Conor Coventry admits Charlton Athletic were ‘miles off’ it during first-half of defeat against Blackpool

Charlton Athletic midfielder Conor Coventry admitted his side were “miles off” the level of performance they expect of themselves during Saturday’s 2-1 loss against Blackpool.

An own-goal from Gassan Ahadme, coupled with Albie Morgan’s drive on his return to SE7, engineered a two-goal lead for the Seasiders at the break.

Luke Berry pulled one back in added-time but the South Londoners slipped to a first home defeat in 11 league games.

Coventry said: “We all thought we weren’t good enough. We could feel in the first-half that we were miles off the standard we’ve set. It wasn’t good enough. Second-half we improved but ultimately the damage was done. We nearly got back into the game and showed a bit of character, but we can’t let ourselves sink below our level like in the first-half.

“It can happen. We’ll have to go and look at is as a group. The staff we have a lot for us. That will be how we improve – try and avoid that happening again.

“We dominated the second-half of the second-half and had a few half-chances and looked like we might get back into it. We have to play like that from the off.

“It’s gutting. Everyone is really frustrated in the changing room and hurting. All we can do now is go and put it right next Saturday and beyond. It’s going to be a season of ups and downs. There’s a long way to go and a lot of football to be played. We have to make sure we bounce back properly.”

PHOTO: KYLE ANDREWS