The main talking point after Saturday’s game against Huddersfield on Saturday was the red card decision.

Terriers midfielder, Keith Southern, was dismissed for a challenge on Michael Morrison. The decision changed the game, here’s how Powell viewed things:

“I think we know what went on today, it was not a sending off. It was an honest challenge.

“My player (Morrison) got there first, so it was not a 50/50, it was a 60/40 in our favour but neither of them pulled out and I don’t think the lad was high. It’s unfortunate. He (referee, Lee Collins) made a decision and it is 11 against 10 and I felt my players managed it quite well with regards to just being patient.

“It can be tough to break down 10 men and eventually we got the breakthrough. The referee let a lot go today and it made the game a little bit patchy. The pivotal moment was when we had a chance to make it 2-0 and we definitely would have got the three points then.

“It wasn’t taken, and in the last five minutes when they are putting in crosses and deep balls into your box, you have to stand firm and it wasn’t to be.

“My keeper, sadly, just missed it and I think it was a penalty, looking at it. It was a brave challenge from Clarke and Chris Solly but maybe he wouldn’t have given it had he not given the sending off but he is the only one who can answer that,” said Chris.

The conditions did not help, it was a committed challenge by both players but Southern was late. Huddersfield manager, Simon Grayson, said his club will appeal but the FA will only reverse the decison if a clear error of judgement has been made so Southern’s punishment may stay in place.

Charlton had chances to seal the game, both before and after Huddersfield’s penalty, with the best opportunity falling to Rob Hulse in stoppage time. Powell continued:

“It was superb ball in by Danny Green and a good header from Rob Hulse and (Huddersfield keeper) Smithies did his job.”

“It could have made it 2-1 and it just wasn’t to be. I think everyone is feeling a little bit frustrated but I have got to take some positives.

“It is 10 points from the last 12 and we have lost one of the last seven. We are in a decent place. It has been very up and down initially, but we are in confident mood. The run keeps going and as long as we dust ourselves down and make sure we are ready for Tuesday, I know I will have an 11 who will go out there and do their best to get three points.”

The manager had to make some enforced changes due to Dan Seaborne and Danny Haynes picking up knocks. He hinted that the duo could return for the Peterborough game though he may resist the temptation to play Haynes as the pacy striker is nursing a hamstring problem. Powell will want to ensure Haynes is available to face Millwall on Saturday.

The absences enabled Powell to give Emmanuel Frimpong his first game in Charlton colours. The midfielder had a fine game and though he had to be withdrawn, Chris again hinted that Frimpong could be fot to play on Tuesday:

“He (Frimpong) had ‘Championship cramp’, as I call it. He had to get used to the pace of it but I have got to say I felt he was very, very good for the hour he was on. He showed his strength, he showed his attitude in going forward, his passing ability, he is a good player.

“I knew I was getting a good player from Arsenal and for his debut in those conditions, it wasn’t easy. I felt it was a very good performance.

“That can bode well for us. I am sure he will be fine for Tuesday and he put in a good hour of work for us.”

“We keep getting knocks, I had to ask Salim (Kerkar) to play left-back at the 11th hour and I thought he did very well.

“Hopefully, Dan Seaborne will be ok for Tuesday. Danny Haynes will have to be monitored and see if he will be right for Tuesday. It is just a little bit frustrating because we have to keep changing the team just when we get in a decent place. You want to have the eleven settled because then they get to know one another.

“They are good players and if one or two come in, they get on with their jobs and they do their best to go out there and win the game but it would just be nice for us to have a clean bill of health for once and have a settled team.

“That is how football is and we will quickly adjust. I felt the players did extremely well to do that after working on one shape and one team and then today to come in and we have to change it. Fair play to them and it is a shame we just couldn’t top it off with a win.

“We have Peterborough United coming up, and Brighton & Hove Albion in a few weeks, when we will be looking to get those home wins.

“We were in front of a very good crowd again today and you just want to send them home happy with a win, but it wasn’t to be and we will be looking to rectify that on Tuesday,” concluded Powell.

Physio, Erol Umut, will be burning the midnight oil to have the players ready for the week ahead.