Charlton Athletic kept their unbeaten run at The Valley intact by sharing points with Portsmouth in a 0-0 Championship draw. While the match lacked a breakthrough, it offered plenty of drama, especially after the break, and showcased both teams' determination.
In the first half Charlton looked the more threatening side, creating several clear-cut chances. The most notable came in the 32nd minute when Millen Alli, who spent the latter part of last season on loan at Portsmouth, found himself on the end of a perfect left‑wing cross from Tyreece Campbell.
Alli volleyed from close range, but his effort sailed over the bar. Earlier, Portsmouth keeper Daniel Bielica had been forced into a reflexive leg‑save to deny Karlan Grant a powerful strike aimed at the near post. Portsmouth’s captain, Marlon Pack, also made an impact when he headed a corner from an early Campbell delivery, but the ball failed to trouble the Charlton goal.
The visitors entered the game on the back of an impressive run of scoring in their last eleven away league fixtures, yet they failed to register a single shot on target before the interval. Charlton’s goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo was kept busy early on, stretching a leg in the 15th minute to block a low cut‑back from Terry Devlin after a slick build‑up. Later, Conor Shaughnessy rescued the Addicks by clearing a dangerous ball that had been headed back into the danger zone by loanee Tyler Bindon.
Alli, who was jeered by the travelling Portsmouth supporters each time he touched the ball, enjoyed his final chance before the break, unleashing a 20‑yard effort that was comfortably caught by Bielica. The second half began with Portsmouth pressing forward. Okonkwo had to use his height to dive low to his left and parry a shot from Abu Kamara just twenty seconds after the restart.
Portsmouth appeared fresher after a full week’s preparation, while Charlton, who had drawn 0‑0 with QPR just three days earlier, started to show signs of fatigue. Referee Andrew Kitchen dismissed a penalty appeal from Portsmouth left‑back Jayden Meghoma, who claimed Alli had pulled his arm. Meanwhile, Charlton’s Oliver Skipp made a timely sliding tackle to dispossess Adrian Segecic on the edge of the box after Bindon lost possession.
Segecic’s subsequent weak attempt was easily saved by Okonkwo, and later Colby Bishop failed to convert a close‑range cross from Ryan Kavuma‑McQueen in the 81st minute. As the clock wound down, Charlton dug deeper into their bench.
Conor Coventry curled a delivery from a short corner into the edge of the area, creating another potential threat. Shaughnessy produced a vital defensive block from a Grant shot, and the home crowd appealed loudly for a penalty when Miles Leaburn went down after a challenge with Benjamin Arthur. Post‑match, Charlton manager Nathan Jones praised his side’s performance, especially the first half, saying, “We created some excellent chances, looked a threat and controlled the game. Compared with last season’s reverse result, our midfield and wide players were a real menace.
If we had turned that clear‑cut chance for Alli into a goal, we would have been very difficult to beat.” He added that a missed three‑yard chance for Alli was the most straightforward opportunity of the match. Jones also highlighted the importance of keeping a clean sheet and the progress of partnerships within the squad, while looking forward to the return of injured players such as Charlie Kelman and Josh Edwards after the international break. Portsmouth boss John Mousinho reflected on the draw, noting the positive aspect of securing a clean sheet away from home.
“We had good chances in the second half but couldn’t find the net. It’s a mixed feeling because we could have won,” he said. He pointed out that Portsmouth had struggled to test the goalkeeper in the first half, but the game opened up after Charlton’s mid‑week match, providing more opportunities. Mousinho emphasized the need for continuous improvement and confidence that the quality they possess in the attacking third will eventually translate into goals.
Overall, the encounter was a tightly contested, end‑to‑end affair with both sides showing commitment and resilience. While neither side managed to break the deadlock, the match offered plenty of moments for supporters, and both managers left with a sense of optimism for the upcoming fixtures. The result means Charlton remain unbeaten at home, and Portsmouth keep their unbeaten away streak in terms of not conceding, setting the stage for an intriguing run of games ahead.