He’s improving and today I thought he was outstanding – Charlton boss Lee Bowyer as Dillon Phillips makes spectacular point-saving stop

BY LOUIS MENDEZ

Charlton boss Lee Bowyer heaped praise on stopper Dillon Phillips after his heroics helped earn a point at Fulham.

The Addicks custodian made a number of impressive stops during the 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage, including a spectacular diving effort to prevent Bobby Reid from heading home an added-time winner for the home side.

“Some great saves today from Dillon,” beamed the Charlton manager.

“That’s what he’s paid to do. He’s paid to make saves like strikers are paid to score goals. I’m really pleased for him because he does work hard. [Goalkeeper coach] Andy Marshall works really hard with him.

“The good thing that I see is that it hurts him when he concedes – that’s whether it’s in training or a matchday. He’s improving and today he was outstanding.”

Striker Macauley Bonne had put the Addicks back into the lead shortly after Ivan Cavaleiro had cancelled out Conor Gallagher’s first-half opener.

The header made it two goals in three games for Bonne – and Bowyer felt he was rewarded for a hard-working display.

“I thought he deserved it,” he said.

“Listen, Macauley was playing at Orient last season. And now he’s starting up top, on his own. We never play one up top but I had to change it as we have so many injuries. I always play two up top so I knew they both [Bonne and Jonathan Leko] wouldn’t last so I had to play one.

“Macauley, his work-rate was unreal. When you work hard you get rewarded and today he got his just desserts. He did really, really well today.”

Charlton now have a fortnight’s rest before Derby visit SE7, thanks to the international break.

“We need it,” Bowyer added.

“We need time for people to heal. Seven injuries we’ve got now. We’ve got no left-back. Three forwards out. It’s tough. We need this break. We’ll enjoy it now. It would have been better if we had the three points but to come to Fulham – not many people will be leaving here with anything.”

PHOTOS KYLE ANDREWS