Matty Godden was delighted to see the Addicks’ hard work on the training ground pay off, as his goal helped Charlton to a 2-0 win over Bolton Wanderers on Saturday.
“It was a really important win,” he said. “We knew with Bolton coming to town, with all the media hype that’s been surrounding them – they’re obviously tipped to be right up there at the end of the year – we knew it was going to be a tough game.
“But we’ve had our gameplan from the start of the week on Monday after the win last week. We tried to build on that, and we’ve certainly done that.”
The striker’s diving header in the 87th minute sealed the win, but it would not have been possible without a wonderful ball from Chuks Aneke.
“I’ve said to Chuks about six times since I’ve come in, I’ve said put a ball in,” Godden smiled. “That’s what I’ve made a living doing my whole career. As soon as it left his foot I knew it was a goal. It was the perfect ball and I just had to get something on it. To see it hit the back of the net and hear the noise, it’s incredible and a feeling I don’t tire of getting.”
Bolton’s defence do not typically give up much space, but Godden did tremendously well to lose his man for the goal.
“That’s probably the big part of my game. I’m more of a short, sharp striker – I’m not going to sprint away from defenders over 40 yards, that’s not my game. I’m a 18-yard-box striker, really,” he explained.
“I’m just waiting for that one chance. As soon as I get that chance, I more often than not back myself to take it.”
Godden is back where he grew up, and enjoying life with the Addicks.
“I love it. I sat in the East Stand growing up, watching Charlton in the Premier League from down home,” he explained. “I’ve got my two boys here, and they love it. It’s making me really happy, and a happy me will obviously make me happy on the pitch.”
He’s not the only member of the squad who is in high spirits following an excellent start to the season.
“You won’t achieve anything if you’re not all together as boys,” he said. “The best teams will always celebrate together. When Doc scored his opener, the whole bench was up celebrating. It’s massive – if everyone’s pulling in one direction, you’re really tough to beat as a whole team.
“That’s what makes you achieve things come the end of the season.”
