Morrison salutes ‘suckerpunch’ strike that set Addicks on their way at Ipswich

Charlton Athletic's Michael Morrison (right) battles Ipswich Town's Nathan Ellington. Photo credit: Nigel French/EMPICs

By Matthew Stott
Monday, September 24, 2012
9:40 AM

Charlton defender Michael Morrison believes the first goal was crucial in their win over Ipswich on Saturday – and insists they received a major confidence boost ahead of their weekend showdown with Blackburn.

Captain Johnnie Jackson and Ricardo Fuller both scored their first goals of the season in the opening five minutes of the second half to give Chris Powell’s outfit a deserved lead before Jason Scotland’s heavily-deflected effort threatened a fightback from the hosts.

But it was the visitors who held firm at Portman Road to record a well-earned 2-1 victory and arrest a somewhat disconcerting slide of three consecutive defeats. It moved them out of the relegation zone to 18th position in a mercurial division still in its infancy.

The last time Charlton broke the deadlock in a game was also the last time they claimed all three points – against Leicester on August 21 in another 2-1 triumph – and Morrison believes his side can derive a renewed sense of belief after they proved themselves to be irretrievable frontrunners once again.

“I think it was a nervous start from both teams and I think the first goal played a massive part in the result of the match,” the 24-year-old centre-back said.

“You could see their heads went down. Not just the fans but the players as well because it really was a suckerpunch to them.

“It happened to us against Derby last week when we fought back to 3-2 after being three goals down and when confidence is low and you concede one you are more susceptible to a second.

“I think there was a lack of confidence but I think one win can turn that around very quickly.

“We have got some tough games coming up and we definitely viewed this as a game we could win to get us going again.

“I think both teams viewed the game as a winnable one and the team that won was always going to take a lot of confidence from it – and that it is certainly what we will be looking to do.

“The pressure was mainly on them because they were at home and I thought we passed and pressed the ball well and the win was definitely there for the taking. In the second half we turned the screw and played some good football.

“It was a big game. I know it is quite early on in the season but it was a six-pointer and we are delighted to pick up the three points.”

After Jackson had swept home from close-range Jamaican international Fuller marked his full debut and a mesmerising performance with an unerring finish that put the Addicks out of sight – and Morrison hailed his impact since his summer switch from Stoke ahead of their home clash with Blackburn on Saturday.

“Ricardo is a handful and he is a great signing for us, especially not having to pay for a transfer fee,” he added.

“Not only does he bring that power and aggression but he is good with the lads. He has got great experience and he has been there and done it.

“He is a great signing and he showed that today with his important goal.

“The games come thick and fast, especially in the Championship, and if we can win next week then we will put this [run of defeats] behind us.

“One win for us at Ipswich has lifted us up the table and you then get in the pack. At the moment one win can get you up there and once you get two or three wins you can build from that.

“It is a big game against Blackburn this Saturday and hopefully we can build from this win.”