Mark pleased with battling display
Mark Robins watched his side earn a hard fought point at the Valley and praised his players’ battling qualities.
Town matched relegation threatened Charlton throughout the 90 minutes to earn an impressive away clean sheet.
Speaking to htafc.com, Mark said: “It was a different type of performance from us, but I was pleased with it. We grinded a result out and the players showed plenty of character.
“It was a tough environment to play football in and the condition of the pitch didn’t help either. I spoke to the Groundsman before the game and he has found it tough just to get games on.
“With the position they are in and the things that have happened over the last couple of days they looked galvanised. We brought a great following though, and I am glad that we have been able to keep a clean sheet for them. We just didn’t do enough to score a goal and get the win.
“We showed plenty of desire tonight and every single one of the players were ‘at it’. We had plenty of time to talk in the run up to the game and the players have given me a good performance.”
Robins gave Sean Scannell his first start in 22 games, whilst Jonathan Hogg was his usual busy self on his return from injury.
“I wanted some legs in the side and I felt that Sean would give us that,” said Mark. “I like Lawrie Wilson; he sticks to his task and he did well against Scannell tonight. We just couldn’t get the ball to our dangermen enough; the state of the pitch didn’t help that, though.
“Jonathan Hogg was trying to win the ball high up the pitch to release the pace of Danny Ward, Nahki Wells and Scannell, but it just wasn’t to be. Nahki was really unfortunate again, having worked tirelessly. He had a few really good efforts, which Charlton’s ‘keeper was equal to.”
Peter Clarke was Mark’s other change; Town’s Club Captain replaced the injured Anthony Gerrard: “He has fractured one of his toes and we will see how he responds to some treatment,” Mark said.
On James Vaughan, Mark was hopeful that the striker may play some part against Blackburn on Saturday: “I will be working with James Vaughan on Thursday to do a little bit more work with him to get him back up to speed. There is a possibility that he may be involved on Saturday. He is still some way from match fitness, though.”
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