Charlton Athletic kept their flawless record at The Valley this campaign alive by holding Portsmouth to a goalless draw. While the scoreboard remained empty, the encounter offered plenty of moments to keep the spectators engaged, especially after the break when the tempo opened up. In the first half, the home side dictated the pace and generated the more threatening chances. The clearest opportunity fell in the 32nd minute when Millen Alli, who spent the latter part of the previous season on loan with the visitors, found himself inside the box after a razor‑sharp left‑wing cross from Tyreece Campbell.
He volleyed the ball from a few yards out, only to see it sail over the bar. Earlier, Portsmouth’s custodian Daniel Bielica had been called into action when a ferocious strike from Karlan Grant rattled the near post; Bielica used his legs to deflect the effort and keep the scoreline level.
Portsmouth’s captain, Marlon Pack, also had a chance to make a difference when he rose to meet a corner delivered by Campbell, heading the ball clear. Despite having netted in each of their previous ten away league fixtures, the visitors failed to produce a shot on target before the halftime whistle. The second half began with Charlton’s goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo staying alert, extending a leg to smother a low cut‑back from Terry Devlin in the 15th minute. Later, Portsmouth defender Conor Shaughnessy cleared a dangerous ball off the line after a deep cross from Charlton loanee Tyler Bindon was headed back into a perilous zone.
Alli, who was met with jeers from the travelling Portsmouth fans whenever he touched the ball, enjoyed another moment at the end of the half. He struck a powerful shot from roughly 20 yards, but the effort was perfectly timed by Bielica, who gathered it comfortably.
Early in the second period, Okonkwo again proved vital, diving low to his left to parry a close‑range attempt from Abu Kamara within twenty seconds of the restart. The visitors, having a full week to prepare, appeared fresher and more energetic, while Charlton, still recovering from a 0‑0 draw with QPR just days earlier, began to show signs of fatigue. Referee Andrew Kitchen dismissed a penalty claim from Charlton left‑back Jayden Meghoma, who argued that Alli had pulled his arm. Later, Charlton midfielder Oliver Skipp made a clean tackle, sliding in to dispossess Adrian Segecic on the edge of the area after a turnover by Bindon.
Segecic then wasted a chance, calmly missing a tame shot at Okonkwo from inside the box. Near the 81st minute, Colby Bishop failed to connect properly with a low cross from Ryan Kavuma‑McQueen, allowing the ball to roll harmlessly away. As the clock wound down, Charlton dug deeper into their bench. Substitute Conor Coventry curled a shot from a short corner that had been played across the edge of the penalty area.
Shaughnessy again displayed his defensive instincts, blocking a powerful strike from Grant. The home crowd appealed loudly for a penalty when Miles Leaburn went down after a collision with Benjamin Arthur, but the referee saw no foul. After the final whistle, Charlton manager Nathan Jones reflected on the performance: "The first half was particularly strong – we crafted several high‑quality chances, threatened the opposition, and generally controlled the rhythm of the game. Compared with the fixture we played here last season, this was a completely different story.
Our midfield duo excelled and our wide players provided a constant outlet. If we had converted the clear‑cut chance that Millen Alli had – a three‑yard effort that was simply a matter of direction – the match would have been a very different proposition. Karlan Grant also had a superb opportunity.
Overall, it was an end‑to‑end contest between two committed sides. Portsmouth beat us twice last season, so a draw feels like an improvement. The defensive unit kept a clean sheet, which is encouraging as we look to get injured players back. Charlie Kelman featured today, and we hope to see Josh Edwards return next week.
After the international break, we should be in a stronger position; the five defenders have been stretched from the Tottenham game onward, and maintaining three clean sheets shows they are coping well." Portsmouth boss John Mousinho offered a complementary perspective: "Securing a point away from home and keeping a clean sheet are the positives we can take from this match. We created a number of good chances in the second half, but we simply couldn't finish them.
It’s a mixed feeling because we could have taken all three points. In the first half we didn't test the keeper much, but after Charlton’s midweek game we expected a more open encounter, and that materialised. There are clear signs of progress, yet we must continue to improve. We were clinical last week, finding the back of the net, but we haven't replicated that this time.
The quality we have at the top end of the pitch is there; the goals will follow." The match also featured promotional reminders for fans, including a note about watching EFL games on mobile devices, a link to free Championship highlights, and an invitation to join the Super 6 competition for a chance to win a £250,000 prize. Overall, the fixture showcased a disciplined defensive display from both sides, a handful of near‑misses, and a glimpse of the attacking potential that could emerge as the season progresses.
Both managers emphasized the need to convert opportunities and maintain fitness, hinting at a potentially tighter race as the campaign moves forward.