Leon goal pleases Parky

Phil Parkinson praised his team's work ethic despite their Johnstone's Paint Trophy exit at Southampton on Tuesday night.

The Valley boss saw his side trail 2-0 to goals from Wayne Thomas and Rickie Lambert before substitute Leon McKenzie reduced the arrears in stoppage time with his first goal for the club.

And following the shock FA Cup exit at Northwich Victoria the previous Sunday, Parkinson was pleased with his side's application.

"We worked hard as a team tonight,” he told the press at St Mary's after the game. "Three defeats on the trot is never good, but I was pleased with how hard we worked out there.

"The lads stuck to their jobs and obviously we were lacking forwards.

"I didn't want to start Deon or Leon because one is coming back from injury and the other is carrying a groin injury, so with Izale McLeod suspended, we played Dave Mooney up front on his own.

"We lacked a threat in the first half, so in the second half we brought on those players and it was pleasing for Leon to score his first goal.”

McKenzie, who has thrice appeared from the bench in an injury-plagued start to life at The Valley, stole in to convert an added-time centre from fellow substitute, and Charlton debutant, Luke Holden.

Parkinson admitted he had contemplated starting the former Coventry City striker, but opted to use him as an impact substitute with an eye on his side's League One promotion tilt.

"If we had had Leon McKenzie fit, it would not be a problem, and now with Izale suspended, we know how short we are in that department,” he added.

"People have seen tonight that Leon is getting stronger and stronger and getting closer to that first start.

"He's getting better. And there was a temptation to play him tonight, but we didn't want him to pick up an injury if he is not quite ready.

"We've just got to be careful. He's a good lad who is determined to be a big part of our season. He himself knows that he has had setbacks this season, so he has to be careful.

"Any striker needs to score their first goal for a club and it was a good moment for him. It was good for us to score and I'm pleased with the way he got his goal.”

On Holden's cameo, Parkinson added: "It's always difficult when you come on for your first game.

"Lukey's come from low down the football pyramid and we thought we'd give him a chance.

"He's worked so hard for the opportunity and we thought we'd give him it tonight. We wanted to deliver some quality into the box and he has got quality.”