Bowyer reflects on frustrating result and moving into the second half of the season

Bowyer on a frustrating result, Charlton’s league position and moving into the second half of the season.

The Addicks fought from behind twice on a wet and windy afternoon on Boxing Day, however Lee Bowyer believes that his side deserved more than a point.

“We were unlucky. We played well, the better of the two teams, but we couldn’t find a winner,” he said.

“We had chances. Conor Washington’s chance was unlucky, it took a bad bobble and came off his shin. Maddison came off the bench and did well and scored, but we need more. Chuks and Jonny didn’t look themselves, but they trained really well this week and deserved to start.

“We caused them problems all day, we moved the ball really well. We dominated possession. Young Ian Maatsen playing in midfield brought something different and he was great today, unlucky not to score.”

The manager explained how he saw improvements in the way that Charlton played in the second half.

“We started to move the ball quicker in the second half, we played a lot better. We were the better side in the first half, but we needed to move the ball quicker. They had time to shift across but second half we didn’t give them that time.

“We know Maddison has that ability, we know he can produce that kind of thing. I’m pleased for him, he’s working hard off the ball. He’s trying to do the right thing. He’s done well from the bench, some weeks its Chuks then Jonny then Maddison. They all do well off the bench,” said the Addicks boss.

He continued: “We’re disappointed but it’s four unbeaten and we’re in the top six. I’m disappointed and think we should be higher but it’s not the end of the world.”

Bowyer was full of praise for the visitors, too, who made it difficult by adopting a counter-attacking game plan.

He said: “I thought it was a good game. Two different types of plan.

“They have players that can hurt you, the two strikers showed that. They run the channels and make it difficult. We gave away two sloppy goals. The first was something we worked on, the second was a stupid foul. It puts you under pressure.”

When asked to assess the first half of the season, Bowyer said:

“We’re moving along steady and we aren’t far away. Once we get back to nailing down the clean sheets we’ll be there. We’ll always create chances and score goals. Our attacking side is a lot better, there’s more understanding.

“I see us becoming a side that I know we can be. It’s a building thing and now we’re going into the second half of the season and moving into the right direction. We can add one or two to make us stronger in January and if we do that, we’ll be fine.”


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