Michael Appleton praises never say die spirit as Charlton again get a result from behind against Blackpool

Michael Appleton has again praised the response of his side to falling behind as they overcame a two-goal deficit to earn a point against Blackpool.

Jordan Rhodes swept the Seasiders ahead ten minutes before the break at The Valley.

The Addicks were on top in the second half, particularly after Chuks Aneke was introduced from the bench. But a slip from Michael Hector gifted Karamoko Dembele Blackpool’s second goal 20 minues from time.

Alfie May got Charlton back into the game with a close-range strike on 81 minutes before Corey Blackett-Taylor’s stunning curler restored parity just two minutes later.

The result means the Addicks are still unbeaten five games into their new boss’ tenure – getting a result despite falling behind for the third occasion in that time.

Appleton said: “We don’t want to get used to [coming from behind] but one thing I said when I came in was I wanted to improve the mentality and the never say die spirit.

“Willingness to push and prod and go all the way to the end. We needed it today. The fans were unbelievable even at 2-0. It was a little bit of an error but these things happen.

“[The fans] have seen that we’re giving everything. We’re going to have errors and make mistakes. Concede goals at times. We’re still growing as a group but you’ve seen enough today and on Tuesday to suggest they’re willing to have right do.

“Even before we scored we created a lot of chances in that second half, once we came out of the blocks quicker. It was a game where we had two sides. One side really wanted to win the game.  The other had moments in the game. I knew that would be the case because they’re really well organised and set up to let the opposition have the ball and try and hit them on the counter attack. That’s what they did for the first one.

“Really happy with the response the players showed. We had lots of chances in the game. They had a few as well as the two goals they got but that came from us having to take risks and push forward.”

Aneke came off the bench on the hour-mark and had an impressive impact on the side. Appleton said he had a tough decision to make after the injury-cursed forward started and played for over an hour during Tuesday’s win over Exeter City.

“He’s in a really good place,” added Appleton.

“I’ve got a good relationship with him. We speak all the time. We had a good chat on Thursday about whether it was from the bench or starting. He’s got a history with his injuries. I want him to be fit all season. I’ve got to get the best out of him. By doing that I have to trust him and know when it’s right for him and to us to start him. You could tell he was bang up for it when he came off the bench.

“We’ve got a game on Tuesday [against Aston Villa u21s in the EFL Trophy] and then a little bit of a break. It gives me a dilemma for the Reading game but it’s one that every manager and coach up and down the country delighted with.”

PHOTOS: KYLE ANDREWS