Shrewsbury boss Gareth Ainsworth described his side's last-gasp defeat at Charlton as "heart-breaking" but vowed to pick his players up.

The 1-0 loss thanks to Thierry Small's stoppage-time winner, which came shortly after Jordan Shipley had missed a golden chance at the other end, left the Shrews bottom of League One, seven points from safety.

Ainsworth said: "I will back every single player in that dressing room 100 per cent - they gave me everything today.

"The chances were few and far between for Charlton. We've had a great chance and they've gone and scored with virtually the last kick of the game. It is heart-breaking. But I'm not down - I will pick these boys up.

"I know the results mean we have gone bottom again, but we are so in this fight because of performances like that.

"Look at the gulf between the two clubs - how much they have spent on their squad - and we have to try and find a watch to match them. We so nearly did today and almost won it."

Small drove the ball beyond Shrewsbury goalkeeper Jamal Blackman in the sixth minute of added time to settle the contest, moments after Shipley fluffed his connection with the home goal at his mercy.

Only Leyton Orient have taken more points (16) than the 13 Charlton have picked up in the past six matches, with the Addicks now two points behind sixth-placed Barnsley with a game in hand and a superior goal difference.

However, assistant manager Curtis Fleming warned there is plenty of hard graft ahead in the quest for a play-off place.

"It is huge for us - everyone is talking play-offs, but we just need to be the best version of ourselves," said Fleming, who took on post-match media duties with boss Nathan Jones having a prior commitment.

"We can beat anybody in the league, but anyone can. You have to turn up. Yes, we are looking at the play-offs, but Bristol Rovers is the next game (on Tuesday). There is nothing won yet. We aren't anywhere yet.

"I'm not an emotional guy, but I was really buzzing for Thierry. He stays out in training every day. We've asked him to play a position and he is learning on the job.

"He has got all the attributes to be a top player. There are some things we've got to work with him on - the final product or picking out the pass when he gets there. The kid is trying every day.

"He's been hitting a few right-footers in training and we were wondering when he would score one. It's a wonderful finish. There is still more to come from him."