BY GEORGE!
Saville gives Woody win No.4
LEE BOWYER backed old mate Jonathan Woodgate to be a success as Middlesbrough boss.
George Saville’s first goal this season in the opening minute should have been added to as Boro again proved wasteful.
But Woodgate had to settle for another 1-0 win – that’s 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 well-documented history from their time as Leeds teammates, faced their first meeting as managers.
And Charlton boss Bowyer said: “I’ve no doubt Jonathan will get it right – 100 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 (inset) 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.’’
Wales veteran Joe Ledley, 32, 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.
Britt Assombalonga – who worryingly for Woodgate ended the day on crutches – saw a shot deflected to strike partner Ashley Fletcher, whose attempt to go round Dillon
Phillips was foiled by the keeper, but Saville was lurking to slot in.
Charlton have now gone eight games without a win, and Bowyer admitted: “We weren’t good enough. From the first whistle, they were better.’’
MIDDLESBROUGH: Pears 7, Howson 6, Ayala 6, Fry 6, Spence 8, Saville 7, Clayton 6, Tavernier 6, Coulson 7, Assombalonga 6 (Walker 64, 5), Fletcher 6.
Subs not used: Mejias, Wood, Bola, Malley, O’neill, Liddle.
CHARLTON: Phillips 6, Matthews 5, Pearce 6, Oshilaja 6, Purrington 5 (Morgan 46, 6), Pratley 5, Ledley 5 (Taylor 46, 5), Gallagher 7, Doughty 5, Leko 5, Bonne 5.
Subs not used: Maynard-brewer, Solly, Sarr, Davison, Vennings
MAN OF THE MATCH: Djed Spence. The debutant looked the part with his pace and purpose.
REFEREE: Stephen Martin 6.