‘That was hard to watch’ – Doncaster boss Wellens gives his verdict on 4-0 loss at Charlton

Richie Wellens was disappointed that Doncaster Rovers made it too easy for Charlton Athletic – and admitted Saturday’s defeat could have been even more of a drubbing.

The Addicks have back-to-back League One wins after following up their 1-0 success at Sunderland with a 4-0 thrashing of Rovers.

“That was hard to watch,” said Wellens. “You come to a club like this that have had a massive transition in the last seven days and you can feel it in the ground.

“We did not compete – first balls, second balls. [Jayden] Stockley will have a headache tonight because he’s won every single header in both boxes and from every ball up to him. He’s had an easy ride.

“When you come to a club that are on the turnaround and they’ve got really good players and first of all you don’t compete, then you’re not in for a good day.

“For the first 15 minutes there was nothing in the game and then we make a poor decision to give away a stupid free-kick, which we did consistently throughout the game.

“Everything we spoke about in possession and out of possession we didn’t do. They’re a really good counter-attacking team and you can’t afford to give the ball over in the middle of the pitch. We consistently did that.

“We worked on if their wingbacks are aggressive and high then get balls over the top, into the channels and get Joe Dodoo up against Jason Pearce. We didn’t do it.

“Maybe because we’ve played well in the last few games with the ball, we think we can go and dominate the ball. But if you don’t earn the right then that’s never going to be the case.

“First and foremost that you expect from a Doncaster Rovers player is to fight and earn the respect of the supporters, and show the desire you want to work for the first. I don’t think we did that.

“It [the scoreline] could’ve been more. They’re a good side but we allowed them to be better.”

PICTURE: KEITH GILLARD