Matty Godden on not feeling pressure after switch from Coventry and Charlton avoiding FA Cup banana skin

BY RICHARD CAWLEY
richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Matty Godden has expressed his relief that Charlton Athletic were not one of the FA Cup scalps after prevailing in a topsy-turvy tie at Southend United on Saturday.

Gassan Ahadme scored a late extra-time winner for the Addicks as they edged 4-3 past National League opposition at Roots Hall.

Godden also netted in the tie – his sixth goal in all competitions since a summer transfer from Coventry City.

Charlton let a 2-0 lead slip with a Macaulay Gillesphey own goal in the third added minute of second-half stoppage time ensuring an extra half an hour of action in Essex.

But Nathan Jones’ men got the job done just before the need for a penalty shootout and head to Walsall, second in League Two, in the next round.

“Everyone wants to see cup upsets and before our game, and during it, I re-iterated that we don’t want to be that team that is the story,” Godden, 33, told the South London Press.

“I said to the lads that this competition is about making memories and not being the memory – that it was important for us to get through, however we did it.

“It could’ve been a lot more comfortable. I hit the bar when I went through and that would have made it 3-0. Then it is a completely different game

“It is a cup tie and they (Southend) naturally will come with a lot more energy than us, that is only natural, because they are playing a higher division side. But we showed character, like we have done all season, to get the winner with the last kick of the game.”

Shrimpers defender Harry Taylor could easily have been dismissed just before Godden struck the frame of the goal.

Taylor lost his footing and was the last defender, but referee Darren Drysdale played advantage.

“I’m a striker, so I will always try and finish the action,” said Godden. “But, if you wanted to be brutal, I should stop – because the guy drags the ball with his hand.

“I spoke to the ref at half-time and if I had stopped the outcome is a red card, because it completely stops me going through cleanly and having an open goal. Instead the keeper has a little time to adjust.

“I probably should’ve tucked it away. I fancy myself in a one-v-one situation. The ball raised up a little on me and, if anything, I struck it too well.”

Godden made it 3-1 in the 66th minute from close range after a flick down from Miles Leaburn.

Asked if he felt pressure to hit the back of the net after his switch to Charlton, Godden said: “No. I always back my ability in front of goal and knack of scoring – I have done it my whole career.

“Even if I go on a run of five game without a goal I am always confident I will get one in the next game.

“But to get the first one for the club is important for a new player, especially a striker.”

After every goal Godden points to the sky.

“I lost my mum six years ago – ever since then I have always done it,” he said. “No matter what celebration I do, I will always do that as well – whether it be a cup competition or even a pre-season friendly.”

Canterbury-raised Godden has worn the armband when club captain Greg Docherty and vice-captain Lloyd Jones, the latter sidelined due to injury, have not been on the pitch.

“It is probably up there as the proudest I have been as a footballer,” he said. “Everyone close to me will know how much that meant.

“This being my local club, it means a lot.”

Godden had spent the last four campaigns at Championship level before being enticed to South London.

He has 32 goals in both England’s second and third tier.

Asked about the difference, Godden said: “It is all about the physicality and power of it (the Championship).

“You have got players who are coming down from the Premier League and games are a lot quicker, in terms of the physical aspect.”

Assessing Charlton’s recent league form is a question of perspective. Six points from as many matches but they are on a four-game unbeaten run which has seen them face clubs going well – including a 1-0 success over Birmingham.

“We are there or thereabouts,” said Godden.

“We know we could, and probably should, be a few spots higher. Against Stockport (a 1-1 draw) there only looked to be one winner – they were hanging on as we pressed forward.

“The end of the Barnsley game (a 2-2 draw) we were on the end of a kick in the teeth – like we did to Wrexham the following game.

“We should probably have taken six points from those two games.

“To be unbeaten takes character and a good team. You start to build momentum. It’s only a matter of time before draws become wins – it’s tougher to turn losses into wins.”

PICTURES: KYLE ANDREWS