Michael Appleton was disappointed to see his side fall to another late equaliser at home on Saturday afternoon as the Addicks drew 1-1 with Burton Albion.
“Today we’ve only got ourselves to blame,” he told local media. “It’s difficult to take because I didn’t see them scoring at all if I’m being honest.”
The boss was particularly frustrated with the fact that, having the Cambridge United game in recent memory, his team were not able stop another comeback.
“Because it comes so quickly after the previous home game, it’s not as if we’ve not had that knowledge or that awareness to make sure that doesn’t happen again,” he said.
“The reality is they haven’t looked like scoring a goal this afternoon and I think in those moments when you need to see the game out we need to be a little bit more professional, have a little bit more nous.”
The gaffer also thought that his side should have put the game beyond the visitors before they had a chance to strike back.
“For as much as we dominated the game… we have to be more clinical in the final third as well,” he said. “Lots of opportunities to make the keeper do more work and we didn’t today.”
Appleton was able to take some positives from the game however. “We’re not losing games on a regular basis like we were when I first walked through the door. So that’s one positive,” he said. “And it’s baby steps.”
Also encouraging was the performance of Lloyd Jones on his return from injury. “First and foremost it was great to see him back in the team, because he’s been good for us this year. Obviously him and Hecs have built up a pretty decent relationship.”
Next up for the Addicks is a trip to Leyton Orient, and the importance of the boxing day clash was not lost on the manager.
“We fell short today. But we can’t do that on Tuesday. Because it’s too big of a game.”
