Football is a simple game, sometimes made complicated by coaches. Charlton have made some, what Alan Pardew would call, ‘left field’ decisions recently.

At Tranmere, Green was switched to the left to cover Jackson’s absence, thus weakening two positions. Last night, Chris Solly’s illness saw Powell play the division’s best left-back, Rhoys Wiggins, on the right with Evina covering on the left. Hughes was brought in by Powell as a right-back and Phil Parkinson once told me that Scott Wagstaff’s engine could ultimately see him emerge as a rampaging full-back. Either of them, as right footers, would have been a better choice to replace Solly.

Green continued on the left flank and Hollands was again further forward than Stephens. When you take into account that Pritchard is more of a central midfielder, you could argue that the whole of the midfield quartet were playing out of position.

Haynes’ damaged hamstring meant a recall for the out-of-form Wright-Phillips up front. The team that took to the field looked horribly disjointed. The lack of real pace – Haynes aside – makes Charlton a fairly easy side to play against. The Addicks’ players are all talented but with the lack of pace and a player who can do something different, they are predictable and, to a certain extent, have been worked out. Also, Jackson’s absence has a profound effect on how the team functions.

Knowing what the opposition is going to do and being able to do something about it are two different things mind. On the night, Rochdale’s honest endeavour was enough. Charlton, as so often of recent times, relied on a set play for their goal.

The goals came in a four minute period, early in the second half. A quick breakaway gave Rochdale a three-on-two situation. Dale skipper, Gary Jones, put in a terrific cross from the right that was badly miscued by Nicky Adams but unfortunately for Charlton, the ball deflected off Rhoys Wiggins and trickled into the left-hand corner of Hamer’s net.

Four minutes later, Kevin Long was booked for hauling Kermorgant down on the edge of the box. The free-kick was in a central area and the Frenchman took it himself, showing great technique to despatch it to the keeper’s right.

Kermorgant and Pritchard were later foiled by Kurucz when they had decent attempts on goal. Wright-Phillips had one early shot that he thundered narrowly wide but also squandered a couple of really good chances.

So a disappointing night that will leave Powell with much to ponder, both in terms of personnel and, more importantly, how and where to utilise them on Saturday against Stevenage, who will pose a real threat.

Charlton: Hamer; Wiggins, Taylor, Morrison, Evina (Cort 82); Pritchard, Stephens, Hollands, Green (Wagstaff 65); Kermorgant, Wright-Phillips (Clarke 72).

Subs (not used): Sullivan, Hayes.

Goal: Kermorgant 57.

Rochdale: Kurucz; Darby, Amankwaah, Long, Widdowson; Jordan, Barry-Murphy, Kennedy, Jones, Adams (Thompson 82); Symes.

Subs (not used): Lucas, Tutte, Holden, Grimes.

Goal: Adams 53.

Booked: Long 56 (foul).

Referee: Fred Graham (Essex).

Attn: 15,067 (121 Rochdale).