Charlton boss Chris Powell is still upbeat about his sides chances despite dropping points at home on Saturday.

As expected, Tranmere frustrated the Addicks on Saturday and it took a late penalty for the hosts to claim a point. Chris Powell was still upbeat after the game and paid tribute to his side’s character:

“We remain unbeaten and it was your clichéd game of two halves.

“We didn’t really turn up in the first period against a team that obviously came to frustrate us, but they played some decent stuff.

“What I liked is that we showed some character and resilience in the second period when the pressure was on us.

“Now a lot of teams will come here, sit back and look for us to break them down and look to get something on counter- attack.

“They got that, and after the first half we really needed to respond. We are going to play teams like Tranmere throughout the season that come here and are dogged, waste time, make it a bit niggly, and try to frustrate us and frustrate the crowd.

“There was a bit of that today but the players showed a bit of patience. The game is over 90 minutes-plus, and Johnnie Jackson remained calm when we got the penalty.

“We went through what’s going to happen quite a few times, especially here at The Valley. I’m pleased they showed some fight,” said Chris.

The penalty was a fairly soft one, team’s will get decisions like that on occasions but they will also be on the receiving end as well. Powell was fairly philosophical whilst Les Parry (Tranmere’s manager) predictably, thought the decision was harsh. Powell had this to say about Parry’s slant on the incident:

“He probably forgot about the one on Danny Hollands before it, when he gave the decision outside the box.

“I believe it was a coming together and Danny Hollands went down, but we could be here all night talking about decisions and what have you, it was given, we’ve taken it and we scored, 1-1.

“We remain unbeaten in 12 games and I don’t think that’s too bad. After picking up three points at Sheffield United and then one here at home today, we are still on course with two points per game,” said the manager.

It will be interesting to see if Chris is as philosophical when a similar decision goes against him. Johnnie Jackson showed great compsure to slot home the equaliser. Tranmere tried everything to delay the taking of the kit.

Protests to the referee about various issues, Fon Williams moving the ball off the spot but it was all to no avail. Jackson slotted the kick home with perfection to earn this praise from his manager: “I think he showed his professionalism, Tranmere do little things like that to try to upset you and tried to put him off but he remained calm and it was a good, composed penalty.

“He’s someone you trust to take the penalties and we could have got a chance near the end when he had a volley.

“It was a well-taken penalty and we walk away with at least a point. If we can get something from each and every game, then that that bodes well for us,” said Chris before continuing, “We know teams are going to come here and do that because of the position we are in and the position they are in.

“That’s just how football is at times, it happens and will never stop. You want a fair game. You want both teams to compete and do what they have to do and obviously you want the officials to join in that, and the supporters, that’s what you want from the game.

“So I’m happy because I’ve an unbeaten team in the dressing room and I have an unbeaten football club. From August 6th until now we haven’t lost a game in the league and I think that’s a fantastic achievement.

“We should remain positive and calm because eight games won and four drawn it’s not bad.

“I’m pleased with our resilience, especially in the second period. “It’s good that they can come through something like today and come through a situation that without a doubt will happen again.

“So it’s good for everyone concerned that, while it’s frustrating that you are a goal down, you can still believe and have that desire to come back and grasp a point or possibly three from it.”

Powell made a couple of changes for the match, bringing in Danny Green and Yann Kermorgant for Scott Wagstaff and Paul Hayes. This is his assessment of Kermorgant’s performance:

“He did okay, obviously he is very strong in the air but he’s still getting to know everyone.

“He’s had some good cameos in previous games and he will get better and stronger and in that style he’s an option.

“We have played in a good manner and good style this season but that won’t always happen and I want everyone to realise that.

“Teams won’t let us play, so we’ve got to be ready for that and if we do have to use that option, we’ve got it. Most teams that have a Plan A, have to have a Plan B and C. We have that option, as well as Paul Hayes, and obviously we have Brad scoring goals.

“We’ve got different types of strikers that every squad and manager would want.

“Yann came on last week and scored a goal having previously scored at MK Dons, so he’s earned his chance to start.

“We won last week, but I’m a fair man and a fair manager, and if someone earns their chance, they will get in. I felt he earned his chance, so that’s why I put him in,” concluded the manager.

Charlton did play differently in Saturday’s first half, they were far more direct than usual, getting the ball to Kermorgant early, rather than their normal, more measured approach.

Despite his upbeat demeanour, Powell must have been disappointed not to have taken all three points against opponents – who, though awkward and frustrating – sprang no surprises and should have been beaten by a side of Charlton’s quality.