Charlton caretaker manager Lee Bowyer was not happy with Michal Zyro’s performance against AFC Wimbledon.

Bowyer suffered his first defeat in the Valley hotseat after Lyle Taylor capitalised on a Patrick Bauer error to score the game’s only goal last night. 

Wolves loanee Zyro and Stephy Mavididi were the preferred pairing up front as the Addicks failed to register a shot on target.

Bowyer told News Shopper: “Their two centre-halves out fought our two strikers. Taylor was backing in, he was strong, knocking our defenders out of the way.

“I thought our two centre-halves played well against him, but still, he didn't lose the ball.

“When you don't lose the ball and you're in and around the 18-yard box, you’re going to have shots, you’re going to create chances. Unfortunately our front men didn't do that.”

Josh Magennis and Nicky Ajose were brought on in the second-half to boost Charlton’s attack, but Wimbledon’s defence stood firm.

Zyro has been one of the star performers under Bowyer, scoring twice in five games.

But the striker, who has played limited football in the past two years due to a knee fracture, was off the pace at Kingsmeadow.

When asked if he wanted Zyro to be more aggressive against Wimbledon, Bowyer said: “Yeah, for sure. You have to hold the ball up, that’s what you're there for.

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“You're there to score goals but if you don't hold the ball up, you don't get out because the opposition gets the ball back and they're attacking your team.

“Every time you go forward and the ball goes into your strikers, they have to hold it up. Taylor did and that was the difference.

“I’ve told Michal I’m not happy with his performance. He’s been outstanding for me, but his performance wasn't good enough. I’ll be honest with him. I’ve been honest with all the players in there and I always will be.

“At the end of the day, if you play well I’ll tell you you've played well, if you play badly I’ll tell you you’ve played badly. You're men and you have to take it. You can’t just take the praise and not take the criticism.”

Zyro has played 180 minutes of football in the space of three days.

And Bowyer admits fatigue could have played a part in his poor display.

He added: “Michal hasn't played any football this season, maybe he was just physically tired. That could be a factor.

“Maybe I shouldn't have played him for 90 minutes on Saturday [against Bristol Rovers], but when I left him on, I know he can take a chance and finish. Maybe that was my mistake, leaving him on for the full 90 minutes.

“In the first three games, I was fortunate enough to bring him off with 20 minutes to go so that he was ready for the next game.

“But when you’re not winning and you need a goal to win, you want to keep a striker on that can take a chance.”

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