Johnnie Jackson left to rue missed opportunity as Charlton edged out of FA Cup by Premier League Norwich

BY LOUIS MENDEZ

Charlton boss Johnnie Jackson says his side missed an opportunity as the Addicks were edged out of the FA Cup by Premier League Norwich City.

Milot Rashica broke the deadlock with ten minutes left as the top-flight strugglers were made to sweat by a League One Charlton side who had chances throughout.

Elliot Lee and Jonathan Leko both came close to firing the South Londoners ahead in the first-period. Mason Burstow, who partnered Leko up top with first choice duo Jayden Stockley and Conor Washington both absent, also sent an effort whistling past the upright as the second-half wore on.

38 places separated the two sides in the pyramid before kick-off  but Canaries boss Dean Smith was forced into a triple change at the break to try and wrestle some control of the contest. Two of those he introduced linked up to settle tie as Teemu Pukki squared for former Werder Bremen man Rashica to settle the contest.

Ben Purrington rattled the crossbar with a header in added-time as the hosts were unable to force the tie into extra-time.

Jackson said: “I thought we were the better team for the majority of the game. Certainly had the better chances in the game. I thought we were front foot, dominant for large parts but we’re out the cup and it’s disappointing because I feel like its an opportunity missed today, I really do.

“That’s been the difference today. We’ve created a lot of chances and situations but we haven’t been able to capitalise. We’ve won the ball back in great areas because of our press and the way we set up to go and win it back. I think it worked perfectly. That’s credit to the lads that they implemented that. It’s what you do with it when you do win it back and we’ve got to have that ruthlessness that we’re just lacking a little bit at the minute. They’ve had very few chances but one of the ones they did have they managed to stick away.

“When you give [the fans] something to cling to and show that fighting spirit, they get behind you. They did that for the 90 minutes and my players fed off that as well. It was a really good game, really good atmosphere. I’m really proud of the performance but we’ve lost and that rankles. I don’t like it. I don’t think we deserved it. But we should have done more.

“I feel like I’m stood here after the Wycombe game and saying the same things. We’ve been dominant in the game. If we keep playing like that we will win more games than we don’t. But it’s another one I’m stood here saying we should have won, not even drawn. We should have won and we haven’t.

“We got done 1-0 and we’re out of the cup. It’s bittersweet. I’m really proud of the performance and of the players. But at the same time I’m disappointed. We should be through but we’re not. We have to look at ourselves and ask what we’re going to do better. But I can take heart from knowing if we keep playing that way then we’re going to be alright.”

PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS