Alli chance goes begging for Charlton as they draw another blank against Portsmouth

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0 Comments This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald. Charlton drew another blank against Portsmouth at The Valley, raising concerns that their busy summer transfer window may not have addressed their inability to get enough goals.

The Addicks have scored just twice in their last five Championship outings. And while they still sit a healthy sixth in the table, with only one defeat, they have scored less than a goal a game overall – just as they did last season in finishing 19th after netting only 44 times.

There are important caveats. Striker Charlie Kelman made his first appearance of the season as a second-half substitute against Pompey following injury and the prolific Matt Godden has been sidelined since the opening day.

Karlan Grant's angled drive which was kept out by Pompey's Daniel Bielica at the near post (Image: Paul Edwards)

Charlton did create clear chances against Portsmouth, at least in the first half, and this was not a dull game. But it was their second goalless draw in SE7 in four days, following the midweek stalemate against Queens Park Rangers. And whereas the previous point had been hard-won against testing opposition, this one felt more like a missed opportunity.

Millenic Alli had been on loan at Fratton Park last season and manager Nathan Jones gave him his second Championship start for his new club in a bid to provide more menace on the right flank. Alli received a hostile reception from the sold-out away end, who taunted him from the start.

The winger squandered the best chance of the game when he blazed over at the far post on 32 minutes after being picked out by Tyreece Campbell. A rare second-half opening also went begging when Campbell’s cross to the unmarked Alli had far too much power.

Before the break the impressive Miles Leaburn planted a firm header wide of the right-hand post and Karlan Grant drove straight at the keeper from an angle. Tyler Bindon's header was cleared under the crossbar and Alli could only direct another effort at the keeper from the edge of the penalty area.

There was an unusual highlight when centre forward Leaburn charged back to usher Abu Kamara over the goalline in muscular fashion following a mistake by central defender Bindon. That drew warm applause from the disturbingly sparse home crowd.

But there was a sharp shift in momentum after half-time. Keeper Arthur Okonwko was called into action immediately to turn away a goalbound effort from Kamara and that proved a template for much of the second period.

Charlton left back Ivan Mesik tries to cross in front of the Covered End (Image: Paul Edwards)

Portsmouth had the advantage of not having played in midweek, which was a likely factor as Charlton legs grew heavier, so it was a little surprising that Jones used only one of his five potential substitutes. Only Alli and right back Danny McNamara had not started against QPR.

Another big opportunity went begging when Pompey substitute Ryan Kavuma-McQueen’s inviting low cross from the left narrowly eluded Colby Bishop.

The visitors’ finishing was no better than that of the home side, however. Charlton worked hard to limit their chances and did rally towards the end with Conor Coventry firing over and a loud penalty appeal after a barge on Leaburn, who was also booked for tussling with Ebou Adams.

Charlton's Miles Leaburn gets to grips with the opposition late on (Image: Paul Edwards)

The scoreline felt fair and the Addicks can justifiably still point to their overall record. They remain unbeaten at home, with three clean sheets in four matches there, and are one point and one place better off than at last season at the same stage.

Boss Jones said afterwards: “I’m pleased with a lot of elements of our game. I’m disappointed that we didn’t have a bit more of a cutting edge and a little more composure and quality in the final third because I thought we were well on top first half.”