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Pompey add to wins tally at The Valley

An own goal two minutes into the second half earned Pompey a superb away win at The Valley.

They gatecrashed the Charlton party as the Addicks celebrated the 25th anniversary of their return to The Valley. Stuart O'Keefe claimed the goal but it looked like Josh Magennis might have got the final touch for the game's only goal.

It was an excellent performance from the Blues as they mopped up Charlton pressure and did their share of attacking too, and they might have won more easily had Brett Pitman not had a penalty saved.

Pitman was the only returnee to the starting line-up, replacing Curtis Main, but the Blues were still without several injured players - including Ben Close, Kal Naismith and Dion Donohue.

Charlton enjoyed most of the early possession but struggled to test Luke McGee and gradually Pompey gained confidence and started to build pressure of their own.

Gareth Evans and O'Keefe both had shots at goal in one spell, before Ricky Holmes went close to a goal against his former employers at the other end.

There was a surprise at the start of the second half as Kyle Bennett replaced Conor Chaplin, but that was quickly forgotten as the Blues took the lead two minutes into the half.

Evans swung a free-kick into the danger area and in a scramble, there was confusion as to whether O'Keefe or Magennis got the final touch.

Pompey looked set to go 2-0 up on 65 minutes when Pitman was judged to have been fouled in the box, but his penalty was well-saved by Ben Amos - which lifted the home fans and left Pompey facing a long end to the game.

Charlton did have their moments as they threatened a late equaliser, with Mark Marshall and Leon Best both forcing McGee into serious action.

The victory moved Pompey up to seventh place and was noisily celebrated by their large contingent of travelling fans.

Boss Kenny Jackett told the club website afterwards: 'It was a very good performance and we showed plenty of belief to be able to take the game to Charlton. For the goal it was a great delivery from Gareth and it went in off Magennis — although O’Keefe is doing his best to claim it.'

Next up for Pompey is a home clash with Bury next Saturday.

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