Charlton boss Lee Bowyer praises former team-mate Jonathan Woodgate after Middlesbrough defeat

Woodgate and Boro recorded a much-needed 1-0 win over Bowyer’s Addicks side at the Riverside on Saturday, a result which moved the hosts four points clear of the Championship relegation zone.

After the game, Bowyer, who has stayed in contact with Woodgate following their playing days at Leeds, said Boro could have won by more before heavily criticising his side

“From the first whistle they were better than us,” said Bowyer after the game. “There's not many times I've watched a game and we've been outfought. It's disappointing.

“Second half was a bit better, first half it was very poor. It's not like our side. We're normally fighting and competing. It wasn't like one or two, it was everybody.

“There's not one person who can say they done well today. We were lucky to lose 1-0. They should have scored more.”

After a promising start to the campaign, Charlton are now just three points ahead of Boro in the Championship and winless in eight games.

The Addicks won promotion from League One last season and, while expectations were higher on Teesside, Bowyer still believes Woodgate is doing a good job.

“For me he is doing a good job,” said Bowyer when asked about his former team-mate.

“To have everything cut back the way it has from what was on offer from previous managers, he's doing a good job, shopping in windows that most teams don't.

“His budget has been cut a lot. I speak to him all the time and it's been difficult.

“I know Jonathan and Robbie (Keane), they will get it right. If that's anything to go by today they're doing things the right way, their team is trying to play football.

“Their players are working hard for him. I have no doubt he'll get it right.”

When asked if Woodgate would brag about the result, Bowyer replied: “He should do, because I would have. We have a good relationship and he'll be respectful.

“His team done well today, they deserve to win.”