“Massive” batch of games to define Addicks’ season, says Andrew Crofts

George Jones reports

Andrew Crofts says that his side’s season will be defined in the coming weeks, with Charlton set to begin a “massive” batch of games when they travel to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

The Addicks drew 1-1 with Fleetwood Town at the weekend, a match they led until the fourth-placed side levelled in stoppage time, meaning that they currently sit six points outside the play-off places with a game in hand.

Saturday’s game in West London sees Charlton kick-off a five-week spell of Saturday-Tuesday matches and Crofts says that the busy period presents the Addicks with a big opportunity to propel themselves into top-six contention.

“Getting into the play-offs is our goal but we are just taking it game-by-game,” he said. “That’s the best way to approach it.

“We’ve got 18 massive games to come; cup finals almost, and if we can keep our unbeaten run going then hopefully our points tally will add up and will be enough.

“The next few weeks are a big opportunity to put a lot of points on the board - we are all looking at it like that. It’s five weeks of Saturday-Tuesday, so there are a lot of points up for grabs. We are hungry-as to make sure that we take the opportunity.

“I think everyone can see that we have turned a corner recently. We’re looking like a proper team and we feel like we have still got more to give to keep progressing.”

Crofts – an ever present in the league this season - has had a new midfield partner in our last two matches, with January signing Jake Forster-Caskey coming into the side.

“I know Jake really well,” said Crofts. “I spent a good few years with him at Brighton and I know what he is about. He’s a good lad with a lot of talent and he’s so hungry to do well, as everyone in the team is.

“We all want to achieve success and the gaffer has really instilled that into the boys. We all want to get out of this league and every one of the lads is like that.

“That’s what you need; everyone in the changing room working their socks off to all pull in the same direction. You don’t go six matches unbeaten without that and it is something to build on.”