'New signings essential for Charlton to survive'

"Charlton's trip to Fratton Park brought more frustration than optimism, as two struggling sides served up a reminder of how unforgiving life can be near the foot of the Championship. Portsmouth may have been poor, but Charlton's failure to take their chances and a lapse in concentration at the end saw them leave empty-handed. Conor Shaughnessy's opener on his return from injury came just when Charlton looked to be gaining control."

"Brought on to help contain Miles Leaburn - a key figure in Charlton's direct approach - the defender instead punished the visitors from a set piece. When Charlton eventually levelled, it felt no more than they deserved, yet switching off in the final seconds proved costly. For a side battling for survival, to concede in that manner was unforgivable. After the morale-boosting win over Oxford United, this festive double-header at Norwich and Portsmouth had offered a chance to edge away from danger."

"The defensive pairing of Reece Burke and Amari'i Bell provides some encouragement, while Joe Rankin-Costello showed he can be trusted. But for all the endeavour, goals remain the glaring issue - only Portsmouth and Sheffield Wednesday have scored fewer this season. Nathan Jones is beginning to split supporters, yet it's worth remembering how far he has taken this club. Promotion, a top-five spell and a Championship campaign being fought with limited resources underline his capacity to extract results against the odds."

Charlton lost at Fratton Park after conceding a late set-piece goal despite Conor Shaughnessy's earlier opener on his return from injury. The team created chances but failed to convert them, and a lapse in concentration in the final seconds proved costly. Defensive pairing Reece Burke and Amari'i Bell offered some solidity while Joe Rankin-Costello showed reliability. Goalscoring remains a major problem, with only Portsmouth and Sheffield Wednesday having scored fewer this season. Injuries have hindered consistency, and supporters are increasingly divided over Nathan Jones despite his prior achievements. January signings of fresh quality are essential to reach 50 points and avoid relegation.

Read at www.bbc.com