Thierry Small on last-minute winner for Charlton and hits out at ‘malicious’ behaviour by Bolton player

Thierry Small has described his late winner for Charlton Athletic yesterday as “unbelievable”.

The Valley erupted in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time when the right wing-back fired home to earn a 1-0 victory over Shrewsbury.

Small said: “Unbelievable. I was just happy I could play my part and contribute to the team getting three points.

“Shrewsbury are a good side, in terms of defensively, and we had to be patient. It is testament to the boys’ character – we had to dig deep. That’s what good teams do – they find ways. We found a way.

“I just wanted to get good contact on the ball. I’m happy it landed to me at the right time. No better feeling than a last-minute winner.

“I was a little bit frustrated in the first half. Because getting clean shots off and my end product is something I’ve been working on.

“We played some good football but didn’t always have that killer instinct.

“It’s important for us not to get too high or low if results don’t go our way. It’s important we keep on that momentum going into the Bristol Rovers game.

“We have got a clear goal and we want to get this club promoted. Everyone is on the same page.

“It is a good dressing room, even when we were going through a bad spell we were staying positive and together. The culture in the team is very good.”

Bolton Wanderers’ Jay Matete was hit with a three-match ban after footage emerged of him stamping on Small in Tuesday’s fixture. Charlton won the match 2-1.

Small said: “Fair play to the FA for dealing with it after, because it wasn’t on. It was malicious intent to try and injure someone which is out of order.

“As professionals we shouldn’t be trying to harm somebody. I’m just happy the FA have dealt with it and he has got what he deserved.

“I was fine, luckily.”

PICTURES: PAUL EDWARDS