Yesterday's draw against Portsmouth received an enthusiastic response on social media from the Addickted, confounding those who like to read results off the table. Our position is still precarious but there is a new spirit, cohesion and determination in the team. Critics of Nathan Jones have had to bide their time.
Despite the teams' contrasting form of late, Pompey had only won one in 10 against the Addicks before this game and experienced another stern test during a first half in which both sides struck the woodwork.
Daniel Kanu hit a post in the third minute for the home side and Paddy Lane's header came back off the crossbar for Portsmouth after 16 minutes.
In a much less open second period, the visitors had the chance to snatch an 88th-minute winner when Myles Peart-Harris was sent through on goal but he was denied by a last-ditch challenge from Macaulay Gillesphey.
Portsmouth failed to capitalise on losses for both Derby and Bolton and although the stalemate meant Charlton claimed another impressive point, they are now 18 games without a victory, matching the longest winless streak in the club's history.
Unfortunately, Lloyd Jones - who has been praised even by the hyper critical - picked up a booking for dissent and will now miss the next two games: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/hes-been-silly-but-it-opens-a-chance-for-someone-else-nathan-jones-after-lloyd-jones-picks-up-two-game-ban-for-10th-yellow-card/
Keeper Harry Isted also deserves credit for his part in keeping a clean sheet for the first time in 22 matches: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/sport/massive-charlton-goalkeeper-harry-isted-on-a-first-clean-sheet-in-22-league-one-outings/
If the Messiah can claim one point on Tuesday, that too will be a good result.
ReplyDeleteAfter that it's three points from at least half the remaining games, that's five or six from eleven with a draw or two along the way.