Addicks boss Garner bemoans late refereeing decision in Stockport FA Cup draw

By Dan Evans at The Valley

Charlton manager Ben Garner felt the Stockport corner that led to a late equaliser in Saturday’s 2-2 FA Cup second round draw should not have been awarded.

Stockport substitute Myles Hippolyte headed home a Macauley Southam delivery to force the tie to a replay.

The Addicks had come from behind to lead 2-1 in the dying moments courtesy of a Ben Hinchliffe own goal and an Albie Morgan finish, but it was the last-minute goal that dominated the post-match thoughts of Garner.

“I’m really disappointed that the corner was given because the ball is not out of play,” said the Charlton boss.

“The linesman is on the opposite side of the pitch, not keeping up with play. He has guessed [when making the decision].

“I don’t know how he can see it, for me it is impossible to see. He has made a decision that has decided the outcome of the game,” Garner added.

“Officials should not be in that position; they should be making decisions that allow the game to be decided by the players on the pitch.”

The 42-year-old was also left frustrated by his team’s inability to secure victory before Hippolyte’s late equaliser.

Corey Blackett-Taylor and Scott Fraser hit the woodwork in the final 10 minutes at the Valley as Stockport desperately threw bodies forward in search of a goal.

“We had chances to get a third goal and kill the game,” explained Garner.

“I don’t think we were clinical enough in those situations, we should have put the game to bed. That can always come back to haunt you.”

With Charlton already enjoying plenty of success in cup competitions this season, their packed fixture list is only set to get busier with a replay against Stockport to be played in the coming weeks.

Garner admitted the tie, along with a Carabao Cup fourth round meeting with Brighton in the week before Christmas, will stretch his squad to the limit.

“I imagine it [the replay] will be next Tuesday, so that means we will have Stockport away and Morecambe away in that week,” said the former Swindon Town manager.

“We’ve obviously got the Carabao Cup game in December as well, so being blunt and honest, we could have done without having a replay.

“With the injuries that we currently have, we will have to make changes.”