Alfie May just one yellow away from one-match suspension for Charlton – as interim boss Pearce reveals why he was also cautioned

Alfie May is one booking off a suspension after his fourth yellow card of the campaign in Charlton’s 2-1 win over Fleetwood Town.

The number nine scored both goals as the Addicks won for the first time since the opening day of the League One campaign and ended a run of five straight losses in all competitions.

But May was booked for his reaction after converting from the penalty spot to put the hosts ahead. He appeared to make a comment to Cod Army keeper Stephen McMullen after netting the winner.

But Charlton interim boss Pearce feels that they do have options to bring in if May ends up serving a one-game ban for collecting five cautions.

“The pleasing thing is we tried to do a little bit of business and get a few players in,” said Pearce.

“Boban Tedic has come in as a striker, Miles (Leaburn) is coming back and DK (Daniel Kanu) has scored a couple of goals. We have got a few players in that position. It’s not ideal he is on four yellows already, but he plays with his heart on his sleeve and gives everything – that is going to happen every now and again. We’ve got to deal with that.

“He’s a massive player for the football club. He will score goals as long as we provide him with opportunities. He is a constant threat.

“He wants to play with two up top, so he has someone to play off, but today – with the players we had available – we thought it was important to play a 4-3-3. He took that on board and worked his socks off for the football club.

“It was pleasing he got two goals and pleasing to see Miles back to partner him up there (towards the end).”

The last time Charlton won after falling behind in a league game was against AFC Wimbledon in February 2022.

“I heard a stat that is the first time in 50 games that we’ve gone a goal down and actually come back to win it – it’s massive mentally for the group,” said Pearce.

“The character of the boys was excellent to come back and score before half-time and regroup. They were very good in the second half.”

Pearce was booked by referee Carl Brook in the second half after a tackle on George Dobson led to players from both sides squaring up.

Brook cautioned six players in the match, three on each side.

“The referee said I got it because I pulled the fourth official,” said Pearce. “I was just asking him to get hold of the game. I thought it was a poor tackle, so I just told him. Because I touched his arm that’s why I think I got a yellow.”

PICTURES: KYLE ANDREWS