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Charlton’s trip to Fratton Park brought more frustration than optimism, as two struggling sides served up a reminder of how unforgiving life can be near the foot of the Championship.
Portsmouth may have been poor, but Charlton’s failure to take their chances and a lapse in concentration at the end saw them leave empty-handed.
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Conor Shaughnessy’s opener on his return from injury came just when Charlton looked to be gaining control. Brought on to help contain Miles Leaburn – a key figure in Charlton’s direct approach – the defender instead punished the visitors from a set piece.
When Charlton eventually levelled, it felt no more than they deserved, yet switching off in the final seconds proved costly. For a side battling for survival, to concede in that manner was unforgivable.
After the morale-boosting win over Oxford United, this festive double-header at Norwich and Portsmouth had offered a chance to edge away from danger. Instead, it reinforced how fragile Charlton’s progress remains.
The defensive pairing of Reece Burke and Amari’i Bell provides some encouragement, while Joe Rankin-Costello showed he can be trusted.
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But for all the endeavour, goals remain the glaring issue – only Portsmouth and Sheffield Wednesday have scored fewer this season.
Nathan Jones is beginning to split supporters, yet it’s worth remembering how far he has taken this club.
Promotion, a top-five spell and a Championship campaign being fought with limited resources underline his capacity to extract results against the odds. Injuries have taken their toll, but stability might still be Charlton’s best route to safety.
The Addicks are halfway through the season with a tally that keeps them in the fight.
January will be crucial. Fresh quality is essential if that 50-point target and the safety of 21st place are to be achieved.
Because if this late heartbreak becomes a recurring theme, Charlton’s return to League One could soon feel painfully inevitable.
