NATHAN Jones admitted he was “gutted” after a late Millwall goal denied him becoming the first Charlton Athletic boss to lead the Addicks to victory over Millwall in more than 29 years.
Sonny Carey’s first-half strike put the hosts in front and Jones felt his side were “comfortable” until Kayne Ramsay was sent off for a second booking in the 74th minute.
Alex Neil’s side equalised two minutes from time through Ra’ees Bangura-Williams.
Charlton’s last win over Millwall was in March 1996.
“I’m gutted if I’m honest,” Jones said. “Up to the sending off we were comfortable, I didn’t see us conceding. Apart from the odd set-piece, we defended superbly well and I thought we were going to go on and get the second goal.
“But that one moment changed everything. It gave them impetus, gave their crowd a lift, and ultimately it cost us two points.”
Ramsay picked up a second yellow card for a challenge on Aidomo Emakhu.
Jones said: “Kayne has been brilliant for us since he came here and we can’t pile everything on him. It’s a learning curve. But in derbies, it’s often something like that, an elbow, a lunge, something avoidable and today it’s cost us. That’s the harsh reality.”
“We were more than a match for Millwall today. They’re an experienced Championship side, a good club, well managed, and I felt comfortable throughout. These are the fine margins in this division. You have to be technically, tactically, and mentally switched on for 90 minutes. We weren’t in one moment, and that’s what’s hurt us.”
Jones added: “We’re still evolving as a group. We know there’s an excellent Championship side in there, it’s just about being better in the big moments, making better decisions. That comes with time, experience and consistency. We’ll get there.”
There was an attendance of 23, 393 at The Valley and the noise rarely let up.
“The atmosphere was superb,” Jones said. “The place was rocking. When I first came here, we were getting 10 or 11,000 and it was difficult to generate that energy, but today it was electric. I’m really proud of our football club for that. I just wish we could have given the fans the win they deserved.”
