Lee Bowyer explained after Tuesday’s win at Shrewsbury, that togetherness and fighting spirit were the key ingredients of the success.

The Addicks had taken just one point from their three previous games and, given their run in, their play-off hopes were hanging by a thread.

It was a win few expected, and it gave the fans a huge lift. Here is what Bowyer said:

“We’re delighted and I think that we thoroughly deserved the win, the way we stuck together and fought, and every single challenge we went in for we went in to win.

“Our togetherness was great. I know what we can do in possession and I will never doubt how good we are on the ball.

“I know we can make something out of nothing with the individuals we have. What I have always said since I took over is that I demand that work-rate, togetherness and fight.

“If we didn’t fight tonight, Shrewsbury would have run over the top of us like they did at The Valley.

“That’s what I’ve drummed into the players; if you don’t fight then you won’t win games. We had a lot of young players out there tonight and, for me, they became men.

“They stood up and no-one has done this to Shrewsbury here. Shrewsbury aren’t pushing for the top two for nothing, so I am delighted.

Skipper, Jason Pearce, was a titan at the back and fought his way through a ruck of players to head home the all important first goal.

But two players who had not previously been given a start by Bowyer were given special praise by the caretaker boss:

‎”I can’t pick a man of the match. That’s the seventh game I’ve been in charge and the fourth time I can’t pick a man of the match. The players are obviously doing something right.

“We have shown that we can fight and we’ll have to do that at times. The players that came in – Marshy and Josh made their first starts under me – their work rate was outstanding.

“They couldn’t have given me anymore and Josh was rewarded at the end with his goal. I wanted Marshy to come in and work his socks off. That’s exactly what he did and he was outstanding.”

Next up for the Addicks is the white hot cauldron of Fratton Park on Saturday, where Bowyer’s side will be backed by over 2,500 travelling fans.

Defeat for Portsmouth would effectively end their play-off hopes. The battle of the bosses will be fascinating.

Rookie Bowyer will pit his wits against wily old fox, Kenny Jackett. If Bowyer can win the contest,the confidence and momentum his team will gain, will stand them in good steed for the clash with second place Blackburn at The Valley a week later.