Charlton Athletic

Paul Sullivan
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

After listening to Blackburn boss Valerien Ismael following their loss to Wrexham I sensed this trip to Ewood Park was there for the taking.

Their squad was stretched, confidence low, and the home crowd restless. A perfect opportunity, and yet we let it slip.

I would have accepted a draw before kick off but surrendering a two-goal cushion still stings, especially after the promising result against league leaders Coventry City just three days earlier. This felt like a gift carelessly returned.

On a bleak January Sunday, credit to the 538 Charlton supporters who made the long journey north.

It is no small effort to spend a cold afternoon in a draughty away end before the first Monday back at work. Sadly, the players could not match that same commitment when it mattered most.

Tyreece Campbell was brushed off the ball far too easily in the build up to their first goal. We had numbers back but let Moussa Baradji nod in, and in the 77th minute, more naivety led to the equaliser.

So much for defensive discipline, something Nathan Jones insists is fundamental when key personnel are available.

That is what frustrates most; flashes of quality undone by poor concentration.

Our opener was beautifully worked, and while the penalty decision that doubled the lead was soft, we should never have invited pressure so quickly after.

Now comes a crucial spell. The Chelsea FA Cup tie offers respite, but the focus must shift to back-to-back home games against a revived Sheffield United and a dangerous Derby County side.

Four points from the two, as we managed earlier this season, would steady the ship.

Then, of course, there is the small matter of Millwall.

For now, Jones will welcome a brief break from league action and the chance, perhaps, to bring in fresh faces before Chris Wilder's men visit The Valley.

It is a big month ahead, and Charlton cannot afford many more self-inflicted setbacks.

Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones spoke to BBC Radio London after his side's 2-2 draw with Blackburn Rovers:

"Yeah, really [frustrated]. It wasn't a good game in terms of no team really had any control. But after taking a 2-0 lead we expect to win that game.

"The goal just before half-time probably lifted them and [it was] poor from us. [They] turn the ball over, [we] allow them to get to the byeline, clip the ball in. We don't pick it up – there's only one [Blackburn player] in the box – we have three and he gets a free header and scores. That's frustrating.

"Second goal, that one's really frustrating. We lose Miles [Leaburn], Miles has to come off. We can't make a sub, so we're down to 10 men. We have the ball in the corner, we clip it into the goalkeeper's hands. They go up the other end and score from a cutback.

"And this stuff that we normally defend really well, this is stuff we work on.

"In the end it's like a basketball game, and you're probably happy with a point at the end."

Paul Sullivan
Fan writer

It felt like the morning of a dentist's appointment – that uneasy anticipation before facing pain – as league leaders Coventry City rolled into The Valley.

And when the Sky Blues struck early, it was indeed like that first sharp injection.

But once the sting passed, Charlton went about their business with courage, organisation, and a performance that reminded everyone they belong at this level.

Frank Lampard's side came with swagger, yet they left knowing they'd been in a proper Championship battle.

Charlton, so often fragile after setbacks, showed real character.

Just days after the last-gasp defeat at Portsmouth, and facing a Coventry team with 54 goals already this season, the Addicks could easily have folded. Instead, they fought back.

Joe Rankin‑Costello, only recently brought into the side, continued his impressive run with the crucial equaliser – following up after Charlie Kelman's bursting run had forced a save from Carl Rushworth.

Image source, Shutterstock

Both goalkeepers played starring roles. Thomas Kaminski kept Charlton in it with key stops while, at the other end, Rushworth showed why he is destined to play in the Premier League.

The Addicks' defensive trio of Reece Burke, Lloyd Jones and Amari'i Bell gives the side solidity and a more balanced, confident look.

This was a draw that felt like progress. One more point towards that magic 50 mark, and another small climb up the table – now on 28. The gap to the drop zone may have narrowed slightly, but belief has grown stronger.

Rankin‑Costello's emergence could be the tonic to cure the post‑Christmas hangover that followed those defeats by Norwich City and Portsmouth.

