Scott Fraser praised the Addicks’ character after Ben Garner’s men came from behind to progress to the Carabao Cup round of 16 with a penalty shootout victory at Stevenage.
Substitute Chuks Aneke drew Charlton level with minutes remaining to the force the shootout and, after Joe Wollacott had denied Jake Taylor from 12 yards, Fraser coolly slotted home the Addicks’ all-important fifth and final penalty.
“We knew what sort of game it was going to be and that proved to be the case,” the midfielder told CharltonTV. “Stevenage are good at what they do and that’s why they're doing well in the league.
“It’s a tough place to come; they make it hard for you and they get in your face but I think that, with the character and bravery that we showed, we deserved it in the end.
“I thought we should have scored earlier than when Chuks did but, again, it’s a sign of where we're at as a squad. We’ve got those players to come off the bench and we didn’t have that two months ago. We were always confident that things would turn once we got players back and that’s proving to be the case so long it may continue.”
Asked if the players knew the five penalty takers beforehand, Fraser said: “No, the gaffer just asked the boys to see who fancied it and there were a fair few of us that did. There were two or three behind me ready to go. The standard of penalties, from both sides, was very good.
“I’ve taken and scored the fifth penalty a couple of times in the cup with MK Dons,” added the 27-year-old. “I’ve been quite fortunate with them so far!”
Fraser was full of praise for the travelling supporters, who were in fine voice throughout in a sold out away end.
“It was brilliant to see the away end full. Again, it’s a sign of how well we're doing and I’ve said it a few times now that it’s down to us to give them something to get excited about, both home and away.
“They're seeing an identity with what we're trying to do, we're getting better and we will keep getting better.”
Fraser is eyeing a big tie during Thursday’s fourth round draw, which is set to take place following Sky Sports’ coverage of Manchester United’s tie against Aston Villa.
“One of the big boys hopefully, preferably away,” he said. “I’ve done Man City before with Burton and we got beaten 9-0 so I don’t fancy that again! One of the other big boys home or away would be good.”
The Addicks are back in action at The Valley on Friday, December 2nd (7.45pm KO GMT) against Cheltenham Town in what will be the club’s annual 'Back at The Valley' fixture.
All 2022/23 season-ticket holders are invited to bring a friend to the game for free, while special matchday pricing is in place for the fixture. All adult, over 65 and U21 tickets priced at £19.92 each - a nod to the club's 1992 return - anywhere inside The Valley. Click here to purchase your tickets.