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Charlton’s journey to Fratton Park introduced extra frustration than optimism, as two struggling sides served up a reminder of how unforgiving life might be close to the foot of the Championship.
Portsmouth could have been poor, however Charlton’s failure to take their probabilities and a lapse in focus on the finish noticed them depart empty-handed.
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Conor Shaughnessy’s opener on his return from damage got here simply when Charlton appeared to be gaining management. Brought on to assist include Miles Leaburn – a key determine in Charlton’s direct strategy – the defender as an alternative punished the guests from a set piece.
When Charlton finally levelled, it felt not more than they deserved, but switching off within the ultimate seconds proved pricey. For a aspect battling for survival, to concede in that method was unforgivable.
After the morale-boosting win over Oxford United, this festive double-header at Norwich and Portsmouth had supplied an opportunity to edge away from hazard. Instead, it bolstered how fragile Charlton’s progress stays.
The defensive pairing of Reece Burke and Amari’i Bell supplies some encouragement, whereas Joe Rankin-Costello confirmed he might be trusted.
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But for all of the endeavour, objectives stay the obvious difficulty – solely Portsmouth and Sheffield Wednesday have scored fewer this season.
Nathan Jones is starting to break up supporters, but it is price remembering how far he has taken this membership.
Promotion, a top-five spell and a Championship marketing campaign being fought with restricted sources underline his capability to extract outcomes towards the chances. Injuries have taken their toll, however stability would possibly nonetheless be Charlton’s finest route to security.
The Addicks are midway by way of the season with a tally that retains them within the battle.
January can be essential. Fresh high quality is essential if that 50-point goal and the security of twenty first place are to be achieved.
Because if this late heartbreak turns into a recurring theme, Charlton’s return to League One may quickly really feel painfully inevitable.