‘It didn’t sit right’ – Charlton boss on Valley loss to tomorrow’s opponents Bolton being cause for concern

Charlton Athletic head to Bolton Wanderers tomorrow night with manager Johnnie Jackson admitting their display in the reverse fixture “didn’t sit right”.

The Addicks lost 4-1 at The Valley in late September despite Josh Davison putting them into an early lead.

Oladapo Afolayan equalised before the break before the hosts crumbled in the second period – conceding three times in the final 17 minutes of normal time.

Jackson was assistant manager to Nigel Adkins at that time. Charlton’s former captain was appointed boss in mid-December after 10 matches in temporary charge.

“I remember it [Bolton] being really disappointing – especially at home,” he told the South London Press. “Teams were coming and having their way with us and it didn’t sit right. We had a little period where we were being too passive at home. We weren’t getting after teams. Teams were able to come and dominate us on our own pitch.

“I didn’t like that performance that day. It was something I wanted to put right and I’d like to think the team is in a better place now and is a bit of a different animal to the team they faced back then.”

Bolton are unbeaten in five matches and had won four League One matches on the spin before Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Morecambe. They have won their last three home matches without conceding – and scored 10 goals.

“They are playing really well and are obviously really confident,” said Jackson. “The little change of shape the manager has gone for has definitely helped them in the last few games. They’ve got a great record at home and hit Sunderland for six.

“They’ll be in a good place and it will be a tough game up there. We know that, for sure. But we’re also in a good place and feeling confident. It should make for a good one.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD