Johnnie Jackson was pleased to see his side progress to the third round of the Emirates FA Cup but praised non-league Gateshead for the part they played in an exciting tie.
The Addicks won 2-0 courtesy of a Jayden Stockley brace in front of the ITV cameras.
Speaking to CharltonTV after the game, Jackson said: “It was a typical league side versus a non-league side under the lights. People would have been sniffing an upset, which is probably the reason they put it on television, so it was important that we came here and didn’t let them get one.
“It wasn’t without its problems on the evening but we’re through and that was what we came here to do and we’re in the hat for the third round.
“Gateshead were really, really impressive. Credit to their manager, he’s out there [playing] but he’s obviously the one coaching them. They caused us an issue, I knew they would, I’d done my homework on them. I watched them, I knew that they would try and play – that’s their style and they are getting success doing it. They are unbeaten in the league here, it’s a tough place to come and they did cause us a lot of problems on the night.”
Stockley’s goals mean he now has 11 goals in his last 11 games for the Addicks.
“Jayden’s in good form,” explained Charlton’s Caretaker Manager. “Obviously we missed him in that period he was out [suspended] so it’s good that he’s back on the pitch and scoring goals. I don’t think he knew too much about it [the second goal], it looked like it was [Ben] Purrington’s goal from where I was stood but it has got a little nick off Jayden and I suppose when you are in that sort of form, those sort of things happen. You want your striker’s scoring goals, so we won’t argue with him. We’ll let him have it.”
Jackson also gave Stephen Henderson his second start since returning to the club this summer and the goalkeeper made two crucial saves at the end to prevent a nervy final few minutes.
Jackson said: “We knew he would be ready to step in. He played in the Havant game and did well. He deserved his opportunity tonight, he’s been a really able deputy to Macca and he’s been really supportive in the role. I think he deserved the start tonight and he’s not let us down - the two saves at the end there. Throughout the game he’s had to make a number of saves. They created a fair bit and he’s got us out of a little bit of trouble at the end there. I had absolutely no doubt in my mind that Hendo would be ready to step up.”
The third round draw takes place on Monday and Jackson admitted he would love to play one of the Premier League’s elite teams.
He said: “Deep, deep down, hand on heart I think one of the big boys away from home would be something special for myself, my players and the supporters but we’ll take whatever comes. Whatever we get we’ll be taking it very seriously and trying to get through to round four.”
More than 300 Charlton fans made the long journey north for the game and Jackson was grateful for their support.
“They were unbelievable,” he said. “They were a long way from where we were with the setup of the stadium, with the running track. Their support was incredible, to get up here on a Friday night was difficult but they do it and they never cease to amaze me. I just want to thank every single one of them for their support and hope they have safe journeys back.”
