Charlton manager Nathan Jones admitted his disappointment after 10-man Charlton were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against Millwall at The Valley on Saturday.
Sonny Carey’s first-half strike had put the Addicks in front, but following the dismissal of Kayne Ramsay in the 74th minute, the visitors grabbed a late equaliser to deny Jones’ side all three points.
Reflecting on the match, Jones said: “I’m gutted if I’m honest. Up to the sending off we were comfortable, I didn’t see us conceding. Apart from the odd set-piece, we defended superbly well and I thought we were going to go on and get the second goal. But that one moment changed everything. It gave them impetus, gave their crowd a lift, and ultimately it cost us two points.”
Jones was quick to stress that Ramsay, who received a second yellow card for a challenge on Aidomo Emakhu, should not shoulder the blame alone.
He said: “Kayne has been brilliant for us since he came here and we can’t pile everything on him. It’s a learning curve. But in derbies, it’s often something like that, an elbow, a lunge, something avoidable and today it’s cost us. That’s the harsh reality.”
Despite the frustration of dropping points late on, the Addicks boss believes his side showed they can compete strongly at Championship level.
“We were more than a match for Millwall today," he explained. "They’re an experienced Championship side, a good club, well managed, and I felt comfortable throughout. These are the fine margins in this division. You have to be technically, tactically, and mentally switched on for 90 minutes. We weren’t in one moment, and that’s what’s hurt us.”
Jones also pointed to the progress his squad is making, even as they continue to settle at this level.
He added: “We’re still evolving as a group. We know there’s an excellent Championship side in there, it’s just about being better in the big moments, making better decisions. That comes with time, experience and consistency. We’ll get there.”
Finally, Jones paid tribute to the atmosphere inside The Valley, describing it as one of the best he has experienced.
“The atmosphere was superb," he said. "The place was rocking. When I first came here, we were getting 10 or 11,000 and it was difficult to generate that energy, but today it was electric. I’m really proud of our football club for that. I just wish we could have given the fans the win they deserved.”
The Addicks are back in action next Saturday when they travel to Bramall Lane to face Sheffield United.
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