Michael Appleton: Certain individuals have been told Charlton have to show a more competitive edge following stalemate at Shrewsbury

Michael Appleton says “certain individuals” have been told that Charlton have to be more competitive than they were in the first half of the goalless draw at Shrewsbury.

The Addicks made heavy weather of the opening 45 minutes at the New Meadow and were fortunate to reach the break all square.

But they improved after the interval and saw chances come and go for the likes of Alfie May and substitute Chuks Aneke.

The result means the new Addicks boss is unbeaten after three games but he admitted he had to have stern words with some of his side at the interval.

He said: “I enjoyed the second half. I didn’t enjoy the first half very much. The response – we made their keeper made some good saves, as they did ours in the first half. Clean sheet – positive. We’ve not done that since the first day of the season. I’m pleased with the way we reacted.

“Ultimately as a group we have to be more competitive than we were in the first half – and they know that. Certain individuals know it more than others.

“We were braver and we passed the ball forward. We were more aggressive in our approach with the ball. We got higher up the pitch and played a lot of the game in their half of the pitch. I’ve got to be mindful and slightly disappointed in the way we started the game but I don’t want to take away from the way the lads responded.

“Our focus has to be on how we responded but, at the same time, if it’s me picking the right team or the players standing up and being aggressive from the start – we’ll do it and we’ll do it collectively.”

Charlton goalkeeper Harry Isted made a string of impressive saves. Tom Flanagan was denied from distance with Max Mata then blocked at close range shortly before half time.

The former Barnsley keeper also scrambled back well after Carl Winchester took aim from halfway in the second period and secured a point with a one-on-one save from Kieran Phillips deep into added time – the hosts now scoreless in nearly 10 hours of football in all competitions.

“He made two good saves in the first half,” said Appleton. “He made the save from what would have been a wonderful strike from the halfway line in the second half. I’m delighted he got his reward with the clean sheet. When a goalkeeper makes two or three excellent saves you want them to be rewarded with a clean sheet.”

PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS