Ben Garner was delighted with his team’s performance following a convincing 5-1 win at home to Plymouth Argyle.
The Addicks played some excellent football and dominated the game with Jes Rak-Sakyi, Jayden Stockley, Sean Clare, Charlie Kirk and Miles Leaburn all finding the net.
Speaking to CharltonTV’s Charlotte Richardson, Garner said: “I’m really pleased. Massive credit to the players, it was a great response from Saturday, there was no disappointment, there was frustration but we channelled that in the right way and started the game on the front foot. It was an exciting first half, a little bit open for a spell in the middle of it and then we wrestled control back. Obviously the sending off changes the dynamic of the game but aside from the goal going in second half, I am absolutely delighted.”
Sam Lavelle, Charles Clayden and Rak-Sakyi all came in to the Charlton line-up and Garner was pleased his squad was able to cope with the adjustment.
“I think the really pleasing thing is that we made some changes,” he explained. “It showed that the players can come in and maintain the same level and the same quality which is going to be really important for us this season.”
Rak-Sakyi, making his Charlton debut, after joining the Addicks on loan last week, picked up the Man-of-the-Match award after scoring in the 11th minute.
Garner was pleased with what he saw: “I think young Jez, for his debut here in League One – what a performance. He’s a really talented lad. He’s so level headed and calm, it was difficult to judge before the game whether he was nervous, whether he was excited, he’s just very level headed and he just takes it in his stride. I think we’ve seen a glimpse tonight of what he can do.”
Kirk scored one and was involved in two goals, winning the penalty for Stockley’s goal and setting up Clare for his wonderstrike on the stroke of half-time.
Garner said: “I’m really pleased for Kirky, he’s been brilliant since I walked in during pre-season. It didn’t probably go the way he wanted last season but he’s been great. He caused the red card, with his effort at the back post and then to get his goal, coupled with his work rate and what he did for the team tonight, I’m really pleased for him.”
The Addicks host Cambridge United at The Valley on Saturday. Click here to get your ticket.
