When Middlesbrough scored their first goal on Saturday, it was the first time Charlton had conceded a goal on the road for 455 minutes, a terrific achievement.

However, late goals have blighted the Addicks for much of the season. They have dropped 25 points from winning positions through conceding late on in 11 matches. When you consider how close Charlton are to the play-offs, the cost of the late lapses are plain to see. On the other side of the coin, Jonathan Obika’s late strike that beat Leeds, saw Charlton become the last of the 24 Championship clubs to score a stoppage time winner.

There are various reasons for conceding late goals, physical tiredness, mental tiredness causing a loss of concentration and it is the time in games when the majority of substitutions are made. A manager chasing a game will frequently send another striker on and may well change his team’s shape. The manager whose team is in front needs to be aware of what changes the opposition make and adjust to counter the new threats.

Late and ineffective substitutions is a criticism that has been laid at Powell’s door at times during the season.

It may surprise some to know that the Addicks have conceded seven goals after the 88th minute of games at The Valley.

Another factor that has contributed to Charlton not notching more wins is the run of 18 games in which they failed to keep a clean sheet.

The Addicks have been in front at some point during the last twenty minutes of 27 matches this season. The line between a very respectable top half of the table finish, and the play-offs or automtic promotion spot, is decided on wafer thin margins.

As an international defender, these stats will disappoint Chris Powell but will give him food for thought over the summer.