Franck Moussa was disappointed after a controversial late referring decision saw Charlton crash out of the Capital One Cup at the hands of Derby County last night.

The Addicks went down to an 87th minute  goal at the iPro Stadium, as referee Graham Salisbury penalised keeper Nick Pope for time wasting on the edge of his own box and awarded the Rams an indirect free-kick.

Charlton failed to clear the danger before eventually Ivan Calero finished Chris Martin’s cross to fire the Rams into the next round, leaving the Addicks midfielder baffled by the decision to award Derby the free-kick.

“It did seem a bit strange what happened there,” said Moussa.

“Sometimes things like that happen and it is frustrating to lose like that.”

The home side had been on top in the second period, but Charlton had shown flashes of promise, counter attacking with pace in a first half which saw both Moussa and George Tucadean forcing Lee Grant in the Derby goal to make smart saves.

Moussa said: “I thought we gave them a good game.

“We’re playing away from home, they’re a very good side and we wanted to keep a good shape and try and nick a goal at some point.

“But the decision towards the end of the game kind of killed us. It was a bit frustrating.

“Our strategy was to make good use of the ball as we had it.

“A few times we looked like we could be dangerous and we looked like we could get a goal on the break.

“It just wasn’t to be for us.”

Overall, the Belgian midfielder is happy with how the season has started for both him and his new team-mates.

Moussa explained: “We’re a new team and we’ve got a new manager.

“There’s about seven or eight new players who still need to gel in, to get to know each other and get used to playing with each other.

“But there are some very good signs at the moment and hopefully we can get better.

“It’s looking good at the moment.”

He added: “I need to get some fitness, play as many games as possible, as many minutes as I can and the idea for me is to try and contribute as I’m getting my fitness back.

“Hopefully little by little I’ll be able to have an impact for the team.

“It’s always nice to have a cup run, but the league is what is most important - and I’m sure that’s what the manager believes as well.

“As players you just want to go out there and win as many games as possible.”

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