Jones takes blame after Addicks fail to sink Imps

By Jason Gladman

CHARLTON ATH 2

Gillesphey 57, Docherty 75

CHARLTON: Mannion 6, Ramsay 6, McIntyre 6 (Mitchell 52, 6), Gillesphey 8, Edwards 7, Coventry 6, Docherty 7 (Gilbert 90), Small 7 (Ahadme 89), Berry 6 (Dixon 52, 6), Anderson 6 (Aneke 46, 6), Godden 6. Subs not used: Bouzanis, Watson.

LINCOLN CITY 2

Collins 18, 49

LINCOLN: Wickens 7, Darikwa 6, Hamer 7, Jackson 7, Roughan 6, Hamilton 6, McGrandles 6, Makama 6 (Jefferies 24, 6 (Montsma 84)), Ring 7 (Bayliss 63, 5), House 7 (Hackett 83), Collins 8 (Draper 83). Subs not used: Jeacock, Gardner.

Att: 15,611 Rating: ★★★★★ Ref: Leigh Doughty 7/10

NATHAN Jones shouldered the blame after his Charlton side’s automatic promotion hopes received a potential knockout blow after they were held at home by Lincoln.

James Collins’s brace, either side of the break, looked to have given the Imps a surprise win as the Addicks sought a ninth straight league home win.

But defender Macauley Gillesphey and captain Greg Docherty fought back to earn the hosts a point, but it was too little too late for their lofty aspirations.

Jones said: “That’s a good point, in the end. We showed a lot of spirit in the last 30 minutes, no question, but before that we were a mile off.

“I take responsibility. The last two or three days we’ve been passive in so many decisions we’ve made and I won’t make that mistake again.

“It is an in-house thing. I’m looking at every decision that I’ve made since Tuesday night.

“We have got to keep going – game in and game out. That’s all we’ve got to do.” Veteran striker Collins put the Imps in front after 18 minutes after he met Erik Ring’s corner at the near post to head beyond goalkeeper Will Mannion.

Collins made it 2-0in the 49th minute. Ben House chested the ball down for the striker to produce a smart turn away from marker Tom McIntyre before finding the bottom left of the net.

Gillesphey cut the deficit after 57 minutes, sweeping in from close range after sub Chuks Aneke had forced a botched Josh Edwards corner back towards goal.

Docherty levelled in the 76th minute, producing a sharp left-footed finish after Edwards’ long throw was only partially cleared.

Lincoln keeper George Wickens then made a superb save to deny Matty Godden with Aneke also seeing an attempt drift wide as the Addicks pushed hard for a winner.

Imps head coach Michael Skubala was positive despite seeing his side, safely ensconced in mid-table, relinquish their advantage.

He said: “The changing room is perhaps a little bit flat because they are really good pros and they tried really hard to get three points at a monster club and an incredible atmosphere.

“When we analyse that there will be loads to take away and learn from, hopefully when we are 2-0up at a big club in the future we can be a little stronger and get over the line.”