MANAGER Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink was a proud man as Burton Albion took a fourth win in six games with a 2-1 victory at Charlton Athletic on Tuesday evening.
Coming from behind to take all three points through first Brewers goals from Mike Fondop and Danny Rowe, Albion showed a perfect reaction to last weekend’s disappointing defeat at home to Sunderland.
Hasselbaink felt his side’s reaction to going behind was particularly impressive and described his charges as “magnificent” following tonight’s win.
“I’m very proud, especially after Saturday, where we as a team didn’t really perform,” said Hasselbaink.
“(I’m proud) to come here, to one of the teams that everybody expects to do really well and go 1-0 behind early (and for the players) to react and play like that for 60 minutes.
“It was a big performance, a big reaction, that’s what we wanted. The boys have been absolutely magnificent.
“Don’t get me wrong, I prefer clean sheets, but it can happen that you get a setback in a game and it’s about reaction, being organised and trying to get yourself back into it. They did that.
“The first goal is a really well-worked cross, and I like it that we scored from a cross and that the striker scored.
“The second had a little deflection but if you don’t shoot, you don’t get them.
“We are very happy with the performance - but we are even more pleased that we have won because we need the three points.”
Hasselbaink was pleased to see Fondop and Rowe get their first goals in Brewers shirts, and with what they brought to the side this evening.
“Danny can give us some quality that in this league, if you have it, it’s a big weapon,” said Hasselbaink.
“He’s also one of those we need to watch out for, get (him) stronger and be smart with.
“Normally I would have (substituted) him, but we couldn’t afford to take him off with his quality. He was brilliant.
“Mike worked them, they were hanging on his shirt, he got to the back post and got his head to it to score. It was a big goal for us.
“We hope he can grow from this and get fitter and stronger, and what he gives us is his hold-up play, bringing the others into play, and that’s very important for us.
“He did that very well and rewarded himself with a goal, which is absolutely important for a striker.”
Hasselbaink also confirmed that Kieran Wallace and Owen Gallacher both suffered injuries in the game, which is why they were withdrawn, but is hopeful both will be okay as they are checked over the next few days.