Charlton Athletic defender Jason Pearce has taken to Instagram after he conceded a penalty which saw his side slip to a 1-0 defeat to high-flying Preston on Sunday afternoon.

The Addicks would have been hoping to build on last weekend's late 2-2 draw with West Brom when they came up against Alex Neil's side, but Preston delivered an accomplished showing the seal the three points at The Valley.

The key moment of the game came during the second half when Paul Gallagher converted from the spot after Pearce was adjudged to have fouled opposition striker Jayden Stockley in the penalty area.

Gallagher's 58th-minute spot-kick then proved to be the only goal of the match, despite both sides having chances to score in the final half an hour of the match, and Neil's men moved up to the Championship summit following the victory.

Charlton's fifth defeat of the season means Lee Bowyer's side are now sitting 10th in the Championship, and

/B4aQDQ0BIKa/">Pearce took to Instagram following the match to apologise to supporters for his foul on Stockley which proved costly.

Pearce was making his 12th appearance at the heart of the Addicks' defence, with the 31-year-old having captained Bowyer's side in every match he has started this campaign.

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The Verdict

Pearce has shown a high level of professionalism to take responsibility for Charlton's defeat, but I'm sure Addicks supporters will forgive him for a lapse in concentration.

Bowyer's side have over-performed so far this season so they can be excused for having one bad day at the office, and there is no shame in losing to a Preston side who have performed excellently so far this term.

Charlton now have a good opportunity to put things right when they make the trip across to London to take on Millwall next weekend, while Pearce will also be determined to make amends for his error on Sunday.