Charlton Athletic boss gives insight into why defender was taken off at half-time in Southend match

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

Lee Bowyer has explained his decision to take Ben Purrington off at half-time in Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Southend United.

The on-loan Rotherham United left-back was replaced by Josh Parker at the interval.

Charlton switched to a 3-5-2 formation.

Addicks boss Bowyer said: “Ben did nothing wrong. He has been excellent for us.

“But Southend were only playing one up top [after Dru Yearwood was sent off] and so I went three at the back. Krystian [Bielik] is good at stepping out and making an overload in midfield, and so is Naby [Sarr].

“I didn’t need the two full-backs, so I had Chris Solly sitting on the striker with Naby and Krystian either side.

“Ben did nothing wrong, it was just a tactical thing.”

IMAGE BY PAUL EDWARDS