Lee Bowyer bemoaned his side’s missed chances following Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Accrington Stanley and insisted that a point simply “wasn’t good enough.”
The Addicks were well worthy of their lead at the break, brought about by Karlan Grant’s second goal in as many games, but the home side applied pressure in the second half and drew level through Jordan Clark’s strike 12 minutes from time.
And the caretaker boss was not happy to be leaving Lancashire with a solitary point.
“It wasn’t good enough,” said Bowyer.
“We missed too many chances and a point just isn’t good enough. The decision-making at times was horrendous and that’s what it boils down to, it isn’t good enough.
“For the players we had out there, that result is not acceptable. No disrespect to Accrington, I thought they did well, especially in the second half. But coming here and only getting one point isn’t good enough.”
Bowyer was particularly frustrated that his side’s performance did not reflect their work on the training field.
Following a positive week at Sparrows Lane, he wanted to see more of that work implemented at the Wham Stadium.
“We were sloppy in possession,” he explained.
“Our passing was OK at times, but what I’m witnessing at the training ground every day is not what we’ve just seen today.
“I told them it was unacceptable because they work hard all week for a reason. We tell them things to get them into certain areas, but we can’t make them make the right decision in the final third – that’s something that I can’t control – and that’s what let us down today.”
Bowyer also felt that a lack of ruthlessness was a key factor towards the failure to gain maximum points.
“We’ve got to start killing games off,” he continued.
“Sunderland was the same and then we go and lose it. Last weekend was the same, although we snatched the win. There are times when we are outplaying teams and we look good, but there are other times when we seem to drop deep and invite pressure.
“Teams play long balls, it’s what a lot of teams in this division do. It’s not going to be a pretty football match all the time and today just wasn’t good enough.”
“Ok, we got a point,” added Bowyer.
“We didn’t lose the game, but it’s still not good enough in my eyes if you want to get promotion.”
Meanwhile, Bowyer was pleased with the first contribution of new loan signing Kristyian Bielik on his debut Charlton debut.
“I though he did ok for his first game. He got a bit tired towards the end, but he’s only a kid. He’s 20 years old and that’s obviously his first game, so it’s obviously different to playing regular U23s football.
“He got a bit of cramp at the end and will be OK for Tuesday’s game.”
Supporters can watch Bowyer’s full post-match press conference on Valley Pass.