Charlton go into the November international break ninth in the Championship after seeing their five-game unbeaten run come to an end at the hands of Wrexham.
Nathan Jones was proud of his side after they put in a phenomenal effort in a tight 1-0 loss at the STōK Cae Ras.
“I’m proud but also disappointed,” he told CharltonTV. “The group are giving me absolutely everything. Kayne [Ramsay] shouldn’t have played today, neither should Lloyd Jones, neither should James Bree. But with the crisis we’ve got in terms of defensive options, they had to, and I’m really proud of the work rate and everything they give me.
“They’ve been phenomenal and it’s taken them [Wrexham] a moment of madness really to beat us today. We showed our qualities. We had enough chances to have got something from the game; it’s just that, one, we couldn’t get the goal, and two, it’s been a moment of madness which has cost us.”
The moment he was referring to was a penalty conceded by Onel Hernández. Wrexham's Josh Windass stepped up and converted the spot kick to secure an important three points for the home side.
Speaking of the controversial incident, he said: “There’s no danger. James McClean crosses one in, it’s big, it beats everyone. When Onel’s there, he’s just got to get his head on it and somehow contrives to touch it with his hand, although I don’t actually know if he did touch it with his hand. But his hand’s there, so it gives the referee a decision to make, and that’s the difference today.
“We had to gift them something, and we did, because I didn’t see them scoring. I didn’t see them breaking our defence, but I only have pride for the group.”
The Addicks now have two weeks off for the international break before Southampton head to The Valley on Saturday, November 22nd.
“We need it [the international break],” Jones said. “For the first time we’ve really, really needed it. Bree couldn’t take a set-piece today and he’s, for me, the best in the league at doing it, but he couldn’t take it because he’s injured. Lloyd and Kayne shouldn’t have played — they had temperatures and sickness. They had to separate from the group and couldn’t train yesterday, but such is the crisis in the defensive area that they played.
“We’re not at our ceiling, but I’m so proud of the group, how they go about their work and how they do everything I ask them to. They’re humble, they work, and I’m proud of the group.”
The Addicks are back at The Valley on Saturday, November 22nd for the visit of Southampton. Click here to purchase your tickets now.
