Addicks boss: We should have won

CHARLTON Athletic manager Ben Garner felt his side should have beaten Burton Albion, having established a 2-0 lead.

But, with eight players out injured, he said the Addicks are “running on fumes” and he was pleased they fought back to draw after going 3-2 down.

“It was a tough game and we’re in a really difficult period in terms of the number of games within the last month or so,” Garner told London News Online.

“We were running on fumes a little bit and it took a big effort to go two up and do well at that stage.

“I’d expect us to go on and win from that point.

“The game turned on them getting a goal immediately after.

“The frustrating thing is that the forward was offside from the ball forward and then he fouled Sess (Steven Sessegnon).

“Both of those were missed and they gave the free kick against us but we have to deal with it better.

“That gave them momentum and changed the game.”

Charlton came out strongly at the start of the second half before the Brewers took the lead.

“We spoke about a few things at half-time,” said Garner.

“I thought we were much improved at the start of the second half and then we gave away another poor goal.

“That made it an uphill task. We got back to 3-3 and just couldn’t get the winner.

“I’m not criticising the players in any way for their effort because we’ve been really stretched, with eight missing in terms of injury and suspension.

“We are where we are as a squad and we’re just trying to get the most out of it.

“The important thing is not to lose the game. We showed character and quality and it’s really important, that you come away with something.

“At the same time, I’m disappointed with the position we were in during the first half not to take three points.

“We’re just trying to get the most out of the group between now and January, pick up as many points as we can and progress as far as we can in the cup competitions.

“Especially defensively, you can see how stretched we are. It’s not as if we have too many options in terms of changing it. It’s a case of maximising it and getting what we can from each game.”