Dean Holden was pleased to see his side respond from last week’s defeat against Bolton Wanderers by beating Exeter City 2-1 at St James Park.
Jes Rak-Sakyi and Corey Blackett-Taylor scored first-half goals as the Addicks made it four wins from five games to start 2023.
Speaking to CharltonTV after the game, Holden said: “It's a really important three points for us on the back of losing last week. It has been a long week when you lose a game and we said good teams that want to do something in the season don't lose two games on the spin, so that was really important. A big thank you to every one of the supporters that came today because it's not an easy place to get to.”
A late save from Ashley Maynard-Brewer ensured the Addicks got a deserved win.
“It was a whirlwind of emotions I have to say,” Holden said. “For 25 to 30 minutes, first half, we were outstanding.
“We wanted to come here and, on a good pitch, certainly show ourselves a bit more in terms of our attacking play, but also have control behind the ball. For that opening period we were good value for the 2-0 lead.
“I think two goals in their own right were outstanding. Dobbo’s ball through to a great run from Jes, out to him on that run he's made from that wide position and excellent finish.
“The second one is a fantastic passing move which results in Nessy with a fantastic through ball for Corey to run onto as well.
“They were things we worked on in the week in terms of knowing where the spaces were in the Exeter defence. The boys have got to go out and make sure that happens on the pitch.
“After that period, they scored a really poor goal. I've been saying that a lot recently, and that's the frustrating thing. We don't stop the cross. We get the pressure on to start with, we don't stop the cross and he strolls in at the back post. It's too easy from us and the crowd get lifted a bit. There's a bit more intent in the way that they played and we got a bit panicky at that point. We settled down at half-time. I thought we were good value second half.”
The Addicks return to The Valley on Saturday, February 11th to take on Fleetwood Town (3pm KO GMT). Click here to purchase your tickets.