He now returns to face boyhood club Blackburn Rovers, hopeful of another statement performance against opponents still smarting from a home loss to Wrexham.

Nathan Jones and his players deserve real credit.

They didn't panic after the early setback, they matched the league's best side stride for stride, and by full‑time, Coventry knew they'd been in a game.

A point gained, confidence restored – and an inspiring start to 2026.

Charlton manager Nathan Jones says he is "proud" of his players for the character they showed to come from a goal behind to draw 1-1 with Coventry on New Year's Day.

He told BBC Radio London: "It was an excellent football game with both sides going right at the game to try and win it.

"To concede after two minutes and to put in the performance showed we have bags and bags of character.

"After the goal in the first half I thought we were brilliant. I thought we tested them, we were athletic. Second half they had one or two chances but we had so many situations. That was a top level Championship game.

"The level of performance we put in… I'm proud. We have gone from a really tough time with injuries but when we have got our best players available that is the level of performance we can put in.

"I thought we were outstanding first half but people have told me we were better second half so I will have to watch it back."

On whether Charlton should have had a penalty for handball when Coventry defender Joel Latibeaudiere blocked a shot from Charlie Kelman:

"His hand is down by his side but it hits his hand and stops it from going in the bottom corner. I don't know.

"I don't know the rules any more, I've got to be honest. When we have feedback there is always a way around everything."

Image source, Opta

Relegation-battling Charlton Athletic welcome Championship leaders Coventry City for a vital clash at both ends of the table on New Year's Day (15:00 GMT kick-off).

The Addicks suffered an agonising late defeat at Portsmouth last time out for their seventh loss in nine games (W1 D1) to leave them just five points clear of the drop zone.

The Sky Blues are eight points clear of Middlesbrough in second and 10 ahead of Ipswich in third, who subjected them to their first league home defeat of the season on Monday night.

But Frank Lampard's side will be keen to get back on track after just two wins from their past six games (D2 L2) - both of which were by a 1-0 scoreline at the CBS Arena, having failed to win any of their previous three away matches (D2 L1).

• Charlton Athletic have won only two of their past 11 home league games against Coventry City (D6 L3), last hosting the Sky Blues in October 2018 in League One and losing 2-1.

• Coventry City have won each of their past three league meetings with Charlton Athletic, already their longest ever winning streak against the Addicks in the EFL.

• Charlton have lost five of their previous six home league games played on New Year's Day (W1), with the exception coming when beating Walsall 2-1 in League One in 2019.

• Coventry are unbeaten in their first game of the calendar year in each of the past 12 years (W9 D3), with only Manchester City (W13) on a longer such run in England's top four tiers.

• Coventry have won five of their past six away league matches in London (D1), winning both under Frank Lampard (1-0 and 4-0, both against Millwall in 2024-25 and 2025-26).

Paul Sullivan
Fan writer

Image source, Shutterstock

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. Instead, it reinforced how fragile Charlton's progress remains.

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. Injuries have taken their toll, but stability might still be Charlton's best route to safety.

The Addicks are halfway through the season with a tally that keeps them in the fight.

January will be crucial. Fresh quality is essential if that 50-point target and the safety of 21st place are to be achieved.

Because if this late heartbreak becomes a recurring theme, Charlton's return to League One could soon feel painfully inevitable.

Paul Sullivan
Fan writer

Image source, Getty Images

Where do you even start after that pitiful Boxing Day performance at Carrow Road?

"'Tis the season to be jolly," so let's find the positives from that 1-0 defeat to Norwich before the frustration takes over.

Thomas Kaminski, our goalkeeper, could justifiably come away from the game with some credit.

And 19-year-old debutant Keenan Gough should be quietly proud of his full Championship debut — a fine personal achievement for him and his family.

Now for the reality check, and it's one most Charlton fans will share after witnessing such a flat, lifeless display.

