Lee Bowyer left disappointed by Charlton Athletic’s display in Ebbsfleet defeat

BY RICHARD CAWLEY

richard@slpmedia.co.uk

Charlton manager Lee Bowyer admitted there was little to be happy about after their 2-1 defeat at Ebbsfleet United tonight.

Brendan Wiredu scored a late goal for the Addicks but they suffered their first reverse of pre-season.

The same squad are set to feature tomorrow night at Dagenham & Redbridge, as Bowyer looks to give his players a total of 90 minutes from the two friendlies.

When asked about the performance against The Fleet, who play in the National League, Bowyer said: “Not good enough. I know it’s only our second game, but still do things the right way.

“I’m disappointed. The result isn’t important but I don’t like losing. We just didn’t pass the ball properly – kicking the ball out of play and taking too many touches. Just not what I’m used to seeing.

“But we’ve got a long way to go before we start the season, so I’m not worried. It just disappoints me.

“The tight areas we train in every day is nothing compared to when they were receiving the ball there [under pressure]. If anything they took too many touches, inviting pressure and then not making the right decisions.

“We’ll be okay, we’ll get it right. We worked really hard yesterday, so I could take a bit of blame for that. We did extra running, maybe that’s why they were a bit fatigued. It’s not like us at all.

“It wasn’t a penalty but the results not important. They went 2-0 up and they deserved it as well. They were better than us and out-fought us, which again teams don’t usually do to us.

“Got a lot of youngsters out there as well, so it’s difficult for them physically. Not a lot of plusses today.”

PICTURES BY PAUL EDWARDS