Charlton Athletic’s Conor Coventry: We’re hurting after missing out on automatic promotion but must dust ourselves down

Charlton Athletic midfielder Conor Coventry says the side are all hurting after missing out on automatic promotion from League One.

A 3-0 loss at Wrexham meant it would be the Welsh outfit who earned will play Championship football next term. Only an Addicks victory would have kept their top two hopes alive going into the final day of the regular season next weekend.

The South Londoners will now have to settle for a play-off place.

Wrexham raced into a two-goal lead inside 18 minutes at the Racecourse Ground and never looked back.

Coventry said: “A tough game, a tough place to come. A good side, you don’t come second by not being a good side.

“We started a bit slow and gave ourselves a lot to do, which is the disappointing thing. We were all hurting in there.

“I don’t feel like there was a great deal in the game. We did have a few chances and maybe could have created a couple more clear-cut ones. I don’t think there was loads in the game.

“I think it’s just their start really. They started well and we let two in. It’s a real mountain to climb after that.

“When you think about where we were in a certain part of the season, to even be in this position is incredible. It doesn’t make it hurt any less in a way.

“We know we’ve got to dust ourselves down now and we’ve got a great chance to still go up in the play-offs. We believe in the group and believe in what we can do. We just have to take the positive of that.

“We want to come in the top four but it’s not essential.

“Of course we’d love to have that second leg in front of our fans. We feel so strong at the Valley with their backing. I say that, the away fans we’ve had recently have been incredible as well.

“It’s important to get back in and get another win (against Burton Albion next weekend).

“You try not to look really (at the Wrexham celebrations at full-time). Try and keep your head down and not look what they’re doing.

“Of course, that’s what we want and that’s what we’re desperate for.”

PHOTO: KYLE ANDREWS