We knew it would be tough. Norwich are on the rise again under Philippe Clement, starting to look like the solid Championship side they're supposed to be.

However, even allowing for that, Charlton should have shown far more resistance.

Nathan Jones' absence from the dugout may have played a part — serving his suspension in the stands — yet the drop in energy and concentration was inexcusable.

Our travelling fans, who gave up part of their Christmas to make the deceptively long trip from London, deserved so much better.

There was no attacking threat, no tempo, no spark.

Set pieces, once a potential weapon, were wasted by loan signing James Bree, whose form has dipped alarmingly.

That Oxford win now feels a long time ago and the pressure only builds ahead of tonight's trip to Portsmouth — another side in-and-around us in the table.

The clouds of concern are thickening over this part of south-east London.

The talk of "being the best version of ourselves" is wearing thin. If that's truly the standard, then Charlton need to find that version of themselves again — quickly and repeatedly — just to stay in the Championship.

Norwich was a poor gift. Portsmouth tonight has to be the redemption.

Image source, Getty Images

Charlton Athletic assistant manager Curtis Fleming says his side were 'disappointing' in their 1-0 loss at Norwich City.

The Addicks did not create any clearcut chances at Carrow Road as they lost for the seventh time in nine matches.

With boss Nathan Jones serving a touchline ban it was his assistant Fleming who was left to give his assessment on the game:

"I thought it was disappointing. We always talk about being the best version of ourselves. I didn't think we were at them today," he told BBC Radio London.

"I thought it was a real opportunity to go and get a result away from home, coming off a good result at home, and I don't think we were anywhere near where we could have been or should have been today.

"It's not a disappointing result, it's a disappointing performance, and for us to be competitive in this league we have to be the best version of ourselves every Saturday for 90 minutes."

Image source, Opta

Norwich City will aim to boost their Championship survival hopes when they welcome Charlton Athletic to Carrow Road on Friday afternoon (15:00 GMT kick-off).

The Canaries are unbeaten in their past three (W1 D2) and could move out of the relegation zone for the first time since 21 October if they win, Portsmouth lose and Oxford fail to win.

The Addicks ended a six-game winless run (D1 L5) with a 2-1 victory over Oxford last time out and are eight points clear of the bottom three.

• Norwich have won two of their past three league games against Charlton (L1), as many as in their previous 15 (D4 L9). This is the first league meeting between the sides since February 2015.

• Charlton have won just one of their previous five away league games against Norwich (D2 L2), though it was in their last visit in September 2014.

• Norwich beat Millwall 2-1 on Boxing Day last year, ending a five-game losing run on the day. They last won consecutive Boxing Day matches in 1999/2000 (both times vs QPR).

• Charlton beat Cambridge 2-1 on Boxing Day last season, last winning consecutive Boxing Day league matches between 1994 and 1997 (a run of four).

• Norwich are unbeaten at Carrow Road under Philippe Clement in the Championship (W2 D1), having lost seven out of seven under Liam Manning. The Canaries are looking for three home wins in a row for the first time since between January and April 2024 (8).

Paul Sullivan
Fan writer

Image source, Shutterstock

On the morning of the game against Oxford United, I'll admit I was a little nervous. This felt like a six-pointer, even though we're not yet halfway through our first season back in the Championship.

Five points separated Charlton and Oxford near the foot of the table. Stretch that gap to eight, and Addicks fans could start to look forward to Christmas with a touch of cheer.

That eight-point cushion duly arrived, courtesy of a lovely right-footed strike from the returning Charlie Kelman. We've missed him badly, even when he wasn't fully fit, but he now looks every bit the player Charlton hoped for. The quality of his finish said it all.

Before that much-welcomed winner, though, you could have forgiven a neutral walking into The Valley for wondering if this was League One. It had all the hallmarks of a scrappy, hard-fought battle - and that's exactly what it turned into.

Among the standout performers, captain-for-the-day Lloyd Jones was immense at the back - our colossus in defence.

