Charlton boss Appleton makes ‘most satisfying’ win admission and hails Alfie May after Cheltenham double

Michael Appleton labelled Tuesday’s 2-1 win over Cheltenham Town his ‘most satisfying’ victory as Charlton boss.

The visitors went ahead in the 10th minute when Will Goodwin headed Liam Sercombe’s cross past Ashley Maynard-Brewer.

But two penalty strikes from Alfie May, converting the first in the 17th minute and the winner in the 86th minute, saw the Addicks claim all three points.

Charlton moved up to 10th in the League One table and are seven points off the play-offs. 

“Cheltenham came here on the back of three wins in five games, so we knew it was always going to be difficult. 

“We didn’t get off to the start that we would have liked – it was a poor goal to concede from our point of view. 

“But after that, we should have been out of sight at half time with the amount of opportunities that we have had.

“I know the goalkeeper has made some good saves, but we have to be more clinical than we have been tonight.

“Having said all that, the players held their nerve and we limited them [Chelteham] to very little, particularly in that second half.

“It was pleasing that they have shown patience and a little bit of calmness at times. I know there was an urgency to get the ball forward quickly, but the problem is that you’re coming up against a side who can deal with it and are used to it – you don’t want it turning into a game of ping-pong.

“When you weigh everything up and look at it as a whole, the one thing I said to the players was that it was the most satisfying victory I have had since I have been here.”

May, who made 165 appearances for Cheltenham before making the switch to The Valley in the summer, has now bagged 17 goals in 22 appearances this season.

“It’s difficult for him,” admitted Appleton of May facing his former side.

“Whether it’s the goalkeeper or the outfield players, there was more pressure on him tonight than it would have been if it was against anyone else. 

“For him to have the calmness and nerves of steel to slot the two penalties away, speaks volumes of him.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD