Parky hails Addicks turnaround

Saturday’s solid 1-0 victory over promotion rivals Sheffield Wednesday made it two straight wins for Parky’s men following last weekend’s 4-3 thriller at Carlisle.

And although losing 4-0 at The Valley to runaway league leaders Brighton was a bitter blow to everyone associated with the club, Parkinson feels it has also provoked a new level of determination among the players.

He said after the Owls game: “It’s been a long two weeks since Brighton.

“We went to Carlisle and went three-nil up, then 3-3 and winning it in the last minute but even this week has been a tough week just waiting for the Sheffield Wednesday game to come.

“It was interesting to see how the lads were going to respond but I thought they were excellent today and to be fair I think the supporters know the lads give their all every week and that Brighton was a one-off result.”

One particular improvement was noticeable during Saturday’s win, with the Reds providing more of a threat with set pieces and deliveries into the box.

Parkinson acknowledged the side had been working to improve their set plays and singled out his dead ball specialists for extra praise.

“Simon Francis and Johnnie Jackson were threatening today with their set-pieces,” Parky continued.

“I was pleased for Simon because he’s put in some excellent performances but I think his best performances have been away from home so it was good for him to put in a solid performance today.

Scott Wagstaff scored the only goal to return to the top of Charlton’s scoring charts with six after striker Paul Benson had caught up to tie at five after four in the last three games.

But although Benson was unable to continue his recent scoring form in the Wednesday clash, his manager paid tribute to the ex-Dagenham man’s workrate and overall performance.

“I thought Benno was excellent today,” Parkinson said.

“As I’ve said all along, you get some goal scorers who when they don’t score, don’t make a contribution but some of the headers he won and the chasing he did was exceptional.”

Lee Martin will now serve a one-game ban after collecting his fifth booking of the season during his cameo from the bench, though another caution for midfield enforcer Jose Semedo left Parky scratching his head.

He explained: “I’m a bit disappointed with Jose’s booking because earlier in the game, Miller pulled Racon down and the ref didn’t book him.

“I said to the ref at half-time I didn’t mind him not booking Miller at all but it wasn’t consistent that he booked Jose, I think he felt Jose’s was a bit more of a cynical challenge.”