Nathan Jones has major issue with Preston North End's opening goal

Charlton manager: It should have been a throw-in to us - and I've no idea why I got yellow card

Nathan Jones criticised the officials after Charlton Athletic’s 2-0 loss to Preston North End this afternoon.

The Addicks manager was left “raging” by a decision in the lead up to Thierry Small’s 67th-minute opener.

Jones was booked by referee James Linington after marching on to the pitch at full-time.

Daniel Jebbison killed off any hopes of a late comeback with a close-range conversion of Alfie Devine’s cross in the 80th minute.

Picture: Kyle Andrews

“It was a game of really fine, fine margins,” said Jones. “Both teams had real honesty and were really well matched. We went up against each other and we got let down by a decision. I don’t want to get into trouble.

“If he gives the right decision then they don’t score the first goal. The first goal is essential.

“It was a throw-in (for Charlton) - Reece [Burke] headed it on to their guy (before it went out). It is clear for everyone to see. They (the officials) gave it the other way. They throw it in quickly, go down the other end and score.

“This league is tight and tough. That has cost us.

“The fourth official is standing in the same position as me. I can see it clearly. I don’t blame the referee, because he relies on people around him. Then they say: ‘Oh, I didn’t quite see it’.

“All we ask is for them to get simple decisions right. We know they are going to make mistakes and miss a foul. He gave them a foul on the edge of the box and the referee wasn’t even looking at the game. He saw someone fall over - it is inventing little things.

“Forget the second goal, because we are chasing the game. We changed shape and tried to go after it.

“It was always going to be about the first goal. We got let down by a decision by the officials - they then went up the other side and scored. That is my real disappointment.

“Could we have been better? Yeah. Could we have taken chances? Yeah. Could we have done a little more? Yeah.”

Jones was left puzzled by his yellow card.

“I didn’t say anything to him (Linington) - literally didn’t say anything to him. I will get clarity about it, because I didn’t say anything. I’ve got no idea why I got booked. I said that I was going to come and see him - with my arms at my side - no dissent. Nothing at all.

“It is easy for them to do pretty much what they want. They can cost us a game or make decisions that contribute heavily to us losing, but I’m the one who gets punished. And double punished (with the outcome of the match).

“If we get beaten by a wonderful team or wonderful goal then we accept it. That hasn’t been the case today.”

Picture: Kyle Andrews

The Addicks made one change to their starting line up with Amari’i Bell dropping to the bench and Kayne Ramsay starting at left wing-back.

The visitors had depleted options with Josh Edwards, first-choice on that side, out with ankle ligament damage.

“Amari’i woke up this morning with a stiff calf,” said Jones. “He did two 90 minutes in a different position to what he normally does. We prepared yesterday with Amari’i playing that position. It wasn’t anything tactical - we had to do that.”

It was a first reverse in five matches for Charlton after a four-match undefeated run.

Now comes an international break before resuming at home against Sheffield Wednesday on October 18.

“It (the break) has come at a good time,” said Jones. “The players have given me everything. We went unbeaten in September - two wins and two draws - that is a good thing.

“But I don’t want us just to accept anything. We were in really good positions - against Millwall and on Tuesday - that could have been categorically different. We came here today and my team gave me everything.

“I want us to take the next step. I know we’re a Championship side. We’re not just [about achieving] survival and I knew that before the start of the season. We could have been top six…we could have been top three on Tuesday if we held out.

“It is out first season back, so I have to be realistic and understanding with certain stuff.”

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