Garner reflects on away point at Lincoln City

Garner clapping supporters

Ben Garner felt his side were solid defensively and just need a bit more confidence going forward.

The Addicks drew 0-0 with Lincoln City, limiting the home side to very few chances.

Speaking to CharltonTV Garner said: “We never looked like losing the game. We wanted the three points, so we are disappointed with one. We had a clean sheet, which was the first in a while. Defensively a very, very good performance and between the first two thirds of the pitch we were in control. They are really dangerous on the counter-attack and I thought we dealt with that really well. We were really in control with our build-up. They have gone back five here today to try and stop us, they changed shape and tried to nullify us, so we’ve had to play like the home team.”

The Addicks were denied a first-half goal when it was not clear if a shot from Miles Leaburn had trickled over the line in the Lincoln goal.

Garner said: “I don’t know whether it went over the line or not; my issue is the linesman is not up with play, so he can’t make the decision. If he is level and looking across, he gives himself a chance of making a decision but he’s behind play so he can’t make a decision.”

Charlton also had three penalty appeals turned down during the game.

“We had a penalty shout for a handball first half,” explained Garner, “It looked a penalty to me on Miles Leaburn in the second half, when he was dragged down and rugby tackled but we can’t change that. We’ve got to try and do it ourselves rather than rely on those decisions. Can we be a bit better? Can we be a bit sharper? Can we win the game without having to rely on those decisions?”

The Addicks are back in action against Exeter at The Valley on Tuesday having drawn six of the last eight league games.

Garner said: “We just need confidence, that is the key, so when we get into the final third we can be a bit more positive and natural with it rather than being a bit apprehensive and worried about the consequences. We need a couple of goals to fly in and that will change things around.”

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