Rob Apter also returned to the side and put in a solid shift at left wing-back, a position that's caused us real problems with injuries. He impressed at both ends, delivering quality crosses and corners - a basic skill, though one not always as common as it should be.

Up front, Miles Leaburn caught the eye too, winning aerial duels and contributing tirelessly throughout.

Nathan Jones likes to call his substitutes "game-changers", and on this evidence, he's spot on. Kelman certainly was one, but so too was Tyreece Campbell, whose clever assist created the decisive goal.

Next up are two tricky away fixtures against improving sides in and around us - Norwich City and Portsmouth.

Yet with this win and a dogged draw at Birmingham fresh in the memory, belief is building nicely before the festive games. A few more returning players could make all the difference.

Saturday's match marked our final outing of 2025 at The Valley, and what a memorable year it's been in SE7.

Our Welsh warrior at the helm has us in good nick - 27 points at this stage feels quietly satisfying.

Merry Christmas, everyone.

Joshua Adu-Donkor
BBC Final Score reporter

Image source, Shutterstock

A total of 49 days was the amount of time that Charlton striker Charlie Kelman was out due to injury.

It took him only 17 minutes to get himself on the scoresheet after coming off the bench. It's now two goals in two appearances for the American striker.

A timely reminder ahead of a busy festive period of the quality the striker can add to the Charlton attack to move them up the Championship table.

Kelman made the move in the summer from east to south London after getting 28 goals and assists for Leyton Orient in the last campaign.

He has struggled to light up The Valley so far but this substitute performance against Oxford United is just what the doctor ordered, or maybe it was Santa?!

Image source, Rex Features

Nathan Jones called Charlie Kelman's cameo a "perfect return" after the striker came off the bench to score the winner in Charlton Athletic's 1-0 win against Oxford United today.

Former USA youth international Kelman had missed the last eight games for the Addicks due to injury but came on to replace Tanto Olaofe on the 61st minute and netted the winner 17 minutes later to end Charlton's six-match winless run.

"We didn't demonstrate the clinical killer instinct we needed, but when we needed it, we did, and then we were able to see it again," Nathan Jones told BBC Radio London after the match.

"It is a perfect return [for Charlie Kelman], but that's what we've been saying. We brought a load of quality in and now we want to see it because Charlie was playing through injury.

"It was a tendon injury that wasn't picked up, so he was not firing on all cylinders. That's healed now, and he's looked a different animal the last two or three weeks in training.

"I knew that, given the opportunity today, he's the one—well, we have a few at the club, [Luke] Berry, [Matty] Godden, and him—that you give them that type of opportunity and they finish, and it was a wonderful finish."

Charlton Athletic will seek an end to a difficult spell when they host bottom three side Oxford United on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

The Addicks suffered a five-match loss streak before their draw to Birmingham City on the weekend but still remain without a win in six to drop them down from the upper half of the table to just 17th.

Oxford's trip to the Valley will offer up a good opportunity though, with Gary Rowett's side without a win on the road since a 2-1 at Hillsborough in October.

• After winning seven consecutive league games against Oxford between 1993 and 1998, Charlton have won just one of their last 14 against the Us since 2016 (D5 L8).

• Oxford have won four of their last seven away league games against Charlton (D2 L1), having been winless in their first 15 visits between 1968 and 1997 (D7 L8).

• Charlton have lost five of their last six Championship matches (D1). Since the first game in this run on 8th November, no side have picked up fewer points than the Addicks in the competition (1 – level with Sheffield Wednesday).

• Oxford have won just one of their last nine Championship matches (D4 L4), with that one victory coming at home (2-1 v Ipswich). Since the start of November, only Sheffield Wednesday (0) have won fewer matches than them (1) in the competition.

• Brian De Keersmaecker leads all Oxford players for assists (4) and chances created (31) in the Championship this season. 19 of his chances created have come from set plays, with only Coventry's Matt Grimes (28) registering more in the division.