Bowyer’s in a Tayl of joy
CHARLTON boss Lee Bowyer insists he is the Del Boy of the Championship, ducking and diving on the division’s lowest budget.
When Wembley play-off hero Ben Purrington struck just before the interval to give the Addicks the lead on their return to the second tier, it was lovely jubbly.
A bizarre own goal by keeper Dillon Phillips soon had Bowyer muttering ‘What a plonker’ only for Lyle Taylor to make it a right old knees up for a club who are one of the favourites to make a swift return to League One.
It was nothing less than his battling side deserved against a Rovers line-up containing four new signings – and one which continually frustrated an expectant Ewood Park.
“Not bad for a team that has been written off but there is still a long way to go,” said Bowyer.
“This was a good away professional performance from start to finish. Tactically we were solid.”
Bowyer was jumping for joy when Charlton snatched a 43rd-minute lead. Purrington’s energy created the opening, the adventurous wing-back breaking deep into Blackburn’s half.
And when Jonny Williams’ clever dinked ball towards the six-yard box saw Taylor go tumbling, Charlton forgot all about any penalty appeals as Purrington nipped in to poke past debut keeper Christian Walton.
It was another magic moment for Purrington, who scored his first goal for the club in the play-off final against Sunderland.
Blackburn were level when Naby Sarr appeared to have cleared Bradley Johnson’s header off the line, only for the ball to hit the unlucky Phillips on the back of the head and loop in.
“Nothing is normal with us,” said Bowyer. “The last two goals we have conceded have been two own goals, real freak ones. But we don’t feel sorry for ourselves, we just keep on going.”
Their reward arrived in the 77th minute when skipper Jason Pearce headed towards goal from a Jake Forster-caskey corner and Taylor applied the close-range finish.
Ragged Rovers haven’t picked up an opening-day victory in nine seasons. “We’re frustrated but we just have to go again,” said manager Tony
Mowbray. BLACKBURN CHARLTON 2 .........Shots on Target .........5 6 ........ Shots off Target......... 2 12 ............... Corners ................ 2 15 .................. Fouls ................. 13 5 ................ Offsides ................ 2 443 ....... Total Passes ....... 287 79.9 ... Passing Success .. 63.8 61.8 ........ Possession ....... 38.2 60.3 .. Territorial Adv% .. 39.7