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Charlton Athletic failed to move level on points with sixth placed Portsmouth after a lacklustre goalless draw against Ipswich Town at The Valley.
The away side started the game stronger, as Keanen Bennetts’ early effort was cleared off the line by Jason Pearce.
On the half hour mark Charlton had their own effort cleared off the line as Tomas Holy’s fumble presented Jayden Stockley with an opportunity but his soft effort from an acute angle was cleared by a covering defender.
Despite defensive solidity, the Addicks struggled to put any meaningful passages of play together throughout the opening 45 minutes.
Charlton’s best chance of the game arguably came from a corner on 56 minutes as Diallang Jaiyesimi’s flicked header was denied by Holy from point blank range.
The rest of the encounter saw neither side fail to create anything dangerous, with tame efforts from Liam Millar and Gwion Edwards around the hour mark all either side could muster.
Charlton did press for a winner late on with Jake Forster-Caskey and Jayden Stockley coming close but it was too little too late.
Key Points
Check out all the key talking points and reaction from London Football Scene below…
Key Moment
Jason Pearce’s early block to deny Keanen Bennetts stopped the away side getting their tails up and making this encounter much more difficult.
Moan of the Match
The number of soft fouls throughout stopped the game finding any rhythm. It was clear to see the frustration from both benches.
Talking Point
Will this one prove to be a key slip in Charlton’s push for the Play-Offs? With Pompey losing, the Addicks missed a chance to pile pressure on the top six.
Man of the Match
Jake Forster-Caskey – despite Charlton not creating much to worry Ipswich, the midfielder was at the centre of everything positive that the Addicks could muster.
Tweet of the Match
Referee Watch
Craig Hicks (Surrey) – don’t ask Paul Cook for a recommendation. A busy day with the whistle for Mr Hicks, who could have let few go.
Atmosphere
Neither side will be happy with the stalemate and both benches were voicing their frustrations throughout.
Verdict
The unbeaten run may have stretched to nine games, but it was a lacklustre performance under the circumstances and Charlton boss Nigel Adkins will feel his side missed a big opportunity which could prove crucial during the run-in.
