Charlton captain Jason Pearce took responsibility for his side’s 1-0 defeat to Preston at The Valley.

The Addicks slumped to a disappointing defeat thanks to Paul Gallagher’s penalty on 58 minutes after Pearce wrestled Preston striker Jayden Stockley to the deck.

Referee David Webb had no hesitation in pointing to the spot and Pearce took the blame squarely on his own shoulders.

“The penalty was my fault and lost us the game ultimately,” he said.

“I’d imagine it looks like a penalty.

“I’m a hands-on defender, I just tried to stay with him, he’s falling, my arms are around him, it’s how I defend.

“I’ve lost us the game and I’m disappointed.”

Charlton boss Lee Bowyer echoed his skipper’s comments and had no qualms with the decision.

“It was a foul, no complaints,” a frustrated Bowyer said.

“He’s old enough and experienced enough to know he can’t be grabbing people and do what he’s done.

“It disappoints me because that’s how we’ve lost the game and it shouldn’t be happen.”

Preston forward Stockley caused the Addicks back-line trouble all game with his physical presence.

The visitors opted for a more direct style of play with Stockley leading the line, a tactic which surprised Pearce.

 “He’s effective and they used him well,” Pearce added.

“I knew him from Bournemouth.

They used him well but we were slightly off it today, and made them look better.

“I don’t think we had many shots on goal today, so it’s a disappointing day to be honest.”