Karl Robinson: Charlton were on top in the middle of the park in 4-1 loss at Posh, but their forwards were better than ours

Karl Robinson says that Charlton’s lack of composure in front of goal is costing his side valuable points after they fell to a heavy 4-1 defeat at fellow play-off hopefuls Peterborough.

The Posh had egded ahead just before half-time through Andrew Hughes. Josh Magennis wasted a massive opportunity when he side-footed a penalty wide early in the second-period, with Marcus Marriott punishing him further by extending the home side’s lead from the spot moments later at the other end.

Michal Zyro headed home to give the South Londoners hope in the final quarter, but a brace of late strikes from Jack Marriott, his 26^th and 27^th goals of the season, gave the score-line gloss for the Posh.

“I don’t know how it was 4-1,” explained Robinson.

“Well, I do. Their forward players were better than ours. I thought we were the better team in the middle of the pitch. But how many times have I said this to you? We didn’t take our chances. We didn’t look ruthless enough. When we come across people we don’t get shots off or we don’t go down and get a foul.

“I don’t really recall Ben having to make many saves. I think it was almost five shots on target and four goals. We had way more shots – we didn’t hit the target enough but we had clear-cut chances today. I watch Marriott a lot, I think he’s a great striker. 27 goals he’s on now. Put that in our team and we’ll be in the top two. That’s the difference.

“We go away now and we dust ourselves off. If you play like that, and take your chances, you win.”