Stevenage boss Revell: Charlton won everything – they scrapped and we didn’t do well enough
BY MITCHELL HALL
Alex Revell was damning of his side’s lack of a clinical touch and work-rate during their 1-0 League One loss to Charlton Athletic at the Valley yesterday.
Charlton appeared to be on the back foot during the first half-hour but rallied to win the match thanks to goals from Matty Godden and Luke Berry either side of the half-time break.
The win pushed the Addicks into the play-off places and extended their unbeaten run in the league to five games, winning four of them.
“It was a really disappointing match,” said Revell. “We lost too many second balls, did not win our duels and ultimately in the first half, we did not take our chances when they came.
“In the first half we frustrated them. We did not play that well today, but when we did play and we did find the shape, we created moments, and you have to take them.
“It sums it up with the first goal. We have an opportunity on the edge of the box, we do not shoot, which we absolutely should do, and then in two minutes it is in the back of your net.
“If there are times to score in games, it is just before half-time and just after half-time, and both those goals are really preventable. It comes down to the basics, if you do not do the basics right, you do not win games.
“There was not enough character today, not enough courage, that means on the ball and off it as well. You have got to win those duels.
“When you step on a pitch, you have got things you have to do. You have to do the basics well, you have to compete, you have to turn up with a willingness to work as hard as you can for the team. That’s what Charlton did if I’m honest – they won everything. They scrapped and we didn’t do it well enough.
“When you come away from home at a club like Charlton you have got to take your opportunities. We should have taken our chance, we did not, and we end up losing because they take theirs.
“Some of these lads now have played a lot of football in a short time and it looked like that today. Tuesday took it out of a few maybe, but it’s not an excuse. When you’re at a stadium like this you should be able to raise your levels.”