Nathan Jones left frustrated by Millenic Alli miss as Charlton draw blank

Nathan Jones was left to rue Millenic Alli’s glaring first-half miss in Charlton’s 0-0 draw with Portsmouth.

The summer signing from Luton, playing against the team he had a loan spell with last season, had a huge opportunity to score his first goal for the Addicks in the first half but volleyed Tyreece Campbell’s pinpoint cross over the crossbar from close range.

“The performance was really good, especially in the first half,” said boss Jones. “We created some excellent chances, looked a threat and controlled the game.

“When you look at the game we had against them here last season, it was the polar opposite. Our midfield two were excellent and our wide ones carried a threat.

“We had the absolute clear-cut chance of the game. If we had scored the first goal, especially in the first half, then we are very difficult to beat here.

“There probably won’t be an easier chance in the Football League today than Mille Alli’s chance. He is three yards out. He just needs to guide it on target and he scores. He managed to put it over.

“Karlan Grant has had a great chance. It was a really good game, end to end and two really committed sides. Portsmouth beat us twice last season, so it is a better result than we had last year.

“Overall the performance level was there and it’s a clean sheet. You can see some partnerships building.

“We want to get all our injured players back. We had Charlie Kelman back today and hopefully we get Josh Edwards back next week, so that is another one.

“We will be in a stronger position after the international break. The five defenders have had to go from the Tottenham game until now, really putting in proper shifts. To keep three clean sheets shows that.”

Portsmouth enjoyed more attacking play in the second period but failed to score in an away league match for the first time since February.

Head coach John Mousinho said: “You come away from home and draw 0-0, then a clean sheet is the really positive aspect of the game.

“We created some really good chances in the second half but just didn’t put the ball in the net. Mixed emotions, because we could have won it.

“We got into some good spots but didn’t really test the goalkeeper in the first half. With Charlton playing Wednesday night we thought we’d have more joy as the game opened up, which we did.

“There are some really good signs, but we need to keep improving.

“We put the chances in the back of the net last week. We didn’t do it this week. The top end of the pitch, we have got quality and goals there, which I think will come.

“The back five in general were pretty good when you consider it is (Tyreece) Campbell, Alli, (Miles) Leaburn and Grant, four very powerful and skilful players at the top end of the pitch. They handled that very
well.

“I can’t remember Charlton creating anything from open play in the second half. That was impressive.

“Our downfall this year has been allowing teams to hit us on the counter or conceding a set-piece when we have controlled games. We didn’t do that today. My big emphasis to the boys, if you’re not quite firing, is come
away with a clean sheet and attack next week.”