CHARLTON: EVANS ADMITS DISAPPOINTMENT

CHARLTON: STEVE EVANS POST MATCH 30.4.16

The coach gives his verdict on Saturday's 2-1 defeat to Charlton...

Steve Evans bemoaned United’s first-half display after seeing his side slip to a 2-1 defeat to Charlton Athletic in the final home game of the season.

Johann Gudmundsson slotted the visitors in front after 39 minutes at Elland Road, having already struck the woodwork during the early stages, before Ademola Lookman doubled their advantage just four minutes into the second half.

United did pull one back through Sol Bamba, the defender’s header from a Charlie Taylor free-kick sparking an onslaught of late pressure, but the Addicks held on to end United’s four-match unbeaten run.

“I thought the first-half performance was not acceptable, especially about 10 minutes before half-time when they scored,” said Evans.

“But goals change games. We had three or four good chances to go in front but we didn’t take them.

“It took us until being 2-0 down to start getting in their faces and having a real goal.

“We were unfortunate not to get something in the end and I’m just sorry I couldn’t give these magnificent supporters a win on the final day here.”

United entered the game looking to make it five unbeaten ahead of next weekend’s season finale at Preston North End, having climbed into the top half of the Sky Bet Championship table in recent weeks.

“We were hoping to continue that good work today,” the head coach said.

“But if you don’t defend right when you’re on top, like we were in the first half with all the possession, then you get punished.

“They got their noses in front. The second one was really poor defending – we gave it away softly in midfield. I’m so disappointed.”

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