Centre point

After 'one of the worst performances of his career' at Northwich Victoria, Nicky Bailey was delighted to help Charlton return to winning ways with a resounding 5-1 victory over Milton Keynes Dons on Saturday.

Nicky Bailey was delighted to help Charlton return to winning ways with a resounding 5-1 victory over Milton Keynes Dons

Bailey and Charlton were left embarrassed by non-League Northwich in the FA Cup first round as the Cheshire side earned a famous scalp.

But the skipper was instrumental in Charlton's sterling performance against promotion rivals Milton Keynes, and when he headed home a deflected Lloyd Sam cross to put the Addicks 2-1 in front, the hosts never looked back.

It was the perfect response from the humiliation at the Victoria Stadium, and Bailey said: "We didn't turn up at Northwich and it was one of the worst performances I've ever given, so it was nice to put a few things straight, and to get a goal and the three points.

"Everyone worked hard against MK Dons, but it's not about one result. We must do it again at Yeovil Town next week and put a run together."

Prior to the MK Dons fixture, manager Phil Parkinson had called for Bailey to return to the form he had shown previously this term as Charlton attempted to arrest a run of three straight defeats.

And, after switching the flame-haired star to the centre of the park for the first time this term, Parkinson was rewarded with an excellent display from his captain.

"I always try my hardest, but it hasn't worked out for me over the past couple of games," said Bailey. "Central midfield is my preferred position but I've been doing a job out on the left for the manager and I'll do anything they ask me to do.

"It was nice for him to put me back in the middle and hopefully I've showed him what I can do and hopefully I'll stay there for a few more games."

Asked about Parkinson's rallying call, Bailey - last season's player of the year - added: "You get criticism from all over the place, but you have to take it on the chin and hopefully it makes you perform better in the next game.

"Things had not been working for me for a few games and the manager told me I wasn't playing well. I knew it was true, but it was not nice to hear. I was determined to put things right."

Bailey's post-match thoughts and the press conferences with Parkinson and a fuming Paul Ince are now available on CAFC Player, along with eight minutes of video highlights from the thrilling Valley encounter.

Subscriptions to the video website - which was updated at the start of the current campaign and now boasts improved audio and widescreen video, and can also be accessed by Mac users - cost just £34.99 per year or £3.99 per month.