We are laying the right foundations, says Addicks boss after promising draw against leaders Pompey

Charlton claimed a first clean sheet in the league since October as they held league leaders Portsmouth to a 0-0 draw at the Valley and new boss Nathan Jones couldn't be much happier right now.

The Addicks still hover perilously, one place above the relegation zone, and it is now 18 without a win in all competitions. But this third draw in a row for the former Luton and Southampton coach speaks volumes of the progress.

"They are top of the league, scoring at will against most sides, so for us to put in a level of performance [like that] and keep a clean sheet...." Jones said. Trailing off because the half-finished sentence spoke for itself.

"I'm especially pleased with the second half performance. It shows we are taking a step in the right direction. We went toe-to-toe with Bolton [last week] and toe-to-toe with these today and I saw lots of what I wanted to see from my team.

"Apart from a little bit of [missing] quality in the final third, it was an excellent performance. We don't think we've cracked it in any way but we're laying a foundation where we can defend well and keep clean sheets and then we have to make sure we score at the other end. Today I thought we were more than value for a point."

Jones added: "We've gone three unbeaten with draws. We want to win games but there's a foundation getting laid. We showed we are an aggressive team today and got right after them. They will be getting back on the bus delighted to get a point. They were in a proper game today and that's all we can ask for..

"We are not in a false position, but in the last three or four games, we've put in performances that defy where we are in the league, but we have to keep building."