Lee Bowyer has insisted Charlton will “surprise” teams as his side fights to avoid relegation from the Championship this season.

The Addicks slipped to 21st in the table after suffering defeat at the hands of fellow strugglers Stoke City, with Huddersfield Town also climbing above them on the same day.

Bowyer took them up from League One in his first full season as manager last May but is now tasked with steering them away from going straight back down again.

Although he expressed disappointment in his team’s performance, admitting Stoke were “better than us all over the pitch”, he is upbeat about Charlton’s survival hopes.

Speaking after the game, Bowyer said: “[There’s a] long way to go though, a lot of football to be played. I trust my players.

“They normally give me everything and if we lose it's from a bit of quality of some sort but today that wasn't the case. That's what disappoints me.

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“There were bits and bobs [of good play]. Our goal was good, we moved the ball well for the goal well, and there were a few other occasions, but just not enough. It wasn't like us from start to finish, I don't know why.”

Asked whether Charlton have enough to maintain a gap between themselves and the drop, he added: “Yeah, because we will surprise teams and we will win games.

“Today wasn't one of those days but I know what we have to do and how many points we need to stay in the division, and I believe that we will.”