Charlton defender Alou Diarra has called on the Addicks to stay strong following their 1-0 defeat at Reading, which extended their winless league streak to seven games.

The centre-half has enjoyed a fine start to the season but was unable to prevent Nick Blackman from scoring the winner 14 minutes from time at the Madejski Stadium.

The goal came seven minutes after Diarra’s defensive partner, Patrick Bauer, was sent-off for two yellow cards following a foul on Blackman.

However, Diarra has encouraged his teammates to remain positive despite the disappointing run of results.

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“We came here with an aim of at least a point and we made one mistake and they have a very strong team and got the goal,” said the former French national team skipper.

“I think in the first-half we did not play bad – we controlled defensively but we needed to create more chances to get a result here.

 “We have to stay strong in this situation, we have got a young team and it isn’t easy and it is disappointing, but we have to focus, stay together and take points in upcoming games.”

After Blackman’s strike, the Addicks failed to create opportunities to equalise, not helped by the dismissal of Bauer, although Diarra refused to blame the German for his red card.

He said: “Bauer is a good talent and a very good signing for us and he was unlucky today.

“Bauer is a great player and I enjoy playing with him; he has been great since the first game.

“It was harsh for him to get the red card, but the referee made his decision – I thought it was a foul but not a yellow card.”

Charlton now face two home games against struggling Preston and Brentford and the 34-year-old is hopeful that at least one victory will spark a run of good form.

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The former Liverpool squad member added: “You can see today that there wasn’t actually too much difference between us and Reading, but we have to learn after losing.”

“I hope it will be better over the week and then we can get more confidence.

“We have been unlucky that so many players like Simon Makienok and Igor Vetokele, have been injured and these are experienced players for us, but we only need a win to start a good run of results.”

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