‘We have to’ – Charlton Athletic defender makes admission ahead of Birmingham City clash

Macaulay Gillesphey says Charlton will head to Birmingham City with maximum respect despite being one of two League One sides to have picked up three points against the big spenders this season.

The Addicks picked up all three points in the home tie at The Valley back in early October through Matty Godden’s 54th-minute strike.

Nathan Jones’ side and Shrewsbury are the only two teams to take maximum points from a clash against the Blues, who are top of the table and seven points clear of second.

“It’s a good game to be involved in,” said Gillesphey.

“It’s a big game. Hopefully we can get three points. We have to show them respect.

“They’re a good side and have a lot of good players.

Charlton moved up to fifth on Tuesday night with a late 2-1 win over Peterborough – Gillesphey netting a late 89th-minute winner.

It was the ex-Plymouth defender’s second goal of the season.

“It’s an amazing feeling to score a goal, especially to win a game,” he said.

“I’m just buzzing with the three points.

“The delivery was spot on. He had enough power just to let it hit my head and thankfully it went in.

“My thought process was that once it has hit my head, just to get it in the far corner.

“It would have been tough to take if we didn’t get the three points. With the squad that we’ve got, we know that we can score late goals.

“We knew it was coming.”

The South Londoners have only lost once in their last 13 league outings and have won five of their last six as they closed the gap to just five points to the automatic promotion spots with the midweek win over Posh.

“We have been brilliant recently,” said Gillesphey.

“We’re doing the right things at the right times. Overall, we definitely deserved the win.

“That’s the one thing we’re good at – improving each week. I’m sure everyone can see we’re doing that at the minute.

“We have to keep on plugging away.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD