Magilton: My players were outstanding

Derek Davis

JIM Magilton applauded his players after they leap-frogged Charlton with a two-goal victory.

Owen Garvan opened the scoring with a fluke that went in off a post, while substitute Danny Haynes ensured the points with a well-struck second half volley.

Magilton said: “In big games like this you need a slice of luck and we got it today. The first goal was always going to be very important and it gave us a platform to go on to win.

“We were not fantastic with the ball and I'm the first to criticise my players but I'm going to applaud them today because they were outstanding.

“They showed a real character and desire to get a result.

“We knew we would have to work hard and we got our just rewards.”

Magilton admitted he was not convinced Garvan meant his goal but was happy to take it and was impressed by Haynes's strike, which was definitely meant.

He said: “We will claim he saw the keeper off the line. He tried again in the second half with a dipping volley when he did see the keeper off his line so fair play to him.

“Danny's was a fantastic goal. He waited for it to come out and the cavalry were charging but he was patient and struck it well.”

Magilton was also delighted with the clean sheet and Stephen Bywater's response after the 4-1 drubbing at Barnsley.

He said: “At 2-0 we were value for money and to get a clean sheet was great.

“The keeper has come in for some criticism but was a real personality and to a man the back four were very good.

“They stepped up to the plate. They knew it was a big game and they produced a performance.

Magilton is sweating on the fitness of Shefki Kuqi whose return lasted just 12 minutes before he pulled up lame.

He said: “Football can be a cruel business at times and that was a cruel blow.”

Town went above Charlton, who have dropped out of the play-offs, but boss Alan Pardew said: “We are far from finished. This group of players have the character and resilience to bounce back.”