Charlton boss Lee Bowyer says crisp protest hindered his side against Fleetwood
Posted Sunday, August 26, 2018 by PA
Lee Bowyer admitted a protest by Charlton fans which saw their goalless draw with Fleetwood delayed after packets of crisps were thrown onto the pitch had not helped his side.
Charlton supporters had planned the protest at the Valley in response to Belgian owner Roland Duchatelet’ latest cost-cutting measures.
Interim manager Bowyer has seen his team earn only five points in as many games, and once again failed to land a victory.
“We were nearly going to score when they threw the packets on the pitch,” he said.
“Look, whatever is happening off the pitch is happening, I can’t control that.
“I can’t stop the fans throwing crisp packets onto the pitch. All I can control is what’s happening on the pitch regarding the players. And that’s what I’ll keep doing.”
Bowyer felt his side did not do enough to earn all three points.
“Today was one of those days, no atmosphere in the stadium and some of the players looked a bit tired,” he said.
“I think the draw was a fair result but it was a poor game. From back to front we were OK, it’s not like we played badly.
“We moved the ball well at times but again it was that final third. When they should shoot they pass and when they should pass they shoot.
“It’s frustrating but we’ll get it right. The most important thing for me is that they’re getting there slowly but surely. We created and got into good positions and soon it’s going to click.
“But today to draw at home, it’s not good enough for promotions, and I’ve told the players that it’s not good enough for me.”
Lyle Taylor came close for the hosts early on when he tested Fleetwood keeper Alex Cairns from outside the area.
Visiting forward Ched Evans saw his 35th-minute shot deflected across the face of goal after Wes Burns cut back the ball, and Welshman Burns almost gave Fleetwood the lead just before the break when his six-yard effort was cleared off the line by Patrick Bauer.
The best chance of the match came after 57 minutes when Charlton keeper Dillon Phillips brilliantly kept out a header from Ashley Hunter, following a Paddy Madden cross.
Charlton should have taken the lead themselves after 77 minutes when Joe Aribo failed to keep a volley on target from eight yards out, after a good cross by Chris Solly.
Neither side were able to net a late breakthrough, although Fleetwood manager Joey Barton was pleased with an unbeaten run of four league games.
“You have to give Charlton credit, the keeper makes a couple of really good saves and they had good defending,” he said.
“The lads have created chances and it’s never an easy place to come to, the Valley. We knew how difficult the task could be.
“We saw the Scunthorpe game today and we saw they drew 2-2 against high flying Barnsley and it reinforced what we felt was a fantastic week for us.
“Our unbeaten run is nice but it is a case of one game at a time, there’s no point resting on our laurels.”
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