Charlton Athletic kept their unbeaten run at The Valley intact by holding Portsmouth to a 0-0 draw in a Championship fixture that, while lacking goals, still offered plenty of drama, especially after the interval. The home side dominated the first half, creating the better chances and looking the more threatening side, but both goalkeepers were up to the task and the match ended without a breakthrough. In the opening 45 minutes Charlton were the clearer team, probing Portsmouth's defence with a series of incisive moves. The most promising opportunity fell to Millen Alli, who had spent the latter part of last season on loan with the visitors.

In the 32nd minute he found himself on the end of a superb left‑wing cross from Tyreece Campbell and, from close range, volleyed over the bar. Just moments before, Portsmouth keeper Daniel Bielica had made a spectacular leg‑save to deflect a powerful strike from Karlan Grant that was headed towards the near post.

Portsmouth captain Marlon Pack also featured prominently, rising to meet a corner delivered from an early Campbell cross and forcing a crucial header. Despite having scored in each of their previous eleven away league games, the visitors failed to register a single shot on target before the break, underscoring Charlton's defensive solidity. The second half began with Charlton keeper Arthur Okonkwo forced into action in the 15th minute, extending a leg to block a low cut‑back from Terry Devlin after a slick piece of build‑up play.

Later, Conor Shaughnessy rescued the away side when he cleared a dangerous ball off the line after Addicks loanee Tyler Bindon headed a deep cross back into a perilous zone. Alli, who was jeered by the travelling fans each time he touched the ball, enjoyed one final chance before the interval, unleashing a 20‑yard effort that sailed straight to Bielica. The restart saw Okonkwo again on the alert, diving low to his left to tip a shot from Abu Kamara just seconds into the second period.

Portsmouth appeared fresher after a full week of preparation, while Charlton, having drawn 0‑0 with QPR just three days earlier, began to show signs of fatigue as the game wore on. Referee Andrew Kitchen dismissed a penalty appeal from Portsmouth left‑back Jayden Meghoma, who claimed a pull on his arm by Alli. Meanwhile, Charlton’s Oliver Skipp produced a textbook sliding tackle to dispossess Adrian Segecic on the edge of the area after Bindon lost possession.

Segecic later squandered a chance, firing weakly at Okonkwo from inside the box, and in the 81st minute Colby Bishop failed to convert a close‑range sliding finish from a cross by Ryan Kavuma‑McQueen. As the clock ticked down, Charlton dug deep into their bench.

Conor Coventry curled a ball in from a short corner, sending it across the edge of the area, while Shaughnessy made a vital defensive block on a Grant shot. The home crowd appealed loudly for a penalty when Miles Leaburn went down in a challenge with Benjamin Arthur, but the referee saw no foul. Post‑match, Charlton manager Nathan Jones praised his side, saying, "The performance was really good, especially in the first half.

We created some excellent chances, looked a threat and controlled the game. When you look at the game we had against them here last season, it was the polar opposite. Our midfield two were excellent and our wide ones carried a threat.

We had the absolute clear‑cut chance of the game. If we had scored the first goal, especially in the first half, then we are very difficult to beat here.

There probably won't be an easier chance in the Football League today than Millen Alli's chance. He is three yards out. He just needs to guide it on target and he scores. He managed to put it over.

Karlan Grant had a great chance. It was a really good game, end to end and two really committed sides.

Portsmouth beat us twice last season, so it is a better result than we had last year. Overall the performance level was there and it's a clean sheet.

You can see some partnerships building. We want to get all our injured players back. We had Charlie Kelman back today and hopefully we get Josh Edwards back next week, so that is another one. We will be in a stronger position after the international break.

The five defenders have had to go from the Tottenham game until now, really putting in proper shifts. To keep three clean sheets shows that." Portsmouth boss John Mousinho reflected on his side's effort: "You come away from home and draw 0‑0, then a clean sheet is the really positive aspect of the game. We created some really good chances in the second half but just didn't put the ball in the net. Mixed emotions, because we could have won it.

We got into some good spots but didn't really test the goalkeeper in the first half. With Charlton playing Wednesday night we thought we'd have more joy as the game opened up, which we did.

There are some really good signs, but we need to keep improving. We put the chances in the back of the net last week.

We didn't do it this week. The top end of the pitch, we have got quality and goals there, which I think will come." Both managers highlighted the importance of maintaining defensive discipline while seeking that elusive goal. Charlton's ability to keep a clean sheet against a side that had been prolific away from home will be a confidence booster as they look ahead to the international break and the fixtures that follow.

Portsmouth, on the other hand, will be eager to convert the chances they created in the second half into goals in upcoming matches, hoping that their attacking quality can finally break through a stubborn defence. The match also featured a reminder of the entertainment value of Championship football, with open play, aerial duels, and moments of individual brilliance keeping supporters engaged despite the lack of a final tally. Fans were encouraged to watch free Championship highlights and to stay tuned for more action as the season progresses. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £250k!

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