Charlton boss Chris Powell has said how pleased he is with his sides form as they top League One after winning on Saturday.

Powell faced the press alone on Saturday evening, John Sheridan – perhaps understandably following his dismissal from the touchline – declined to take part.

After totally dominating the first period, the Addicks had a few nervy moments after Danny Whitaker halved the deficit 18 minutes from time. Powell’s team reacted well and sealed the win in injury time but the manager admitted they had made heavy weather of clinching victory:

“Did we make hard work of it? Absolutely. After our dominance in the first half we had two goals to show for it but it should have been more.

“I must admit they made some brave blocks and their keeper made a couple of good saves but we could have really have put them out of sight by half time.

“Then we just sat back and I think it’s a lesson for us to learn. It’s happened a couple of games, against Rochdale and Scunthorpe but obviously we got points out of those games.

“It made it a bit edgy for everyone but a fantastic team goal at the end sealed the win. I’ve just seen it again and there’s some really good play.

“We had that play in the first half but for a 15-20 minute period in the second half I didn’t like what I was watching too much but for us to get three points again, win 3-1 and remain unbeaten, I’ve got to be very, very happy with that and I think everyone that came today got their money’s worth.

“We got to grips with some quite tricky conditions. Chesterfield came and obviously they are in a good run of form but I felt we started to use our strengths which was getting the ball into our front players, moving the ball quickly, and using our outlets.

“I thought Rhoys Wiggins was a great outlet for us alongside Johnnie Jackson today and we were getting good crosses into the box and making them defend.

“Any team you play against if you make them defend you know you are doing something right and you are getting in the final third.We just created chances. I haven’t looked over them again yet but the big thing with me and with my team is whatever 11 goes out there we create chances.

“So if you do that more often than not you will be able to take those chance and we have got players that will,” said Chris.

Powell was particularly pleased with the second goal. Dale Stephens rolled the ball into the area for the on rushing Johnnie Jackson to slot home, in a routine that had been perfected on the training ground:

“Both our front players scored today but we’ve got midfielders who chip in as well. Johnnie Jackson scored a great goal, which we’ve worked on in training and it worked today.

“We’ve been waiting for the opportunity for it to happen and the first time we got it he finished it with great style.

“That’s pleasing as you work and go over it on the training field but for it to come to fruition at The Valley – or away – is a great feeling and I’m ever so pleased that that’s happened today,” said Chris who went on to give his thoughts on Matt Taylor’s controversial yellow card for diving, “I’ve seen it and it’s a penalty. The ball doesn’t deviate, he doesn’t dive, he gets kicked on the shin.

“Now he’s got a yellow card and that could hurt us later on in the season, so I’m not very happy about that at all.

“I’m sure Chesterfield could say they could have had a penalty and it was just one of those days, but it happens.

“It’s a hard job being a football manager but it’s a hard job being a referee too and sometimes those decisions do go for you and that should have gone for us today.

“I don’t want to hark on about that as we have got three points again. It’s always hard to get them, you have to work hard to get them and we did again today,” said the manager.

Chris had sympathy for his opposite number, John Sheridan, who was sent to the stands for harranguing the officials:

“There were one or two hand balls in the game, they sometimes go for you and sometimes they don’t.

“I don’t know what happened with John. The way the dugouts are here, he’s a way away for me so you can only deal with the fourth official.

“I’ve been there and I know your emotions are high when you want things to go for you and when you think things aren’t going for you. You only want the best for your team and your club.

“I hope John’s okay. He’s a good man, a good footballing man and he’s done exceptionally well with Chesterfield but I’ve got to care about me and make sure I don’t get fined and sent off again,” said Powell who had words of praise for late debutant, Yann Kermorgant, “He was involved with a clever ball for Scott Wagstaff’s cross for the goal.

“It’s going to be tough as he has to get used to the pace of League One pace, and I’m glad I gave him a little taster.

“So he contributed, which is good for him and good for his confidence. Once he gets up to speed I feel he will contribute to this team,” said Chris who also praised the man Kermorgant replaced, Paul Hayes, “Paul got his first goal at home, and it was a fantastically clever finish.

“He hit the bar and he’s always looking for Brad. They are always looking for one another which I like and that shows the sign of a pair and our team ethic that is not just about the individual.

“We are sharing the goals around as well, so I’m very happy in that respect. It’s another test for us that we have come though but we look forward now to Milton Keynes Dons and Sheffield United now,” concluded the happy manager.

If his team can win their next two matches, Powell’s famous grin will be wider than ever.