Fleetwood Town manager Joey Barton: We were the better footballing side – I’m disappointed to have left The Valley empty handed

Fleetwood Town manager Joey Barton felt they deserved something out of last night’s trip to Charlton Athletic – and reckons there will be no fear factor when they next lock horns.

The Cod Army looked bang in trouble after falling 2-0 behind just after the half-hour point with Ben Purrington and Conor Washington both netting.

But Fleetwood quickly levelled it up with two clinical finishes by Ched Evans.

Washington scored the clincher from the spot after Albie Morgan was brought down.

The result made it seven matches unbeaten for the Addicks, who climb to third in the League One table, and halted a three-game winning streak for their opponents.

Barton said: “We showed great character to climb off the canvas after being suckerpunched a little bit – a set-piece goal and then a really good counter-attack from them.

“We stuck to the gameplan – kept passing the ball – and that was rewarded with two really good finishes by Ched.

“We’re thinking at half time only about winning the game. We’re thinking we’re the better side, we’re the better footballing team – they are a big, physical outfit. Lee has set them up well – they’ll be efficient in this division because of that physicality.

“I’m really, really disappointed to leave here with no points.

“We’re a team still in development and there were some really good signs. To come to a place like The Valley and the run Charlton are on – and basically put the game right on their toes – it’s disappointing to lose it. But they are a good side.

“Our lads will take a lot from it. We won’t fear playing Charlton at any point this season – whether it’s the home game, when they come to our place or even if it’s a play-off berth or the cup.

“We’re a good side. It’s unfortunate we gave a sloppy penalty away second half because 15 minutes after half-time was pretty much all they were going to have. We popped them off the park in the first half and the later the game goes you get the rewards for that. They had a lead to defend and they did that really, really well.

“I think it was a pen. I haven’t seen it back. It’s probably about the only decision the ref got correct. But we shouldn’t be leaving it in the hands of the officials, we should be getting the game done before that and not give away the silly goals.”

PHOTO: KEITH GILLARD