Charlton in their Pomp

Charlton went fifth in League One tonight after they beat league leaders Portsmouth 2-1 in a hard fought match at Fratton Park. The Charlton goals came in the first half, the first from Karlan Grant and then by the substitute who replaced him after he was injured, Nicky Ajose. 899 Addicks saw the win in a crowd of 17,891. Charlton have won on seven of their last eight trips to Portsmouth.

There were promising early signs as Charlton broke dangerously into the Portsmouth half. Grant released Taylor, but his half volley was parried by the keeper. Grant's pace was causing real problems for the home side. Grant went down, but received treatment.

On 24 minutes Aribo set up Taylor who put in a low cross and Grant scored from close range. Grant had to go off on 35 minutes. On 43 minutes good work by Lapslie, who was outstanding throughout, kept the ball in. Taylor was then able to put in a low cross and Ajose scored from close range.

A Reeves effort was blocked on 52 minutes. Reeves was replaced by Marshall as Pompey were getting too much freedom on the Charlton right.

Pompey then applied more pressure. Steer made a save on 60 minutes and Lapslie cleared off the line. Pitman and Sarr had a bout of handbags after a clash and they each got a yellow card. Lowe fell over in the area, the first of a number of Pompey attempts to get a penalty, and was booked for his trouble.

Somehow Charlton survived the onslaught, although there were a number of heart stopping moments. A shot from Taylor was blocked. Bielik had to be taken off after he received the benefit of an elbow and Solly took up the defensive midfield role.

A cynical foul by Thompson on Marshall earned him a yellow card. On 87 minutes Green scored for Portsmouth. Lapslie headed clear on the line. Steer was booked for time wasting.

Six minutes were added on. Former Millwall charm merchant Thompson was sent off after a challenge that left Taylor limping.

Smiling supremo Lee Bowyer was delighted with his side's performance: Delighted

Richard Cawley's match report is here: Addicks show steel

Karlan Grant is to have a scan on his hamstring, while Lyle Taylor left wearing a protective boot. Mark Marshall has damaged ribs.