Speaking to Valley Pass Live, Lee Bowyer reflected on a disappointing defeat, the overall performance and gave his verdict on Chuks Aneke’s red card.
On the start to the game, Bowyer said: “It was a poor start, giving a team a 1-0 head start. We were composed and got ourselves back into the game and created chances. Hit the woodwork twice in the first half, there’s not much to criticise. The second goal was a worldie. Sometimes you have to sit back and appreciate that.”
Aneke struck the woodwork twice in the first half, as Charlton dominated but found themselves behind at half-time.
“We were on top for large periods of the game, we played well. We competed well, against two big strikers. We passed it, we created chances. The first goal was a long ball down the pitch, the last place you should head it is where he headed it. It was a good finish, but he should never have had that opportunity, especially that early,” Bowyer said.
“We were causing them problems, all we had to do was defend against that long ball. We were always going to score again, we had 20 minutes to do it. For me on the sideline, I can’t control that decision which is disappointing.
“We have to stop giving teams head starts. We’ve scored two goals yet again but come away with nothing.”
The Addicks had pulled the game back to 2-2 before Aneke was sent off on the 70th minute. Speaking about the dismissal, Bowyer said: “Then you get the red card and that’s it. If you don’t get that red card, we go on to win that game. If you give one for a yellow, you don’t give the other. It’s a contact sport. Just because you make contact doesn’t mean it’s a yellow card. If you’re getting rugby tackled, that’s a yellow card. If he catches him trying to go for the ball that’s not always a yellow card. These decisions are the difference between winning and losing. “
Despite the loss, Bowyer praised the recent performances of the team.
He said: “When we went down to ten we fought hard, Ben’s legs went a bit at the end there and they go and knick the game. We gave everything, we dust ourselves down and go again next weekend.
“I’m happy with where we are, how we are playing. I’d be worried if we were losing and not playing well or created chances. We’ve been the better side recently, and today was the same. To concede the way that the last goal was. We were on the front foot and down to ten men, we ran out of legs. We could’ve held on for the point but we ran out of legs and when you go down to ten it’s tough.
“There’s a long way to go, we will pick ourselves up and prepare ourselves."