Andy Cannon pinpoints the key behind Portsmouth's fine victory at Charlton

Andy Cannon saluted Pompey’s work-rate as they ploughed through the mud to deliver victory at Charlton Athletic.
Andy Cannon, centre, celebrates putting Pompey 3-1 ahead a Charlton. Picture: Joe PeplerAndy Cannon, centre, celebrates putting Pompey 3-1 ahead a Charlton. Picture: Joe Pepler
Andy Cannon, centre, celebrates putting Pompey 3-1 ahead a Charlton. Picture: Joe Pepler

The Blues triumphed 3-1 against the Addicks to bounce back to winning ways.

Michael Jacobs broke the deadlock in the first half before Cannon and Tom Naylor were on target in the second period after Jayden Stockley’s equaliser.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Conditions at The Valley were testing following the rearrangement of the clash after Saturday’s game was postponed.

Cannon, bagging his maiden goal of the campaign, reckons Pompey’s success could have been more emphatic in south London.

And he reckons the desire and willingness the Blues showed reaped the rewards.

The midfielder said: ‘Conditions were tough and everyone worked hard for each other.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘We came away with the three points and I think we could have scored a few more goals.

‘They should have had a sending off in the first half (when Darren Pratley was booked for a challenge on Cannon) but we all worked hard in the first half, dug it out and deserved it massively.

‘We had some great chances. The conditions weren’t great but everyone worked their socks off for each other.

‘We knew the opener would come and eventually it did.’

Cannon’s goal arrived in the 62nd minute when he stole the ball deep in Charlton territory before crashing a shot home via the inside of the post.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

That gave Pompey breathing space, which eased the pressure in the closing stages.

Cannon added: ‘We analysed how Charlton play and, for my goal, we got told their number four (Deji Oshilaja) was going to try to get on the ball.

‘When you’re looking at the pitch, you knew you’d have an opportunity to nick it. Thankfully I did and I put it away.’

There are goals from all different people and it’s good when everyone can chip in.

‘I know it’s taken me a while but thankfully I scored tonight and it gave us a bit of fresh air.

‘We went 3-1 up because when it’s 2-1 it can be a bit sticky.’