Charlton can build on Barnsley performance and victory, says Jamie Ward

Jamie Ward wants Charlton to build on Saturday’s win over Barnsley, starting on Tuesday night against Oxford United at The Valley.

The Addicks played superbly at the weekend and brushed aside their promotion rivals thanks to two goals from striker Karlan Grant.

Ward assisted the opener and, speaking to the press after the game, he explained how highly he rated his team’s performance.

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“To get three points was obviously the main aim,” said the Northern Ireland international. “We wanted to get back to winning ways.

“The way we defended and mucked in as a team was excellent. We’ve probably attacked better in other games but, in terms of all working hard, being together and putting our bodies on the line, I would say that is our best performance.

“We’ve had lots of chances in games recently and not taken them; we’ve spoken about that as a group.

“We’ve not finished games off, of late. The Coventry game is a prime example where we’ve had lots of chances and we’ve just not taken them. On Saturday, we were ruthless. We got the result and the three points that we wanted and now we need to keep it up.”

On his eye-catching assist, Ward added: “It just fell nicely from Lyle when he knocked it down. I thought if I can get it into Karlan’s stride the he’d have a chance.

“Luckily enough, it went there. Usually it goes into row Z! Karlan did well with the rest of it, it was a great finish and he deserves all of the credit.”

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Ward, 32, started ahead of Tariqe Fosu at the tip of Charlton’s midfield diamond and he is pleased with the competition that is present within the squad.

He said: “The manager had a tough decision to make between me and Tariqe. I know I’ve got someone breathing down my neck when I’m playing.

“If I don’t play well, Tariqe can come in and do the business. It works the other way around too – I’m breathing down his neck when he’s playing. It’s good to have competition, it keeps everyone on their toes.

“Hopefully it keeps everyone performing and the club going in the right direction.”

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