Tony Pulis was left frustrated at some of the decisions against his team at The Valley as the Potters suffered their first league defeat in 13 games.

Lloyd Sam's late header gave Charlton all three points in the clash between the two promotion chasing sides in London on Tuesday evening.

Speaking to Stoke City World he said: "I don't know whether the goal was offside but it looked very dubious to me.

"We should have had a penalty, the referee said the lad played the ball but he played John Eustace first.

"Unfortunately it was at their end and he didn't give it."

The City boss couldn't fault the commitment of his players, but insists there is still a lot more to come from his side.

"The players worked their socks off again tonight", he said.

"We know we can do better in possession of the ball and we didn't play as well as we can but we've still had five great chances to score.

"On another night Ricardo could have got a couple, Leon Cort had a chance and so did Jon Parkin right at the very end, but that's the way it goes."

The best way to get over the defeat is by beating Cardiff on Saturday but Pulis knows it won't be easy.

"Cardiff are the form team at the moment," he says.

Stephen Thompson and Paul Parry are playing up front for them now and are doing exceptionally well.

"They are a very dangerous side and they look a decent footballing team."

The gaffer also feels the return of Mama Sidibe from the African Cup of Nations and Salif Diao will be like having two new signings.

Adding: "Mama brings a lot to the team and we have definitely missed him.

Likewise with Salif, when we have them both back it will feel like we have new very good new players.

"We're also looking for two or three other players if we can get them in before Thursday, but if not we've got the loan market.

"We have made a few enquiries so we have got to hope one or two things drop for us."

MATT NICHOLS