Charlton manager Nathan Jones was delighted to finally see Tyreece Campbell reproduce one of his “devastating” training ground displays in their 3-0 win over Exeter.
The 21-year-old academy product has been a mainstay of the Addicks side since the Welshman took charge a year ago.
And he netted his fifth goal of the campaign with an assured right-footed finish beyond Exeter keeper Joe Whitworth from the edge of the penalty area to make it 2-0 in the 68th minute.
Asked what he said to the youngster after replacing him in the closing stages, Jones said: “That it was about time he scored a goal like that – because he gets in wonderful areas.
“In training he does it. He’s devastating in training. He has to recreate that training form in matches. Today I thought he did.
“I don’t think he needs any more confidence. I love him. I play him. We clip stuff up for him as staff – we do want him to the best version of himself. Once that happens we have got some player.”
Charlton are a force to be reckoned with at The Valley. While Exeter did not offer stiff resistance, this result made it five straight home wins.
After Angus MacDonald’s own goal in the 20th minute – turning in Luke Berry’s free-kick – the result never looked in doubt.
Miles Leaburn wrapped up the win late on when he moved on to double goal figures for the season after confidently shooting into the bottom left corner from Kayne Ramsay’s through-ball.
“I’m delighted,” added Jones. “We really dominated from start to finish. We got the goal and I would’ve liked us to be further ahead – you are always edgy.
“It was really, really professional. Once we got the second we really kicked on. That was a proper Charlton performance. When we’re the best version of ourselves we are a good team.”
Exeter are now just three points above the relegation zone and failed to put any kind of dent in their opponents.
Grecians boss Gary Caldwell said: “We came to a big stadium and a massive club at this level – a very good team that’s in form. You have to be better and more competitive against these type of teams. Today we weren’t and if you’re not then you’re going to get beaten.
“I don’t care about the league table – I care about the performance. We have got 15 games to go and 45 points to play for. I care what the league table looks like at the end of the season.
“It is a disappointing result and a disappointing performance. We were outfought and outran by a much better team on the day. It’s a team that is probably pushing for the play-offs. They have got great momentum and were better in every single department than us.
“We were too nice.”
