'We haven't shown the killer instinct in recent run of home matches' - Nathan Jones on Charlton Athletic's 2-1 loss to Preston North End
Pretty much every word from the Addicks boss as he admits pressure has ramped up for Sheffield Wednesday encounter
Joe Rankin-Costello celebrates his goal/Picture: Paul Edwards
Nathan Jones admitted that Charlton Athletic’s 2-1 loss against Preston North End has increased the pressure on next weekend’s trip to Sheffield Wednesday.
The Addicks’ attacking shortcomings were again exposed by this latest setback in SE7, a third straight reverse on home turf.
Victories for Portsmouth and Oxford United mean that the 2025 League One play-off winners are only five points above the bottom three in the Championship.
Charlton have not scored more than once in 37 of their league fixtures, with some of those being blanks.
They took the lead this afternoon in the 18th minute, Joe Rankin-Costello finished first time after Sonny Carey’s long throw was headed into his path by Preston striker Daniel Jebbison.
Rankin-Costello, one of two changes to the starting line-up, had already headed a Tyreece Campbell cross against the left upright as Charlton started confidently.
Preston keeper Daniel Iversen also saved from Campbell with Lyndon Dykes unable to force home the loose ball.
The visitors, without an away win since January 3, equalised in the 25th minute. Aston Villa loanee Lewis Dobbin produced a looping header from Brad Potts’ cross.
It was the catalyst for Charlton to lose their early momentum and composure. They were badly lacklustre at the start of the second half.
Preston went ahead in the 65th minute as they countered after substitute Ibby Fullah had lost the ball on the edge of their penalty area. Dobbin broke forward and his pass was converted by Potts.
Jayden Fevrier started at right wing-back with Harry Clarke ruled out due to injury/Picture: Paul Edwards
There were chances for the Addicks as they went increasingly direct. Lloyd Jones was denied at point-blank range by Iversen, the North End keeper lucky that the attempt was straight at him.
Preston had chances to open up a two-goal cushion but Dobbin overhit a pass as he tried to set Milutin Osmajic up for a tap-in.
Charlton are 23rd for xG (expected goals) in the Championship and 21st for shots on target per match. Where they do rank higher is big chances missed (11th) and 14th for touches in the opposition box.
Next weekend’s opponents Sheffield Wednesday are already relegated but drew 0-0 at table-topping Coventry City today.
Here is pretty much every word from Nathan Jones’ post-match press conference.
