Pardew happy with character

But Reading boss not pleased with official's display

Last updated: 23rd August 2008

Pardew happy with character

Pardew: Pleased with players

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Alan Pardew praised Charlton Athletic's character in the 4-2 win over Reading, but Steve Coppell was critical of referee Lee Mason.

Charlton had squandered a two-goal lead as Reading came back to level before Luke Varney and Hameur Bouazza secured the points for the hosts.

There were also three penalties in the match, and a red card for Reading defender Ibrahima Sonko, with Pardew happy with how his players responded to various setbacks.

"The players were outstanding today," Pardew told Sky Sports. "As a team sometimes you suffer blows in games - a goal before half-time, a penalty decision I thought was a bit harsh, a retake - it all seemed to work against us.

Terrific

"When you're down that's the character you need if you're going to have a good charge at this league.

"We bounced back well from the setbacks today and I thought we were terrific. I was really pleased with the players today, they deserved it."

Pardew admits he was baffled by the decision to allow Reading to retake their second penalty after Nicky Weaver was deemed to have moved off his line too early.

He added: "I was bemused to be honest, he said Nicky had come off his line, but I think you could watch a million penalties and not see that.

"He had already given two and it seemed very strange and bizarre. In some ways I was glad it happened because the injustice ignited us.

"We had a 10 minute period after that where we would have blown anyone away. We had two goals, we hit the bar and threatened the goal.

"We were terrific today and if we take that week in, week out, we're going to have a chance."

Jittery

Although Reading boss Coppell was gracious in defeat, he poured scorn on the display of referee Mason.

Coppell said: "When we got back to 2-2 I thought the momentum should have been with us. But credit to Charlton - they came back strongly and played with plenty of width and made it hard for us.

"Last week people were complimenting us for our clean sheets - now it's the opposite end of the spectrum.

"I don't want to complain about the referee, but it did appear a jittery and nervous performance."