Michael Appleton: I take full responsibility for team selection in FA Cup draw against non-leaguers Cray Valley (PM)
Charlton boss Michael Appleton took full responsibility after his League One outfit were held to a 1-1 draw by eighth-tier Cray Valley Paper Mills in the FA Cup.
The hosts made 11 changes from the side that beat Wigan in League One in midweek for the local derby against their Isthmian League South East Division opponents.
The Addicks broke the deadlock inside 10 minutes. Karoy Anderson’s pinpoint through ball picked out the run of Scott Fraser. The captain for the day rounded the onrushing Sam Freeman and rolled into an empty net in front of the 1,998 travelling Millers fans.
Charlton took that narrow lead into the interval but the non-league side were back on level terms within three minutes of the restart. Kyrell Lisbie, son of former Addicks striker Kevin, drilled a low cross in that was diverted into his own net by Lucas Ness.
Appleton did introduce the likes of Alfie May and Miles Leaburn from the bench but Charlton were unable to find a winner with Cray Valley (PM) holding on for a famous draw to force a replay.
The Charlton boss said: “I take full responsibility. I pick the team. Clearly it was the wrong one today. I’ve had enough games to deal with those type of situations. At least we’ve got a second crack at it. At least we’re still in the cup. We’ve still got an opportunity to get the job done. After that and when the players see it back, I imagine they’ll be really looking forward to it.
“It was disappointing. Disappointed with some of the performances from a few of the players. I expected a little bit more from some of the players. Probably up until the goal it was okay. Still a little bit safe by a few players, not really wanting to make the impact that I expected they would do.
“But it was the disappointment after the goal. There was a lot of anxiety with a few of the players in the group. They really struggled after that to be fair. Bringing the subs on made us a little bit better but it was a hard watch at times.
“Young Karoy [Anderson] for the first 60 minutes was one that was asking a question in terms of staking a claim to be in and around it but beyond that I struggle to find anyone else if we’re being brutally honest. Which is sometimes a good thing.
“When you get players knocking on your door or agents asking: ‘Why is my player not playing’, these types of days are good for managers and coaches. You just have to remind them of the performances on days like today. The one real positive from today is that you get a second crack at it.”
PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS