Mowbray blames fixture pile-up for FA Cup draw

After the New Year's Day defeat away to Ipswich, Tony Mowbray believes yesterday's 1-1 draw at The Valley was largely down to the number of games played by the Baggies in recent weeks.

Albion were behind after only two minutes when Chinese international Zheng Zhi put the Addicks ahead to make the visitors fifth game in a fortnight even more trickier than before kick-off. However, on-loan Manchester City forward Ishmael Miller equalled the scoring with a header in the 34^th minute.

Both teams seemed to struggle to find any periods of possession with Dean Kiely, on his return to The Valley, the busier of the two stoppers ensuring both sides had to settle for a replay at The Hawthorns on Tuesday 15^th January (KO 7.45pm).

"What you saw today was a product of what we've all been through - not just our team - and that is playing a lot of games," Mowbray explained.

"It was an under-par performance from us like in our last game at Ipswich.

"The sharpness isn't there at the moment - and I can understand why.

"But I'm sure with a week of rest, recovery and recuperation we'll be much better for the next round of fixtures coming up.

"I wasn't pleased with the performance because it was way below the standard I expect from the players.

"Afterwards, we had a good 20-minute chat about how we move on and what the expectations are.

"We understand the demands that have been put on the players lately but we still expect a lot better from them.

"I'm sure we'll get that as we push on."

Although disappointed with his team's display Mowbray singled out special praise for 'keeper Dean Kiely on his return to Charlton after spending six-and-a-half years at the London club.

"I'm delighted for Dean that he came back to his old club and performed at the level he did today," Mowbray continued.

"He's performed well for us all season but it's always nice for someone to go back to their old club and do well.

"We needed him to have a good game today."