Woody gets thumbs up from pal Bowyer

LEE BOWYER backed old mate Jonathan Woodgate to be a success as Boro boss.

George Saville’s first goal this season in the opening minute should have been added to as the hosts again proved wasteful.

But Woodgate had to settle for another single-goal win – that is how his side have achieved all four victories since he took charge in the summer, with each coming at home.

Woodgate and Bowyer, with a welldocumented history from their time as Leeds team-mates, had their first meeting as managers.

And Charlton boss Bowyer said: “I’ve no doubt Jonathan will get it right – one hundred per cent. For me, he’s doing a good job to have had everything cut back with his budget.

“He was shopping in the window where most teams don’t in this division. I speak to him all the time and it’s been difficult.’’

Woodgate said: “I’m really pleased – I thought we thoroughly deserved the win. We could just do with putting a few more goals in the back of the net.

“This club bought Sav to score that type of goal. He needs to keep scoring more. I had to make changes but young Djed Spence came in and did an absolutely fantastic job.’’

Wales veteran Joe Ledley – signed on a free by Charlton – came straight into the side for his first appearance since August 2018 when at Derby.

But before the midfielder could instil any steadying influence into the visitors’ injury-ravaged side, they fell behind, Saville slotting in after Ashley Fletcher failed to go round keeper Dillon Phillips.