Boss Chris Powell admitted Charlton Athletic were "beaten by a better team" after Tuesday night’s defeat to League 1 promotion-chasing Southampton.

After a 3-1 win against Leyton Orient on Saturday, the Addicks were hoping to record back-to-back wins for the first time since February but struggled at Southampton’s St Mary’s stadium. Goals from Guly Do Prado and Lee Barnard either side of the break condemned Powell’s side to a defeat.

Charlton created precious few goal scoring opportunities and were ultimately made to pay for their lack of cutting edge in the final third.

A disappointed Powell (pictured) said: “Overall, we were beaten by a team which is flying. You need to make a good start when you come to a side that is in the top-three and we did have a little spell 10 minutes in. We did have one or two moments, but we were beaten by a better team.”

Despite the defeat and the club’s slide away from the League One play-offs, Powell is confident his players can still save their season with only six games remaining. Charlton are 10 points adrift of the final play-off spot.

Powell added: “I’m looking for six wins. I’m looking for the players to try and show everyone that they are proud to play for Charlton. It was a tough game against Southampton but it was one we can definitely learn a lot from.”

The Addicks hope to arrest their slide down the table when they travel to 16th placed Oldham Athletic on Saturday.

What are your thoughts on Charlton's defeat at Southampton?