Exeter have become more resillient of recent times, unbeaten in their last four games, no defeats in their last seven outings at St James Park and Green’s goal was the first one the Grecians had conceded in 375 minutes.

Their five man defence is always difficult to break down so it was a creditable performance. Here’s Powell’s verdict:

“I always knew that following the Sheffield Wednesday and Sheffield United games, coming to a place like Exeter would be tough.

“They always play good football and I knew the atmosphere wouldn’t be how it was in the previous two games and it was up to us to manage that.

“The first half was very flat and there was no real atmosphere and no real tempo from both teams.

“I asked the boys to lift that and do better with our attacking play, I felt at the back we were fairly comfortable. It was only really of our own making if Exeter had any chances.

“It was just a case of giving a bit more in the second period and we got the goal, whether it was meant or not.

“It’s another win, though, and another three points in our quest to get some success this year,” said Chris before discussing Danny Green’s winning goal, “It does look as if was over the line.

“He wants to claim it and I’ll gladly give it to him.”

The ball looked as if it was going in before Krysiak got a hand to it but the goal will definitely be credited to Green, the Football League does not have a dubious goals panel so Green has his third goal of the campaign. The manager thought his side merited their win and added this:

“I think sometimes it’s a reward for positive play, and throughout the second period we were in the ascendancy a lot more.

“It obviously helps us in that instance with regards to the cross-cum-shot and the goal.

“So I’m really happy that we’ve come away from a really tricky game with three points.

“Obviously, after the two Sheffield games everyone is expecting us to ease to wins against teams that are in the lower reaches, so it’s important that we still set up right and are defensively strong, which we have been with four clean sheets so far in 2012.

“Then things will go for you if you are still being positive and trying to attack your opposition’s goal. So I’m very happy with the outcome,” said Chris.

It was a very lacklustre first half but the Addicks, as so often before, upped the tempo after the break and got their reward. When Exeter looked to be gaining momentum, the introduction of Dale Stephens stemmed the tide. Powell continued:

“Because of the way Exeter have been going recently, I knew there wouldn’t be a lot of goals today but in the first half, I felt we didn’t really play with a purpose and were a little bit flat.

“It’s expected because of the two huge games (against the two Sheffield clubs) that took care of themselves with regards to getting us up for the game.

“It was up to myself, my staff and the players themselves just to gee one another up because I felt if we did that we could get the goals and the result that we wanted and that’s what happened.

“For us to get clean sheets, that is what good results are built on and good seasons are built on, being defensively strong.

“I want my players to really work hard to keep a clean sheet, because I know there is quality at the other end,” said Chris before talking about Dale Stephens’ welcome return, “Dale is a very good player but I didn’t want to rush him straight back in because he’s been out for a long while.

“He adds quality, he adds forward passing, he adds composure and he always seems to do the right thing when he’s on the ball.

“I’m glad he came back in and contributed and hopefully now that will get him up to speed for the rest of the campaign.”

No time to rest on their laurels for the Addicks though, Powell has tomorrow’s game against Bury to ponder.