It’s in our own hands – Charlton boss Lee Bowyer pleased to have control over own destiny after late draw with Wigan
BY LOUIS MENDEZ
Charlton’s Championship survival hopes will be in their own hands as they face Champions Leeds United at Elland Road.
Macauley Bonne’s added-time leveller against Wigan Athletic ensured the South Londoners cannot drop into the bottom three before the final round of games kicks off on Wednesday evening, no matter what happens between Hull and Luton this afternoon.
Addicks boss Lee Bowyer twice saw his side fall behind against the Tics, themselves still in the relegation shake-up with a 12-point deduction hanging over them, but Bonne’s late intervention means they head into the game at Elland Road knowing a win will secure their place in next year’s Championship – and even a defeat could see his side survive if results elsewhere go their way.
Bowyer said: “It’s in our hands. That’s all you can ask for. If you’re in control of your own destiny, it’s better than relying on others. I have a group there that will keep fighting and keep pushing. We’ve done it all season. I just wish we’d have a bit more luck here and there to help us along the way since we’ve come back. We’ve been very good since we’ve come back.
“Today, no different. Two sloppy goals that we gave away but that can happen in this division. That’s the difference. They went bang bang. They had chance, chance, goal, goal. That’s the difference and what you pay for. But I’m over the moon. We showed character and fight to grind out that result.
“Mixed emotions. Happy, it’s a good point. I think it’s the least we deserved. But at the same time, I’m disappointed. Again, we were the better side, again we created better chances, more chances. And again, the officials, I think, have not been brave enough for us. If you think of the penalties that have gone against us of late, are you telling me that we shouldn’t have had one. I’ve looked at both challenges on Macca – the first one is a penalty and the second one is not. Another big decision that has gone against us.
“Overall, I’m pleased that we kept going and fought to the end and got a well-deserved point. That was the least we deserved.”
PHOTOS: PAUL EDWARDS
