Charlton manager Phil Parkinson’s speechless as Nathan Ellington snatches a point at The Valley

Sucker punch: Derby's Nathan Ellington knocks the ball home in injury time to deny Championship strugglers Charlton a much-needed first win in 13 games
Dean Jones13 April 2012
Charlton 2
Derby County 2

Charlton manager Phil Parkinson is counting down the days until the January transfer window opens, even though he has only been given until the turn of the year to halt the club's desperate slide towards relegation.

Caretaker-manager Parkinson needs new blood in his team and the board are searching for investment to help fund their transfer dealings, yet Charlton's position would have looked so much more positive had they held out in injury time at The Valley last night.

The Addicks were on course for three points which would have hauled them clear of the relegation zone until Nathan Ellington struck a devastating equaliser deep into added time to deny them their first win in 13 matches.

His goal was cruel on Parkinson's side, who finally showed the grit and determination needed to survive. The point lifts them off the foot of the table and chairman Richard Murray has vowed to give Parkinson until the turn of the year to move the club away from trouble.

Parkinson could barely speak after the game, the pain in his voice obvious as he revealed: "Everyone will be low because of the result." However, he added: "By the time we wake up on Tuesday everyone will realise we got a performance. I have to get more out of this group of players because they are capable of a lot more."

The fact that Charlton failed to get a deserved win speaks volumes. Parkinson needs to instill decisiveness into his side and he must also work out who is ready for the battle that lies ahead.
When Andy Gray produced a sublime touch and perfect finish from a Jose Semedo through-ball on 34 minutes a sense of anticipation spread around the ground.

But Semedo handled in the area just after the hour, allowing Ellington to take one of his incredible penalty kicks, wrong-footing keeper Rob Elliot and rolling the ball home.

Martyn Waghorn, who could remain at The Valley even though last night's game was the last of his loan spell from Sunderland, restored faith by converting a Lloyd Sam cross within 90 seconds.

Yet as Charlton were about to finally end their wait for a victory, Ellington pounced onto a poor defensive header after a long throw five minutes into injury time to salvage a draw.

New players will certainly arrive in January, which is another reason this month can not end soon enough for the club. The board are also hoping to welcome new owners, and there has been some interest since Dubai firm Zabeel Investments pulled out of a takeover two months ago. Charlton plc chairman Derek Chappell realises difficult times will follow if funds do not arrive soon.

"Life outside the Premier League is tough, even with a two-year parachute payment," said Chappell. "Once that disappears, life gets even tougher.

"That's why financial investment is so essential, to give you a chance to achieve promotion back to the top flight. But the board also has the responsibility of balancing the books while trying to pull together a playing squad that will get us up into promotion contention. This will only happen by being smart in our transfer dealings.

"This season we must ensure we maintain our Championship status, which is a huge change from setting out in August with hopes of a play-off place."

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