BOWYER: MY BOY KARLAN IS SO SCARY
LEE Bowyer hailed his Charlton Athletic team’s battling display in an impressive victory over inform Barnsley – and he highlighted the pace and awareness of two-goal former England U19 striker Karlan Grant-Ahearne, who has now netted seven league goals this season. back off and back off and he scores a great goal. Then Lyle [Taylor] puts one on a plate for him.”
Bowyer believes that the partnership of Taylor and Grant-Ahearne will trouble plenty of defences this season.
“I was really pleased for Karlan and Lyle because I know next time Karlan is in the position he will be looking for Lyle,” he said. “They will both keep scoring goals, and lots of them. We have quality players in the middle of the park to provide for them.”
Grant struck after eight minutes, taking a superb diagonal pass from Jamie Ward and hitting a low shot across Barnsley goalkeeper Adam Davies and in off the far post. Alex Mowatt forced a diving save from Jed Steer from a long-range free kick after 16 minutes, but that was the only time Barnsley threatened in the first half.
In contrast, the speedy Charlton forwards kept defenders at full stretch and Ward twice had shots saved by Davies.
Barnsley introduced top scorer Kieffer Moore at halftime, but to little effect and Charlton doubled their lead seven minutes later as Grant converted Lyle Taylor’s low cross from close range.
Barnsley head coach Daniel Stendel bemoaned his team’s failure to breach a determined Charlton defence. His team went into the match as the second-highest scorers in the division but seldom threatened. “We had a lot of ball possession, but we didn’t get that big chance and Charlton fought and defended very well,” he said. “We couldn’t find our rhythm or the final pass.”
“It was the perfect team performance,” Bowyer said. “They battled against the best team we have played this season. The back four, the goalie, they competed, defended like men. The midfield covered every blade of the grass, running and competing for every second ball and once they have got it they are playing.
“In that dressing room we have everything, we have absolutely everything. What we need now is to go on another run. That is one game, but we have 30 games to go. If we keep doing what we showed we will definitely be up there.”
Greenwich-born GrantAhearne, 21, was loaned out to Crawley Town last season, but now looks like a fixture in Bowyer’s starting line-up. “Karlan’s playing with lot of confidence. He scares defences with his pace and they