Nathan Jones spoke to CharltonTV following late drama at The Valley as Matty Godden’s 97th-minute penalty drew the Addicks level on the cusp of the full-time whistle.
Over 24,500 supporters were in attendance, making the largest paid attendance at The Valley since the Addicks' play-off semi-final win over Doncaster Rovers back in May 2019.
Speaking on the penalty being awarded in additional time, Jones said: “I was delighted for a start because it gives you an opportunity to get the equaliser. I think, on the balance of everything, a draw was probably a fair result, with possession, shots and shots on target.
“We gave them the first goal from four bits of really poor play.
“We came back into it - at times I thought we played really well in the first half in terms of getting into good areas. We weren’t relentless with our play though; we didn’t do enough of the basics.
“Our size and power was missing, we have picked up a lot of injuries. With the back four, Kayne Ramsay and Lloyd Jones would have started today because of their power. Gassan Ahadme, Chuks Aneke and Daniel Kanu... all big injuries for us in terms of competing. That is showing at the minute, people playing makeshift positions and we need to readjust.
“We showed a lot of character but for us to be the side we want to be, we need to get them back.”
Having picked up a 2-2 draw at Oakwell in midweek, Jones explained that today’s sharing of the spoils feels a little bit sweeter given the nature of the late leveller.
“It felt like a positive point today, whereas Tuesday felt like a negative one, because we scored in the 93rd minute and should’ve seen the game out. If we did, it would have been a wonderful week.
“In our last four games we've played sides that you would expect to be in the top six and haven’t been beaten - that's a positive.
“We are very good against footballing sides; we are as good as a side when out of possession. We came unstuck because we hadn’t done the basics. Those are the things that can’t happen in this league.”
Jones voiced his praise for those in attendance in the bumper crowd at The Valley, admitting that their support is vital, and he hopes many will return.
“I’m glad that we finished strongly and got the equaliser, the atmosphere was fantastic. Every time we get a big crowd here, we don’t respond, but today was a good game in terms of competition. I wanted to put on a show today and to get a win so they come back, they can be massive.
“When we give them something to get behind, they're a wonderful crowd, a great atmosphere and that's what we want.”
