Charlton fail to claim crown

Alan Curbishley denied he was feeling frustrated after Charlton again failed to claim the victory that would have guaranteed automatic promotion to the Premiership.

The first division leaders were rocked on 39 minutes when Portsmouth striker Lee Bradbury headed home from six yards, and had to wait until the 64th minute to get back on level terms through Graham Stuart.

Although Charlton continued to pile on the pressure in search of the win which would have secured them the title, they found goalkeeper Russell Hoult in stubborn mood.

"We've come away from a very tough match with a point, and in the circumstances I am satisfied with that," said Curbishley.

"Portsmouth worked us very hard. They were very direct and never gave us a chance to settle."

But Curbishley admitted he felt his side should have secured all three points at The Valley. "We certainly had enough chances. But we weren't at our best in front of goal and their keeper made some great saves."

Curbishley said that his side's inspired run of form since New Year had created a pressure of its own.

"When you are top of the pile everyone is out to get you. Because of our performances this season we have built up a reputation in this division and that makes you a target for everyone else.

"But I would rather be in this position than not. If you had offered me this situation at the start of the season I would have taken it, no doubt about it."

Portsmouth manager Tony Pulis was pleased that his side had battled to the end against the first division leaders.

"We worked hard and that is what we need to do," said Pulis. "I want to make sure teams really have to work to beat us. There is no disgrace in that work-ethic."

Portsmouth still need two points to guarantee safety and Pulis said: "We won't be happy until we are mathematically secure, but it's looking alright at the moment. I'd still like to think we can put together a few good results for the end of the campaign."

Charlton: Kiely, Barness, Rufus, Brown, Powell, Kinsella, Newton, Stuart, Robinson, Svensson, Hunt. Subs Not Used: Parker, Konchesky, Todd, Royce, MacDonald. Booked: Robinson. Goals: Stuart 64.

Portsmouth: Hoult, Waterman, Whitbread (Myers 71), Moore, Harper, Derry, Thogersen, Hughes, Edinburgh, Claridge (Allen 4), Bradbury, Allen (Awford 83). Subs Not Used: Crowe, Flahavan. Booked: Edinburgh, Harper. Goals: Bradbury 40.

Referee: T Heilbron (Newton Aycliffe).