Takeaway treat for Charlton Athletic interim boss Jason Pearce as he makes winning start

Jason Pearce is set to celebrate his winning start to life as Charlton Athletic interim manager by ordering in a takeaway – Alfie May’s double earning a 2-1 victory over Fleetwood Town.

The Cod Army took the lead through former Addicks frontman Jayden Stockley.

But Charlton levelled through summer signing Alfie May, the number nine slipping the ball past Stephen McMullen after a fine through ball by Wolves loanee Chem Campbell.

May converted a second-half penalty after Corey Blackett-Taylor was brought down – his fourth goal of the campaign and means he has netted in three successive matches for the South Londoners.

Pearce has taken over the managerial reins after Dean Holden was sacked on Sunday.

Asked about by the South London Press how he would celebrate the three points, he said: “I’m pleased. It’s been mentally tough this week, just with everything we’ve had to deal with as a group – as well as stepping in last minute to take over.

“I’ll enjoy tonight, probably have a takeaway and a couple of drinks, with my family.

“It’s a massive result for the club to hopefully stop the rot and be a bit more positive around the place.

“It wasn’t really enjoyable while the game was going on, because until he has blown the final whistle and I knew it was in the bag that is when I am buzzing. You can tell that I’m active on the sideline, trying to help the boys get it over the line. I’m delighted for the boys and staff.”

May was unlucky not to add a third in the closing stages. McMullen saved at his back post from a deep Terry Taylor corner and then May was a fraction away from connecting with a cross from substitute Charlie Kirk.

Pearce said: “Alfie keeps getting in the right place and the right time. He’s a natural goalscorer. As long as we provide the service then he’ll get the goals.

“What I’ve liked since he came in is his work-rate is outstanding. At the end of the game he is doing doggies back and forth for the team.

“Hopefully this win kickstarts the season. I could feel the second goal was coming – shooting towards the Covered End, with the fans behind us. I felt at the time we needed to get someone up there with Alfie and changed to a 4-4-2, went a little more attacking, and it paid off.

“In the first half I was a little bit disappointed. The first time we put the ball behind them was Alfie May’s goal – our counter press when we lost the ball wasn’t good enough and defending our box needs to be better. We had a little pop at them at half-time, they agreed with us and performed very well in the second half.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD