Slade still has sights set on top six spot
CHARLTON’S inability to create chances frustrated manager Russell Slade, but he insisted that promotion remains their objective, despite going winless since August.
Dale took the lead on 25 minutes through a Calvin Andrew header after Joe Rafferty’s cross sat up following a fortunate deflection.
The Addicks were given a path back into the contest on 48 minutes when the impressive Ricky Holmes earned a penalty, but Johnnie Jackson’s effort was saved by Josh Lillis.
The keeper then pulled off another fantastic save late on as Charlton chased an equaliser to secure a point.
“We had a wonderful opportunity just after halftime to get back in the game,” Slade said.
“We’ve missed the penalty and then missed the follow-up also.
“To be honest, we huffed and puffed, had a few chances, but I think there lies the problem: in that final third, there’s not enough clever play, not enough ruthlessness.
“I think we get ourselves in good positions and we don’t make the best of it.
“I’m not here to make excuses. Things like missing penalties happen. If we ever needed a penalty and one to go in, we needed it here.
“But it didn’t happen. We kept going, but without quite doing enough. For me, the major problem was in that final third area.
“Top six is still what we’re looking to achieve.”
Slade also hit back at fans who vented their frustration at his decision to substitute Holmes ten minutes from time.
“I think it’s slightly disrespectful for the man coming on,” he added. “I don’t think that’s right. The mentality should be we’re all in it together.’
Keith Hill commended Rochdale’s second-half resilience as his side leapfrogged Charlton into the top half of League One.
“It’s a good run we’re on,” said Hill. “We’ve fought through the adversity which, at times, I think we’ll still go through.
“We’re not a big club and when we’re coming up against big clubs like this on a regular basis sometimes we will go through adverse periods where we’re losing games. But as long as we’re strong, stand together, we’ll be OK.”
And Hill singled out striker Andrew for special praise.
“He’s very important to us, defensively and offensively. He doesn’t run out of energy,” Hill added. “He’s exceptional in both boxes and that’s what you need.”