Nathan Jones: Portsmouth will be ‘delighted’ to escape with a point after goalless draw at The Valley

Nathan Jones reckoned League One leaders Portsmouth would be “delighted” to escape South London with a point after today’s goalless draw at The Valley.

Charlton kept a first clean sheet in 22 league outings as they held the table-toppers to a stalemate in a game in which both sides hit the woodwork.

It’s just the second time Pompey have dropped points in their last eight games as Charlton extended their unbeaten run to three.

But the Addicks are now 16 games without victory in League One – the longest winless run of any side in the top four divisions of English football all season.

Daniel Kanu struck the base of a post in the opening exchanges for the home side, with Portsmouth’s Paddy Lane heading against the crossbar later on.

Addicks stopper Harry Isted made a hat-trick of important first-half saves but chances were at a premium after the break.

Jones said: “We were the better side in the second half. You could see how many times they went down or picked up injuries or whatever it was. We showed we are an aggressive team and went right after them.

“They’ll be getting on the bus there and be delighted with a point. It’s a good point for them with the other two [Derby and Bolton] having lost. They were in a proper game today and that’s all we can ask.

“These are a good side. They’re top of the league. They’re scoring at will against most sides. For us to put in the level of performance and keep a clean sheet – I’m especially pleased with the second-half performance – then yes, it looks as though we’ve taken a step in the right direction.

“Absolutely,” added the Charlton manager when asked if the clean sheet is the biggest plus.

“We went toe-to-toe with Bolton and again against these today. I saw a lot of what I wanted to see from my team. Apart from [lacking] a little bit of quality in the final third it was an excellent performance.

“We don’t think we’ve cracked it in anyway but we’re laying a foundation where we can defend well and keep clean sheets. Then we have to make sure that we score at the other end. It’s a really positive point. A positive performance. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with the league leaders and they’re a good side. They’re scoring, they’re putting fours past people. We were more than value for our point.

“We’ve gone three unbeaten now. Yes, they are draws and we want to win games but there’s a foundation getting laid. Now, it’s constant work and picking the right team so we get that aggressiveness, that foundation and can open up a team as well.”

PHOTOS: PAUL EDWARDS