Charlton went down 3-1 to. Stoke in a niggly affair at the Bet 365 Stadium on Saturday.
The Potters were simply too good for the Addicks on the day, and with Huddersfield also winning, Lee Bowyer’s team dropped to 21st in the table.
Team wise Ben Purrington and David Davis came in for Alfie Doughty and Naby Sarr who dropped to the bench.
Aiden McGeady missed the game through illness.
Charlton spent the first-half on the back foot, but somehow managed to go into the break on level terms.
Andre Green’s terrific right wing cross was smashed home at the far post by Purrington in stoppage time. It was the Addicks’ only shot on target in the first period.
The goal cancelled out James McClean’s 28th minute opener. It was another example of Charlton’s chronic inability to defend set pieces.
Newcomer, David Davis, was booked for a needless foul in midfield. The free-kick was nodded across goal at the far post for McClean to prod home at from close range.
Stoke restored their lead two minutes after the interval when Tom Ince slotted the ball past Dillon Phillips, and the result was confirmed when Nick Powell notched the third midway through the half.
The large away following – who were in fine voice throughout the afternoon – deserved better. Their team’s performance was wretched, as Bowyer admitted after the match:
“It was not good enough from start to finish. They were better than us first half, they took the lead deservedly so and then we changed it around a bit.
“Put Andre up top with Lyle and I thought we scored a good goal. Then we can’t come out in the second half and play and defend the way we did.
“There were too many players that weren’t at it today, that’s the reality. It was nowhere near as good as they can play.
“I said to the players there that we have a squad that have to be at their very best to compete and today we weren’t and that’s why we lost by two goals but we go again.
“Stoke should never be where they are in the league, not with the players they’ve got and they showed that today.
“You have to be at your best, you have to do the right things, the basics right and today we didn’t.
“Set pieces, it’s the basics of the game, that frustrates me so much because they had worked hard. Ok Stoke had the possession but they didn’t really look like they were going to hurt us and then a set piece sets you back.
“We scored a good goal to level it up and then the second one is a defensive mistake. Then you’re chasing the game then.
“There aren’t any bad teams in this division and you have to earn any point you get. We’re no different.
“We have to get ourselves ready, dust ourselves down, we’ll be in tomorrow getting ready and preparing for Forest,” said Bowyer.
That Forest game is on Tuesday, and Bowyer will have his team in for training on Sunday. It is hardly ideal preparation for an important game but the manager has little option.
Whereas Forest were also at home on Saurday, the Addicks face two lengthy trips in three days, allowing no time for recovery.
Their task at the City Ground will be difficult enough without such an obvious disadvantage.
Charlton: Phillips; Matthews, Lockyer, Pearce, Purrington (Doughty 73); Pratley, Cullen, Davis, Williams (Oztumer 73); Taylor, Green
Subs (not used): Amos, Sarr, Field, Smith, Hemed.
Goal: Purrington 45.
Booked: Davis 27 (foul), Lockyer 70 (foul), Taylor 75 (foul), Matthews 79 (foul), Cullen 81 (foul).
Stoke: Butland; Smith, Chester, Batth, Martins Indi; Allen, Clucas, Ince (Verlinden 89), Powell (Thompson 77), McClean; Campbell (Vokes 80).
Subs (not used): Davies, Gregory, Cousins, Collins.
Goals: McClean 28, Ince 47, Powell 66
Referee: Jarred Gillett (Australia).
Attn: 23,508 (1,934 Charlton).