Nathan Jones was proud of his side after the Addicks secured a point on the road against Watford on Easter Monday..
Matty Godden scored 66 seconds after coming on the pitch before Nestory Irankunda’s well-taken equaliser.
“We lacked a bit of energy in the first half,” he said. “You have to remember, some of their players, they must have 10 who can change a game and win a game. They’ve got some squad with some outstanding individuals.
“So to compete and do what we’re doing, I’m really proud of them. But for us today, I’d like to have moved the ball a bit better. It was a hot and sticky day so we didn’t do that. But I’m just really pleased because it’s an excellent away point.
“Any point in the Championship is good. Away from home, to come here is very good. Am I disappointed not to win it? We had some glorious chances, but on the balance of everything, a point was fair.
“They didn’t have anything clear cut. Will Mannion made saves from distance, but we are very good at defending our box.
“When we made changes, they made a big impact and these [Watford] are ex-Premier League - they expect to get promoted and have a recruitment strategy to do that, so the fact we’re competing, there’s lots to like about today.
“For our short-term goals, it’s a big point.”
The game finished later than expected due to a delay after Conor Coady was struck in the head by a Tom Ince shot.
Jones updated: “He was taken to hospital. He put his body on the line on his 500th [career club] appearance. He gets knocked out and that [bravery] typifies his performance.”
Godden’s goal was his first in an injury-hit season and his first for Charlton in the Championship after netting 22 for Jones’ side last season..
“It’s what he does!” smiled Jones. “We’re just really sad that we’ve only had him for a handful of games this year. He was our top scorer last season, he was one of the best strikers in the league. He’s been a Championship striker for Coventry, and it’s showed.
“Last week, he could have got us a point, but the keeper pulled off a wonderful save and today - what a finish. It had to land to him and you trust him to put it away.”
While Charlton had the better chances, Nathan Jones was quick to praise Mannion, who was in fine form in the Addicks’ goal.
Jones said: “He’s been outstanding. Considering he’s had Thomas [Kaminski] breathing down his neck, I want to create competition at this football club. Will has done brilliantly, he’s supported Thomas for 34 games, he’s been humble and waited his turn and when he’s had his opportunity, he’s only made one error in the six games he played.
“This is a keeper that was a massive part of us getting promoted last year, so I’m pleased for him. Humility is a huge thing in football and he has repaid me.”
Results elsewhere mean the Addicks remain eight points clear of the relegation zone with five games remaining.
“I want to get that win that settles everything down and finish really strongly,” Jones explained. “Hopefully that will come sooner rather than later.
“The fans were outstanding, it was a full away end and they were the nosiest ones there, giving us the support to drive us on.
“They’ve seen a performance and a group that have worked hard from them today. We’ll call on them on again for next week.”
