Lucas Ness praised the togetherness amongst Dean Holden’s squad after the Addicks recorded a third league win on the spin last weekend.
The 20-year-old defender, who was voted as the fans’ Player of the Match, was vital in helping Charlton to a 2-0 triumph over Barnsley and a first league clean sheet in 11 outings.
“It was a tough effort,” Ness reflected post-match. “We knew they were going to be good, their position in the league tells us that.
“Thankfully we got the two goals and were able to keep a clean sheet, which I’ve just been told is our first league clean sheet since October so I’m buzzing with that. We were throwing our bodies on the line and we really had to dig deep to make sure that we didn’t concede.”
Asked about the impact of new boss Holden, Ness said: “He’s been brilliant, the boys love him. We’ve got a real togetherness in the camp and I think that shows in our performances. I can’t say a bad word about him.
“Having a former defender as the gaffer is perfect for me really because he’s played countless games. He’s always giving me advice, as well as Anthony Hayes, Scott Marshall and the boys I’m playing alongside. It’s such a massive help for me - I’m still trying to learn the trade.
“I’ve been really enjoying it,” he added. “I feel like I’ve picked up a good bit of form and there’s been some massive games - obviously Brighton and Manchester United were both huge. It’s all new to me really in this sort of setting so I’m just buzzing to be a part of it.”
Attention now turns to Saturday’s trip to Peterborough United in Sky Bet League One.
“It’s been tough physically because we’ve had a lot of games and this week coming up now is our first free week without a midweek game under the new gaffer,” the centre-back explained. “It gives us a chance to sort of re-energise and do a few tactical bits that the gaffer may not have had a chance to do in the time that we’ve had.
“We’re just taking things game-by-game and obviously we’ve got a couple of tough games coming up so hopefully we can win them and see where we end up.”
The Addicks return to The Valley on Saturday, January 28th for the visit of Bolton Wanderers. Click here to purchase your tickets.
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(Transcription by Dominik Zielinksi)