Charlton boss' gameplan to nullify Blackburn Rovers star

The Addicks were deserved victors at The Valley, outfighting Rovers who struggled to match their energy and physicality. Goals from Sonny Carey and James Bree in the final 15 minutes added to Macauley Gillesphey’s header in first half.

Jones was particularly gleeful over the way Charlton kept Todd Cantwell quiet. The influential Rovers captain was unable to make any impact in the match.

“We were outstanding. Our second-half performance was relentless and it should have been more. We missed some glorious chances,” Jones said.

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“I’m immensely proud of our performance – that’s how I want to see us play.

“I’m really pleased for Macaulay. He has been hard done by, because he scored the play-off final winner and then has not started any of the first six or seven games.

“It is tough to take, but he was immense today – not just the goal but his overall performance.

“I couldn’t believe Sonny shot from there, I thought he should’ve played it to Bree who was inside and in a better position. But the ginger genius, we love him.

“The energy our midfield three played with was brilliant. Conor Coventry dealt with Todd Cantwell phenomenally, because if Cantwell is in the game then they are a good side. He went up against him and was aggressive in everything he did.”

Charlton’s substitutes, particularly Tanto Olaofe, caused Rovers plenty of problems from the bench. Jones was delighted with the impact of his squad.

“The game changers we brought on really took the game away from them and that highlights it is a squad game,” he continued.

“We say it every day – it is a culture and environment that we demand. We’re only as strong as our weakest links. But if we have any weak links they don’t survive at this football club because we have an ethos that it is a group and not the individual.”

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