Charlton created more chances than of late at Rochdale on Tuesday but failed to take any of them. They also came up against a keeper in inspired form and slumped to another defeat. here’s what the disappointed manager thought of the result:
‘I don’t know where to start because we fashioned a lot of chances tonight, especially in the second period.
‘The second goal which killed us came from a corner which wasn’t a corner. These things go against you when you are up against it.
‘I’ve asked the team to give us a performance second period and they did. I’ve just looked at all the chances we have created and Fon Williams made three or four good saves.
‘I suppose when you are up against it and the keeper is making good saves and there were a couple of blocks and one block on the line, then you realise its not going to be your day.
‘We pressed Rochdale back but obviously I felt the first goal was crucial today and it went to Rochdale in the first period. It was cruel really because I think we should at least come away from here with a point at the minimum maybe all three,’ said Chris
Powell’s disappointment was understandable but Rochdale are a decent side who played well, utilising the 4-5-1 formation that Keith Hill believes suits the players he has at his disposal. Chris O’Grady is adept in the lone striking role, ably and quicky supported by the evergreen Gary Jones. Left-winger, Will Atkinson gave Chris Solly a torrid evening too.
The second goal is being dismissed a little too easily as well. It was a dubious corner but that does not excuse the poor defending. Good game though Fon Williams had, he was nowhere near as busy as Rob Elliot was at Bournemouth. If the Addicks were unfortunate on Tuesday night, they were mighty lucky to escape from Dean Court with a point. Powell continued with his thoughts:
‘It’s about details and it’s about taking them. You have to take them when they come, it doesn’t matter what level you play.
‘Especially for us away from home, it’s been real hard for us. We’ve been paying for not defending correctly or not taking the chances and half chances that come our way.
‘It’s tough for us but I’ve just said to the lads to keep believing, they will go in.
‘We have to use that, getting in the right positions in the box and choosing the right ball. That’s where you have got to be and my aim is to still create those chances and still look to take them and make sure our final ball, our final pass or shot is the right one.
‘It’s tough to take though. They were on decent run themselves but we more than matched them and overall I thought we were the better team,’ said Chris.
He’s right of course, Charlton did not defend properly and also spurned the chances that came their way. It’s possible, on a good day, to get away with one of those faults but no team can win matches if they are guilty of both. Chris concluded by assessing the three ganes his team had played in the last week:
‘Our confidence has come back somewhat after the last two games. They were two tough games, at home to Southampton and Bournemouth away and before that, confidence was at a low ebb as we were not getting results. So that helps.
‘We looked at this game as real pivotal in what sort of chances we have but as you can see it’s not our time.
‘I’ve got to look at it now and make sure we have an eight-game season and we have to finish on a high and on a good note.
‘That can only be down to us but its tough to take this evening when we have lost a game we really should have won.’
The manager is clearly struggling and frustrated. He has to make it ‘our time’ and maybe he should review one or two of his decisions.
If he was serious about the play-offs, should he not have tried to push on and win the game at Bournemouth after Wright-Phillips had equalised? And why oh why is Nathan Eccleston not being given a chance?
Chris will have much to ponder as his eight game season kicks-off against Leyton Orient on Saturday.
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