Charlton boss left infuriated by his side’s inconsistency as they suffer defeat to struggling Morecambe

Johnnie Jackson admitted his Charlton Athletic side’s inconsistency is maddening after they lost 3-2 at home to struggling Morecambe this afternoon.

The Addicks came into the contest off the back of a 1-0 win at Rotherham United, who are hunting one of the automatic promotion spots in League One.

But Cole Stockton and Arthur Gnahoua produced low finishes in the first half for the Shrimpers to put them in a strong position.

Jayden Stockley halved the deficit early in the second period, prodding in from close range after Mason Burstow guided a Corey Blackett-Taylor cross goalwards.

But then Gnahoua smashed past Craig MacGillivray at his near post after the Charlton keeper’s throw out fell short.

Substitute Chuks Aneke marked his return with an 81st minute goal, with Blackett-Taylor again the provider. The winger was one of the few players in red who could feel happy at their contribution.

“I’m disappointed with the goals, they were really poor goals to concede,” said Jackson. “All three of them were avoidable. We’ve got to deal with those situations better.

“We stand there last week and say how solid it was and stuff like that, you have to say that today we didn’t do that. In those moments we were too slack and that probably sums up where we are where we are in the league because we can’t do it consistently.

“If you want to be a top player and be at the top end of the division then you have to do it every single week. It’s not a choice. You can’t do it just two weeks or three weeks – the top teams churn out the performances week in and week out. We are capable of a really high level but we haven’t been able to sustain it enough this season.

“I feel like I’ve said it a lot in games that we started brightly and moved it really well and created openings but nothing to show for it, which is disappointing. And then you get hit with maybe their second chance and they score. It changes the complexion of the game. We had nothing to show for our bright start. Obviously going in 2-0 down when there is probably nothing in the game in terms of dominance – now we’re chasing. We probably dominated 90 per cent of the second half as well but still lost the game.”

Asked about MacGillivray’s distribution being punished, Jackson replied: “He’s trying to be proactive and get the attack started but the execution of the throw was wrong. It’s a poor goal to concede. The timing of it as well, we’d scored early and there was loads of time to hopefully go on and try and win the game. It was so unnecessary at that stage. That’s the goal that has ultimately cost us.

“It’s disappointing. I get it. None of us are where we want to be – even if we win every game. I get their frustration and I’m as frustrated as anyone. We’ve got to try and win these three games and then it’s a reset for the football club. It’s a huge summer that we have to get right because there is a real core of something good and that, if we had the right types in the right positions, we have got a great opportunity.”

PICTURES: KEITH GILLARD