Lee Bowyer believes Charlton should have scored more during Doncaster win

Posted Sunday, November 04, 2018 by PA

Charlton manager Lee Bowyer felt his side could have added even more to their tally following their 2-0 home win over Doncaster.

Victory lifted the south London side to within three points of the Sky Bet League One play-off positions, leaving Bowyer happy at a comfortable result.

“I thought it was a good performance and professional. We could have scored more goals, so the result was fair,” he said.

“Doncaster are a good side – I’ve said that all week and told our squad you have to respect them. They’ve got players who can hurt you.

“We competed, we won individual battles and work hard as a team which is the most important thing.

“We moved the ball well, and once we scored I think it settled us down a bit. It was a bit scrappy in the beginning but after that it was comfortable.”

Charlton goalkeeper Jed Steer blocked Herbie Kane from four yards out after just three minutes before Charlton took control of the contest after 18 minutes.

Tom Anderson headed onto the crossbar following a corner and Joe Aribo was quick to pounce on the loose ball from six yards out to fire home low.

The hosts nearly doubled the lead after 26 minutes when Karlan Ahearne-Grant flicked a low cross by Aribo just wide.

But he did better in the 33th minute when his header was too strong for goalkeeper Marko Marosi.

Charlton nearly added a third in first half added time when a free-kick by Jamie Ward hit the post but came back out to safety.

The second half was a largely tepid affair, with Doncaster failing to make much headway in the contest and few chances from either side, while Aribo on the hour-mark almost put Charlton 3-0 up but dragged his effort wide.

Defeat for Doncaster was their third in a row after reversals against Sunderland and Coventry, and have now lost five of their last seven.

Manager Grant McCann felt the opening save against Kane may have proved pivotal.

“I thought we started the game quite brightly, we had a good chance and didn’t take it. Herb had a good chance to score – I can’t believe he missed it,” McCann said.

“The two goals we conceded were unacceptable and the second half just played out. I don’t think any team had a chance – it was frustrating.

“We speak about fine details all the times and some of the group can get better at it. They’re a good group and try their best.

“Today, we lacked a bit of quality and nous at times These are the sort of things we’re not getting.”