Charlton’s defeat at Lincoln City only underlines urgent need to strengthen squad

Charlton suffered a 2-0 defeat at Lincoln City as they could not make a winning start under new owner Thomas Sandgaard.

The Danish businessman took control of the League One club on Friday.

But today’s match only underlined that the Addicks need plenty more investment into their playing squad if they are to be promotion contenders as they suffered a second successive loss.

The opening goal just before half-time was controversial as Ben Amos saved Tom Hopper’s penalty but referee Marc Edwards then allowed Jorge Grant’s finish moments later to stand despite replays showing he was offside when he latched on to Harry Anderson’s ball back in.

Charlton were disappointing going forward in the second period and Alex Palmer only faced one shot on target in the whole match.

Lincoln defended well and the Addicks struggled to get into dangerous positions after the restart.

The hosts sealed the points in the 88th minute and it started with a sloppy backpass by Deji Oshilaja which went out for a corner. The real punishment came moments later as Lewis Montsma headed home at the back post.

Charlton handed debuts to Norwich City centre-back Akin Famewo and also experienced midfielder Ben Watson, who came on in the 62nd minute to replace the big defender.

Conor Washington had a chance inside the opening four minutes but failed to get his effort on target.

Palmer was forced to turn away an Erhun Oztumer shot in the first half with the ball just not breaking cleanly for Washington to snap off an effort on the rebound.

Levitt’s shot clipped off the leg of Conor McGrandles and dropped just the wrong side of the right post in the 31st minute.

But Charlton created next to nothing after the break and it will only heighten Bowyer’s desire to add another striker to his squad.

PICTURES: KYLE ANDREWS