A thoroughly deserved win was a long time coming at Huish Park on Boxing Day leaving Addicks boss Chris Powell pleased.

Despite being in the ascendancy for long periods, the Addicks had to twice come from behind to restore parity. They were encamped in Yeovil’s half for virtually all of the last 30 minutes. The injury time winner left Chris Powell both ecstatic and relieved:

“I think it was a deserved win and I’m really pleased that we have kicked off this festive period with three points.

“It was a hard fought game and Yeovil were obviously going for the points for different reasons but I think overall we shaded it and fully deserved it.

“I’m very pleased that we have again come away with three points on an opponent’s ground. It’s a good feeling,” said Powell, who continued,”They scored early and we responded in quick fashion. We were talking about what we needed and what we wanted at half-time but then they scored a goal.

“They started off very well in the second half, but apart from their second goal, I felt that we were in the ascendancy.

“Yann’s been threatening to put a free-kick in for a while and it was outstanding technique and a great finish and then it was more a case of when, with the third goal fully deserved.

“Their keeper made an outstanding reaction save – the best save I’ve seen this season – and there was one cleared off the line and they threw bodies in the way. You just thought it just looked like we were going to get a point but what a time for Danny Green to open his account for us,” added the manager.

Powell was naturally delighted that Green finally opened his account for the club and paid him this tribute:

“He’s been dying for a goal, he’s been shooting from everywhere and trying his hardest and it was a great time for him to score.

“We are ecstatic really to get that win and it was a great time to score but even then, Ben Hamer had to make a great save and Leon Cort came on and made a terrific block.

“That’s what you have to do. The team has to perform and the subs have to come on and play their part. It’s a good three points for us,” enthused Powell.

Two late goals by Walsall to come from one down to beat Sheffield Wednesday added to Powell’s glee but he is well aware the job is far from done. He continued:

“There is a long way to go. We are a game away from halfway but we’ve just got to keep our calm in each and every game and not worry too much about the other results.

“It is about what we do, it really is. I do see the scores like everyone else but I’m more worried about what we do in our games.

“We know it can quickly change. There are two games in three days coming up and it’s an important time for us – and for everyone – but it’s a good way to start the festive period,” was Chris’ sensible opinion. He then gave his thoughts on Yeovil:

“They (Yeovil) are going to be aggressive. Especially at home, they will try to impose themselves as much as they can.

“We watched them and worked on bits and pieces in training and in the main we nullified the threat.

“I felt the first goal was superb technique for Obika to finish it the way he did but we shouldn’t have been in that position for him to do that.

“We will look at it, as we always do, and look at how we can improve and how we can stop goals, as that’s one area that we have been really good at.

“Our goals against tally is very good. Obviously, goals for is important and that’s looking very good as well,” said the boss, who still hurts when his side’s defence is breached. Once a defender, always a defender!

As well as scoring, Green unfortunately picked up his fifth yellow card of the season and will be suspended for Saturday’s game at Orient. With Scott Wagstaff missing the Yeovil game with a foot injury, Green’s ban could have been problematical.

However, Powell is hopeful Wagstaff will be available for the Orient game:

“Scott’s had a knock and hasn’t trained but travelled with us today.

“It was 50/50 for today but I just felt getting that extra training in him will be important and now, of course, he has a chance to play after I choose my eleven for Orient.

“Hopefully, he will be all right and will be ready to be up for selection before I choose the team.

“That’s why we have the squad we have and that’s why we want everyone at full tilt in training, because you never know when your opportunity will arise and there is an opportunity possibly for Scott now,” concluded Chris.

Three more points would be the perfect end to a hugely successful second half of the year. Charlton fans will be looking forward to 2012 relish.