Bowyer on loss to Accrington Stanley: "They deserved the three points"

Lee Bowyer was not happy following the Addicks' 2-0 defeat to Accrington Stanley at The Valley.

Colby Bishop scored either side of half-time as the visitors took Charlton's place in the play-off spots.

Bowyer said: “We were second best. They deserved the three points. They had more fight, more determination.

"We looked soft all over the park. One, two or three players can hold their heads high but overall, it’s not enough. We’re carrying too many players, its simple. It’s not just the physical side of the game. You have to be brave on the ball, want to attack the game. We had too many people hiding today.”

One positive from the game was the debut of Liam Millar, who signed on loan from Liverpool this week, and the manager highlighted his performance.

“Millar had a couple of days of training," he said. "What I saw tonight is what I knew he’d bring to us, something we haven’t had since we lost Alfie Doughty. He got into great positions but he’s lacking that final finish and we’ll work on that with him. He tried to make things happen on the ball. He moves with the ball well, he gets us up the pitch. We need him to improve on his final finish. Once he beds in more, he’ll improve.”

The Addicks' were without midfield duo Ben Watson and Darren Pratley, who missed the game due to injury and suspension respectively. Bowyer highlighted their importance to the team and how they were missed today.

He said: “If I had Ben Watson and Darren Pratley fighting for second balls it’s a different game. These lads have to step up and take the opportunity. It’s a short career and some of them don’t realise they have to take their opportunity every chance they get. Chuks [Aneke] made an impact when he came on but there wasn’t enough from too many people.”

Accrington Stanley manager John Coleman admitted that the Lancashire club faced Charlton at the right time, Bowyer agreed as he highlighted the impact of injuries this season.

He said: “We have a lot of players to come back to fitness, important players. We’ve seen that tonight, the first goal wouldn’t happen with everybody fit."

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