Johnnie Jackson bemoans defensive lapses as Charlton’s unbeaten run is ended by Bolton Wanderers

BY LOUIS MENDEZ

Johnnie Jackson bemoaned two defensive lapses from his side as they were beaten 2-1 at Bolton Wanderers.

The hosts edged ahead as defender Akin Famewo misjudged a long ball over the top, allowing Dion Charles to nip in and round Craig MacGillivray.

Addicks substitutes Scott Fraser and Chuks Aneke combined to fashion an equaliser 15 minutes from time as the visitors grew into the game as it wore on. But they were punished for a lack of concentration once more when Will Aimson’s deft flick from set-piece found the net inside the final ten minutes.

The South Londoners conceded twice from set-pieces during their 3-2 win over AFC Wimbledon on the weekend, whilst Bolton’s winner was only the third the Trotters have scored from a set-play this season.

The loss brings to an end Charlton’s four-game unbeaten run in League One and Jackson was left to rue the manner of the goals his side shipped.

He said: “A tight game, decided by two really poor goals conceded from our point of view that have ultimately cost us. Really disappointed with the nature of the goals we gave away. The first one, an individual mistake, gives them the lead. Then, you’re chasing a little bit. You get yourself back in the game but then you concede from a set-play – really disappointed.

“We didn’t need to commit a foul in that position that will allow the delivery that comes into your box. Once you do, you have to defend it. We haven’t in that moment. A lack of concentration or not enough desire to keep it out your net. That’s what you need in those situations. To concede another one on the back of Saturday is disappointing.

“For ten minutes we had a good shape about us and managed to quieten the crowd down. Didn’t allow them to have a fast start. There was nothing in the game – it was a stalemate up until that point. It’s an individual mistake and now they have a goal lead from nothing. That changes the complexation of the game. It was a stalemate in the first-half, there wasn’t too much action but sometimes away from home you’re happy with that. You want to keep it tight and we did that for ten minutes. And then you give them a goal and your plans go out the window.”

Jackson switched his 3-5-2 formation for a midfield diamond as Fraser and Aneke came off the bench and felt his side were looking the more likely going into the closing stages.

“It definitely helped,” said the Addicks boss of his tactical tweak.

“It allowed us to get DJ up the pitch and get Scott on the ball in dangerous areas and he produced a little bit of quality there for Chuks. It’s good the two subs have combined and the change that I made worked. I thought in that period we might go on and win it. I thought we had our tails up and we might go and make something of it – but we gave away another poor goal. If you give two goals away like that it’s really difficult to win a match.”

PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS