Charlton boss delighted with performance as they come out on top at Fratton Park

Johnnie Jackson felt his Charlton Athletic side deserved to beat Portsmouth tonight – but admitted they got lucky that their opening goal was allowed to stand.

Replays showed that Chuks Aneke was offside from Sean Clare’s cross. Gavin Bazunu saved Aneke’s initial header but Conor Washington was on hand to turn in from close range in the 31st minute.

Clare produced another fine delivery for the Addicks’ second of the night on 64 minutes which was headed into his own net by Clark Robertson.

Pompey substitute Michael Jacobs cut the arrears with 11 minutes remaining but the South Londoners clung on to take the victory at Fratton Park.

Jackson said: “A big three points against a rival in the league, who are above us and we want to catch. Closing the gap is really important.

“The performance and the way we’ve gone about getting that win is really pleasing. It will do the confidence of my squad the world of good.

“I felt the goal was coming before we did score. We were the better team throughout but especially that first period we carried a massive threat on the counter attack. We should’ve had more goals. Gilbey has hit a post. We’ve been working a lot on him getting in those positions and trying to add goals to his game. He had another opportunity in the first half as well.

“Even at two [up] you are one goal away from it being a bit of a panicky ending.

“I think he [Aneke] was offside. But we’ve done enough in the game to warrant at least two goals. It’s gone our way, that one. But there have been a couple that didn’t recently – I’m thinking the Crewe game where we scored an equaliser which I felt should’ve stood.

“We’ve had a really good week on the training ground and done some good prep. It’s a big game, isn’t it? It’s always a great atmosphere here against a team just above you in the table. It’s on the TV…these sort of games seem to bring out the best in us.

“It can’t be that we can only raise our performance levels for these sort of games. That has to be the level every week if we want to do anything for the rest of the season. I’ve told the lads that because I know they are capable of it. It frustrates me when they dip off. But tonight everyone has stepped up.”