THE CAT’S NOT GOT KARL’S TONGUE
CHARLTON manager Karl Robinson Dons. refused to sheathe his claws as he fumed at the penalty decision that denied his side all three points against MK
Josh Magennis headed in for the Addicks before Agard levelled on the hour, and then the Dons’ Scott Golbourne scored an own goal late on before a lastgasp spot-kick, converted by Agard, earned a point for Robbie Neilson’s visitors.
With the clock winding down, the hosts’ Ezri Kosna was adjudged to have fouled Peter Pawlett in the area and referee Andy Woolmer’s award of a penalty drew the ire of home boss Robinson.
“The penalty was the softest decision he gave all day. The referee baffled me,” claimed the Charlton manager.
“But I am so proud how far they players have come. Last time they were here, they murdered us – we should have been beat about five or six-nil.
“The players and fans were excellent. I can’t ask any more. We have been robbed of two points through no fault of our own.
“If I had a cat, it would be getting volleyed all over the place when I get home.”
Visiting manager Neilson thought that his team were well worth a point.
“It was a good game with two teams that wanted to win, so it was a good point after going behind twice,” said the Dons boss.
“It was disappointing to go behind early on but we fought back and showed great spirit.
“At half-time, we spoke about our positioning, so we pushed further forward to get higher.
“Agard’s goal was a great finish. I think all three substitutes changed the game as they made an impact and gave us energy.”
Charlton did not take long to score, Magennis rising highest from Jake Forster-Caskey’s corner to head in after six minutes.
Winger Ricky Holmes drove a long shot towards goal on 20 minutes but did little to test keeper Lee Nicholls.
The home side kept coming, ForsterCaskey’s curling shot deflecting off the inside of the left upright and across the goalline four minutes later.
The Dons’ first chance came after 36 minutes as Pawlett’s effort deflected right of goal.
Charlton started the second half in the same manner, Mark Marshall running clear only to shoot straight at Nicholls on 49 minutes.
But substitute Agard headed in for the visitors from a swift counter-attack on 63 minutes to catch Charlton off-guard.
They almost had the lead three minutes later when Chuks Aneke found space in the penalty box but he half-volleyed wide under pressure.
Pressure from Charlton was rewarded with three minutes to go when Golboune struck the ball into his own net from Tariqe Fosu’s mis-hit.
But then came the late drama.