Lee Bowyer pays homage to “immense” Chuks Aneke after Charlton triumph at Wigan

BY LOUIS MENDEZ

Chuks Aneke proved Charlton’s match-winner once more as his 13^thgoal of the season secured a 1-0 triumph at Wigan Athletic – although he was withdrawn late on with a hamstring problem.

The Addicks’ top-scorer took advantage of a mix-up in the Tics’ defence to score early on at the DW Stadium and boss Lee Bowyer says his frontman put in another “immense” display for his side.

The former Arsenal trainee nearly missed the trip to the north west after receiving a straight red card during Saturday’s home loss against Blackpool – but the punishment was overturned yesterday.

Bowyer said: “I’ve not spoken to him about [his injury] yet. Hopefully it’s not too bad. He was immense up there again today. He’s unplayable, on his day he’s unplayable. The only disappointing thing, if I’m him, is that he didn’t score more.

“To have that hunger and that aggression in the box, that hunger to score every time you get a chance. He could have had four today if he really wanted it but he got one and it’s won us the game. I’m really pleased for him, I thought he’s done really well.”

Bowyer made seven changes from the side humbled by the Tangerines on Saturday and was pleased with the reaction from his squad as they tasted victory for the first time in five outings.

“It’s difficult,” he added.

“When you come off the back of a couple of difficult results then it’s easy for the players to crumble there. But they didn’t. They all stood up and were counted. They all worked hard and tried to do the right things. I think we got the basics right. If you do the basics right then you’ve always got a chance in a game.

“I think [Jason] Pearcey did really well. Ben Watson did a good job in front of the back-four. The two full-backs were good. Conor [Washington] put a great shift in. Young [Matt] Smithy was neat and tidy on the ball. I think everybody that came in did well.

“That’s what I want. I know it’s easy to say ‘it’s not hard to do that’ but it is at times. Especially when you’re on the back of a couple of bad results that for the ones coming in, it could go one of two ways. They could either crumble or grab the opportunity and tonight they grabbed the opportunity. That’s what I expect every person to do when they get a chance. I’m really pleased with everyone.

“I thought it was very good. From start to finish, we performed well. We won our individual battles all over the pitch. On a difficult pitch, as well. We moved the ball well and created a lot of chances. The one criticism is that we should have scored more. But apart from that I thought we played well and deserved the win.”

PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS