Olly Groome reports from Sixfields Stadium
Karl Robinson admitted that his players are hurting as Charlton slipped to a fourth consecutive defeat at Northampton Town on Saturday afternoon.
Jordan Botaka cancelled out Michael Smith’s opener in the first half as the two sides headed into the break on level terms, but John-Joe O’Toole’s 62nd-minute strike proved to be the winner on another disappointing afternoon on the road for the Addicks.
Speaking to the assembled press following the 2-1 reverse, the Valley boss also bemoaned his squad’s fragility as more injuries struck.
“A lot of them, for the first time are really hurting,” he explained.
“Declan [Rudd] was almost in tears. For a loan player, I’ve never seen someone care so much.
“We’re in a fragile place and it’s been a long season. Patrick Bauer was sick at half-time and Lewis Page got a stamp on his ankle. Ricky Holmes got his foot stood on, Jason Pearce still not fit and the squad is getting stretched to the max.
“If you’re looking for someone to blame then blame me, I have to take that for the team. I have seen a reaction since Tuesday, they trained Wednesday and worked hard, everybody said the right things.”
Meanwhile, Robinson thanked the 1,424 travelling Addicks for their support at Sixfields.
He said: “From the moment I have walked in the door, the fans have been excellent.
“They’ve supported the players and we are as equally frustrated. We have gone through a difficult time and you have seen that. I have to stay strong and do what is right and stick by the players.”
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