CHARLTON manager Chris Powell admits Huddersfield’s Keith Southern can rightly feel hard done by after his first half dismissal in today’s 1-1 draw with the Addicks.

Midfielder Southern was handed a straight red card by referee Lee Collins 10 minutes before the break after going for a challenge with home defender Michael Morrison.

But Powell said afterwards the decision was the wrong one, pointing out only Mr Collins could explain what had prompted him to send the player off.

The Valley chief said: “It is not a sending off, it was an honest challenge.

“Obviously my player got there first.

“It is not 50-50, it is 60-40 in our favour.

“But they both didn’t pull out.

“I don’t think the lad was high – very unfortunate - but he (the ref) makes a decision.

“Then it is 11 v 10 and I felt my players managed it quite well with regards to just being patient because it can be tough to break down 10 men.

“Eventually we got the breakthrough.

“He let a lot go today, the referee.

“It just kind of made the game a little bit patchy but really the pivotal moment was we had a chance to make it 2-0.

“We definitely would have got the three points then but it wasn’t taken.

“Then of course in the last five minutes when they are just putting crosses in and balls into your box, you have to stand firm and it wasn’t to be.

“My keeper sadly just missed it (the penalty) and I think it was a pen looking at it, it was a brave sort of challenge - Clarke and Chris Solly.

“Maybe he (the ref) wouldn’t have given it if he didn’t do the sending off but he is the only one who can answer that.”

Charlton could have won it in stoppage time when only a first class save by Alex Smithies denied Rob Hulse.

Powell added: “It is a superb ball in on Danny Green, a good header from Rob Hulse and Smithies has done his job.

“It could have made it 2-1 and it just wasn’t to be.

“I think everyone is feeling a little bit frustrated but I’ve got to take some positives, it is 10 points from the last 12, we’ve lost one in the last seven – we are in a decent place.

“It has been very up and down initially but we are in confident mood, the run keeps going and as long as we dust ourselves down and make sure we are ready for Tuesday I just know I will have an XI who will go out there and do their best to get three points.”

Powell also explained his decision to take off Emmanuel Frimpong on what was an impressive and eye catching debut from the on loan arsenal midfielder.

The SE7 boss said: “Championship cramp I call it because he had to get used to the pace of it but I’ve got to say he was very, very good for the hour he was on.

“He showed his strength, his attitude in going forward, his passing ability – he is a good player.

“I knew I was getting a good player from Arsenal and for his debut in those conditions where it wasn’t easy, I thought it was a very good performance.

“That can bode well for us. I’m sure he will be fine for Tuesday and he put in a good hour’s work for us.”

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