Addicks home form holding them back
CHARLTON Athletic’s season has stuttered along since being beaten 4-2 by Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium in November.
When the Addicks arrived at the Pirelli that day they were seen as serious contenders for an immediate return to the Championship.
They were seven games unbeaten and fifth in League One with games in hand on those above them.
Since losing to Burton, though, they have won only five of 17 League games, losing five and drawing seven.
Only one of those wins has come at home, so when they face Burton tonight (7pm) it will be with the knowledge that an improvement in their home form is imperative if they are to stay in touch with the teams chasing the play-off places.
“Some of the ones we have lost at home have been a bit harsh but that’s the game,” said Addicks manager Bowyer.
“We can’t change that now or control that. All we can do is put that right.
“If we get back-to-back home wins (with Blackpool visiting on Saturday) it puts us in a good position for the remainder.
“We’re inconsistent at the moment. We are good for a game or two and then we make silly mistakes and it costs us.
“But that can change from now on.”
Charlton drew 1-1 away to Fleetwood Town on Saturday.
“The performance wasn’t good enough. It wasn’t what we’re about – we were nervous in possession,” said Bowyer.
“They played the conditions better than us and competed better than us.
“We didn’t win the second balls and, normally, we’re good at that and then our quality comes off that.”
Bowyer believes they will be up against a better Burton team than the one which beat them previously.
He has been impressed with how Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink – a Charlton player for 25 matches towards the end of his career – has gone about reviving the Brewers.
“They’ve gone from a back three to a back four and he has brought a couple of people in,” said Bowyer.
“They are more solid now. Where before they were conceding a lot, they are a better side than the one we played before.
“He’s doing, all right, Jimmy, they’ve had some good results.
“If you take away the weekend, then their only recent loss was by one goal against Ipswich.
“They have completely changed (their style of play).”