Powell content to collect points

Charlton manager Chris Powell insists he does not mind a dip in form as long as his League One table-toppers continue to pick up points following their 1-1 draw with struggling Rochdale.

Nicky Adams gave Dale a shock 53rd-minute lead but his effort was quickly cancelled out three minutes later by Yann Kermorgant's 25-yard free-kick to give the Addicks their third draw in four games.

Powell said: "Of course you want to win your home games. We've had two draws and maybe people are saying it's a bit of a blip. I would rather take a blip when we are still picking up points than a blip when we are not picking up any. We are in a tremendous position.''

The result maintains Charlton's unbeaten home record and extends their lead at the top to seven points over second-placed Sheffield United, but the Addicks boss acknowledged his side are not firing on all cylinders at the moment.

"We knew it would be a tough old evening for us," he added.

"Sometimes you look at it and it is a point gained or two points dropped. It is a bit of both really because the players showed some good character to come back so soon after going down to a real scrappy goal.''

Rochdale manager John Coleman hopes his side can take belief from the point as they battle to beat the drop.

He said: "I was really pleased with the effort we showed and proud of everyone.

"They've ran themselves into the ground but I've stressed to them they've got to expect more of themselves.

"They are quality players in their own right and they should expect more of themselves and more of each other. "