Head coach Joey Barton spoke to the press after his side narrowly lost 3-2 to Charlton Athletic at The Valley on Tuesday evening.
The home side took a two-goal lead early on, thanks to goals coming from Ben Purrington and Conor Washington, but a quickfire brace from Ched Evans saw the sides go into the break level. The decider came five minutes into the second half as Washington secured his brace from the penalty spot.
Here’s what Joey had to say after the game:
On the result…
“I thought it was a really good game. When they went two goals up with their defensive record - which was something like nine hours without conceding - you knew it was going to be tough.
“We showed great character to climb off the canvas, having been sucker-punched by a set-play goal and then a really good counterattack from them.
“We stuck to the game plan, kept passing the ball and obviously that was rewarded by two great finishes from Ched [Evans]. A great ball in from Barrie McKay for the second one gets us back in it come half time.
“We felt we were the better side and footballing team and we were all just thinking about winning the game. Lee [Bowyer] set his side up well and we are disappointed to have come away with no points.”
On the team’s progress…
“We’ve got to learn these lessons as we are still a team in development. We are still bedding in a new side really and I thought there were some really positive signs coming from tonight.
“We’ve come to a place like The Valley, with the run that Charlton are on, and basically put the game on their toes. It’s disappointing in the way we lost it but they are a good side.
“I think the lads have taken a lot from it. We don’t fear playing teams like Charlton at any point of the season, whether it’s the home game when they come to our place, or if it ends up in a play-off kind of birth.
“They are a good side, but we are a good side as well. I think a few of the lads who are new to the squad have learned that tonight about our team and also a bit about how we like to play our football.”
Watch Joey’s interview on our iFollow HERE.