Charlton Athletic Football Club News

• Nickname:The Addicks
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Chris Powell

• Ground:The Valley
• Capacity:27,111

Addicks hope for win boost

28 Jan 2009 - 10:51:17

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Manager Phil Parkinson believes Charlton Athletic's derby win over Crystal Palace on Tuesday night can be the turning point in their dismal season to date.

The beleaguered Addicks won their first league match for four months at the 19th attempt courtesy of Matthew Spring's second goal in three games for the club.

The vital victory moved the rock-bottom London club to within five points of fellow strugglers Southampton.

"I'm absolutely delighted. We know it means a lot to the supporters, but I think the supporters saw tonight that it means a lot to the players as well," he told the club's official website.

"It was a terrific performance in terms of resilience, desire and commitment and that's what won the game in the end for us.

"We knew what we'd have to deal with and Palace had a real go at us. It was a proper derby but we stood up to it.

"There's no better time to win a game than against your biggest rivals. Confidence and belief when you go this long without a win does take a knock, but tonight has seen a massive uplift in those levels and I thought we looked like a strong Championship team."

However, the morale-boosting victory came at a cost as Jonathan Fortune suffered a ruptured Achilles is now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

"Jon has ruptured his Achilles and that's a blow for him and for the club as I thought Jon had one of his best games for us tonight," said Parkinson of the central defender.