MANAGER Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink says his side paid the price for two mistakes and a lack of composure in the final third as Burton Albion suffered a 2-0 defeat at Charlton Athletic this afternoon.
The Brewers were fighting an uphill battle from early on as Conor Washington took advantage of a quick counter to lob the ball over goalkeeper Ben Garratt in the 12th minute, with the visitors notching a second just before half-time through Corey Blackett-Taylor’s 18-yard strike.
Those were Charlton’s only shots of the first half - with the Brewers going close themselves prior to the break through Deji Oshilaja, who hit the crossbar, and Oumar Niasse’s neat turn and shot which flew just over.
But the Brewers could not find a breakthrough, with the second half largely a non-event, and Hasselbaink left to rue the errors that cost Albion a shot at any points at the Valley.
“Very simple, two mistakes cost us and (for) the rest, there was not really a lot in the game,” said Hasselbaink.
“We had 13 shots, none on target, they had three (on target) and scored two goals. We played the majority of the match in their half, we pinned them back and put pressure on them, but then you need a little bit of quality and (to make) the right decisions.
“I think we were very nervous in the final third - we didn’t take the right decisions. The quality wasn’t there in the final third and that was the disappointing thing about it.
“I think we need to be calmer in the final third, we were always in a hurry.
“The final pass didn’t get there and that’s why we didn’t have any shots on target and we never tested the goalkeeper.
“When you have 13 shots you need to test the keeper, at least.”
Hasselbaink was also asked about the first goal in particular.
“Ben Garratt has been brilliant for us (over the season), brilliant, brilliant, brilliant,” said Hasselbaink.
“I can’t really have a go at him, and I won’t.
“We know his starting position has to be better but also the strikers have to be in front of the goalkeeper so that he can’t kick it quick.”