald Love pulled one back on the hour-mark after sloppy play from Inniss gifted Morecambe possession inside the Addicks half. However, the points were made safe when Scott Fraser added a fourth after a cute one-two with Jes Rak-Sakyi just over 20 minutes from time.
The Addicks climb into 12th in the League One table thanks to their first win in six outings.
Speaking to BBC Radio London, Holden said: “As happy as I am with that performance, it’s really frustrating because we’ve not done that enough this season. We’ve had issues with consistency. Now it’s important, with 10 games to go, that we can’t drop our standards. That’s the challenge to the players. We have to keep our levels as high as possible and make sure that we finish the season strongly if we can.
“I was really pleased with the tempo we played at. We played with real personality. We’d had a good chat with the players after the weekend in terms of the way we want to play. The team had been used to a style of play before I came into the job. Last few games, we’d gone away from what we’re good at. We played with a real energy. Passed it excellently through the pitch. We also had a threat in behind.
“We had moments where we got in behind and had chances at goal which we’ve not had as much of recently. When we lost it, we had a real aggression in that counter press and won the ball high up the pitch.
“To score four goals away from home is no mean feat. Morecambe’s record at home is really strong. It was important we got back to winning ways. I’m delighted.
“We never got too carried away, we never do. Win, lose or draw. But it was important we got some points back on the board.”
PHOTO: PAUL EDWARDS