Johnnie Jackson felt everything went against his Charlton side as they drew 1-1 at AFC Wimbledon on Tuesday.
Top scorer Jayden Stockley nodded the Addicks ahead midway through the second period - seven minutes after substitute Ryan Inniss had been dismissed for a reckless tackle - but Zach Robinson’s 87th-minute equaliser salvaged a point for the hosts.
“We started the game really well,” Jackson told CharltonTV post-match. “In the first 20 minutes we had total control and we probably should have been a goal or two up, but we allowed them to get back into it. The game then got a bit bitty.
“There wasn’t a lot in it up until half-time and in the start of second-half, but then we lost Sam Lavelle to an injury, unfortunately. We had to make the change; Inniss comes on, gets himself sent off and then obviously the game has changed and they have got the advantage.
“We managed to score a brilliant goal in that period and then you’re hoping we can see it. out We’ve got 10 men and Ben Purrington’s knee has gone pretty much, so we’re down to nine.
“It feels like everything that could have gone against us, went against us, and they still didn’t beat us, so I’m proud of the way my players dug in. Obviously, we came here to win and we didn’t do that, but I think it was a battling point in the end.”
On Inniss’ dismissal, the boss said: “It’s silly, it’s naive, it’s reckless, it’s a red card. I can’t defend that one. I’m very disappointed with that.
“It was an enforced change with Lavelle,” he added. “You go like for like and you still think, ‘Right, nothing changes. We’ll be in the ascendancy, we’ve got Inniss on the pitch now who is a big threat from set-pieces’.
“So, I felt like we were going to go on and win the game, but that changed the complexion of it. We had to lose a midfielder and bring another centre-back on. Obviously, it’s going to mean that you’re going to concede territory and, consequently, you’re going to concede pressure.
“They’re going to be able to get crosses into the box easier than they would have been able to and ultimately that’s where they’ve got their goal from in the end.”