Charlton cannot afford many more self-inflicted setbacks

After listening to Blackburn boss Valerien Ismael following their loss to Wrexham I sensed this trip to Ewood Park was there for the taking.

Their squad was stretched, confidence low, and the home crowd restless. A perfect opportunity, and yet we let it slip.

I would have accepted a draw before kick off but surrendering a two-goal cushion still stings, especially after the promising result against league leaders Coventry City just three days earlier. This felt like a gift carelessly returned.

On a bleak January Sunday, credit to the 538 Charlton supporters who made the long journey north.

It is no small effort to spend a cold afternoon in a draughty away end before the first Monday back at work. Sadly, the players could not match that same commitment when it mattered most.

Tyreece Campbell was brushed off the ball far too easily in the build up to their first goal. We had numbers back but let Moussa Baradji nod in, and in the 77th minute, more naivety led to the equaliser.

So much for defensive discipline, something Nathan Jones insists is fundamental when key personnel are available.

That is what frustrates most; flashes of quality undone by poor concentration.

Our opener was beautifully worked, and while the penalty decision that doubled the lead was soft, we should never have invited pressure so quickly after.

Now comes a crucial spell. The Chelsea FA Cup tie offers respite, but the focus must shift to back-to-back home games against a revived Sheffield United and a dangerous Derby County side.

Four points from the two, as we managed earlier this season, would steady the ship.

Then, of course, there is the small matter of Millwall.

For now, Jones will welcome a brief break from League action and the chance, perhaps, to bring in fresh faces before Chris Wilder's men visit The Valley.

It is a big month ahead, and Charlton cannot afford many more self-inflicted setbacks.