Edinburgh angry as Addicks run riot

JUSTIN Edinburgh apologised to the Northampton travelling supporters for failing to acknowledge their efforts at full-time after seeing former Cobbler Ricky Holmes orchestrate Charlton’s emphatic win.

Edinburgh, who went straight down the tunnel after the game, said: “I’m bitterly disappointed and disappointed in myself because I’ve walked down the tunnel and not acknowledged our support and I apologise for that.

“We have to be far better to get results in this league.”

It took 90 seconds for Charlton to score. Holmes’ cross was met by Josh Magennis, heading out of David Cornell’s reach.

Marc Richards forced a low save from Ben Amos, who also smothered away an effort from Billy Waters later in the half.

Karl Robinson was delighted the Addicks perfectly executed his gameplan.

He said: “What we’ve got is very athletic players and I like that. I like players who can travel and excite people. We’ve still got others to return.

“I’d still like two attackers, but if not, the young players here can grow together. Five on the bench came through the academy.”

The second half started at a frantic pace. Tariqe Fosu tried to curl into the corner, and Cornell’s punch fell to Magennis who snatched his effort over.

Charlton’s work was eventually rewarded after excellent play between Billy Clarke and Holmes, the latter blasting high into the net on the hour.

There was hope for the Cobblers after the Charlton defence fell asleep, allowing Richards to head in the side’s first goal this season.

But in second-half stoppage time Jake Forster-Caskey killed the tension with

a side-footed volley and then a curling effort into the

top corner. Robinson added: “We had a moment of calmness after the goal and kept on going, when the game got stretched, the athletic players stepped up.

“We’ve got a very small squad, but we’ve got five or six not accessible in this team, and it shows how good we can be.”

Edinburgh refused to accept the scoreline flattered Charlton: “I don’t think we can look for excuses.

“Regardless of scoreline, that’s not the way we’re going to get results. I’m bitterly disappointed and frustrated. If I feel I need to change the system to win a football game, I will absolutely change it. I’m not stubborn.”