Portsmouth vs Charlton: A Tense Encounter with Missed Chances

This never threatened to turn into a classic. It simmered instead, tight and nervous, with the feeling from early on that a single strike would probably settle it – if anyone could find one.

Charlton made their intentions clear. They were content to let Portsmouth have the ball, drop into shape, and wait for the chance to spring forward on the break. It was a calculated call, and not a daft one either, given how often Pompey have been exposed by counters this season. Still, it’s not something you often see from a visiting side against a team not exactly renowned for suffocating possession.

The clearest opening of a cagey first half fell to Milli Alli. Back at Fratton Park, where he did his share of good work on loan, he was met with jeers from the away end that felt harsher than his record deserved. Then came the moment. Alli ghosted in at the far post, the cross dropped invitingly, and the volley looked made for the net. He somehow steered it off target. Only he will know how he didn’t bury it.

At the other end, Portsmouth at least had the comfort of a solid defensive display. Conor Shaughnessy and Benji Arthur stood up well, reading danger, winning duels, and keeping Charlton’s breaks largely at arm’s length. That platform meant Pompey were rarely stretched, but it also underlined the problem: reliability at the back, too little spark in front of it.

If Portsmouth are serious about climbing the table, this is the balance they must crack. The foundation is there. Now they need someone, or something, to light the touchpaper.