Nigel Adkins explains how change of shape helped Charlton recover from early setback against Portsmouth

BY LOUIS MENDEZ

Charlton boss Nigel Adkins says his side responded well to a change in formation after going a goal down early during the 2-2 draw with Portsmouth.

Ronan Curtis had fired Pompey into a sixth-minute lead at The Valley and the visitors went on to dominate the opening half-hour.

The Addicks grew into the game before the break and were level immediately afterwards as Sean Clare, introduced from the bench at half-time, scored from a well-worked free-kick routine.

Charlton seemed to be on top but were pegged back as Marcus Harness edged the visitors back ahead inside the final 20 minutes – before the South Londoners earned a point two minutes from time as lively substitute Corey Blackett-Taylor fed Josh Davison to score from close-range.

“It was a good game,” said Adkins.

“We responded in the right manner. We conceded, from our point of view, a too open goal. So, we went behind early doors but the players responded in a real good manner.

“We gave a poor goal away. Elliot Lee hit the post, we could have got a goal back straight away. We changed the shape after 15 minutes, I think that was important for us to get a foothold back in the game. Second-half we made a substitution. Sean Clare scored more or less with his first touch. The Valley was rocking, it was a fantastic atmosphere. Our players have shown great spirit again. Having a right good go for each other. We’ve conceded a second goal where we had the ball in the attacking third so we’ve been done on the counter attack.

“Substitution there, Corey Blackett-Taylor, he played his first 90 minutes the other night [at Gillingham]. It was a big gamble to even have him on the bench because a player as dynamic as Corey, with an injury history he’s had, we can’t probably remember the last time he’s played 90 minutes. He’s come on, electrifying pace and Josh Davison, who can probably count himself unlucky not to start today after his performance the other night, comes up with the equalising goal.

“So, a change of shape, substitutes coming on and impacting the game and scoring goals helped. Great spirit amongst the players. Fantastic atmosphere in The Valley. We’re disappointed we haven’t got three, I’m sure the opposition are disappointed they haven’t got three. Both of us have to settle with one.”

PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS