Bowyer delighted as Charlton secure third in League One
Posted Sunday, May 05, 2019 by PA
Lee Bowyer was delighted after seeing his Charlton side snatch third spot in Sky Bet League One with a final day 4-0 thrashing of Rochdale.
The win was sealed thanks to efforts from Joe Aribo, a Calvin Andrew own goal, Lyle Taylor and Krystian Bielik.
But Portsmouth’s 1-1 draw with Accrington and Sunderland’s shock 2-1 reverse at Southend means the Addicks climb up to third to set up two meetings with Doncaster in the play-offs.
Bowyer said: “Obviously the results went our way. It was the perfect performance – a clean sheet and to score goals again.
“In our last two home games, we have scored four goals and not conceded. I think our attitude and professionalism was outstanding from start to finish again.
“We are in a very good place at the moment and everybody is hungry. I must repeat myself so many times but they know what the prize is at the end and they want it so bad.”
Bowyer also denied being at The Valley in the second leg against Doncaster will work in his side’s favour.
He added: “I don’t think there is any advantage whether you are at home in the first game or in the second.
“I use Barcelona as the example. They (Liverpool) went there and got pumped 3-0 and have their second leg at home.
“The game is over in my eyes so for me it doesn’t make any difference if you are home or away, they are still going to be two tough games.”
Bowyer also took time out to single out one player for praise even though he was not among the scorers.
He explained: “Today we moved the ball so well and created so many chances. Josh Parker could have had a hat-trick on another day.
“He deserved to get a goal I thought because his work-rate and his runs were very good. He did a lot of unselfish stuff for the team.
“I was pleased he got through it but just a bit gutted for him he didn’t get the goal.”
Rochdale manager Brian Barry-Murphy admitted they were second best on the day but was still proud of his side’s recent winning run which secured League One safety.
He said: “The effort we have put in has been amazing. I spoke to the players briefly and said how proud they should be of what they’ve achieved.
“Today was a very tough game for us but a game we expected to be tough.
“We approached it in exactly the same manner we have previously but today we just weren’t good enough to deal with elements of what Charlton can provide.
“We were prepared for that but it has been an amazing run for us. Our players have given us absolutely everything so I’m immensely proud of them.
“We’ve seen Charlton quite a bit recently and some of their performances were electric, so we were aware of how difficult this would be.
“But our players produced performances and enough points to make us safe in the division.
“Today was a chance for our players to have a go at what we thought was a very realistic opportunity to get the victory.
“It hasn’t worked out that way but there were large elements of the game where we played well.”
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