Charlton 0-0 Oldham

The Addicks knew they would claim pole position from Leeds, who were without a match today, if they won this game by two clear goals.

But there was never any danger of that as Oldham battled hard to frustrate them and earn a deserved share of the spoils.

The first opportunity came Oldham’s way on four minutes when Reuben Hazell placed a header just over Rob Elliot’s bar.

Nicky Bailey was unfortunate to see a powerful shot from just outside of the area fly inches wide of the post and Miguel Llera’s long range effort earned a corner after Latics keeper Dean Brill was forced to push it behind.

Therry Racon resisted the temptation to go to ground under several Oldham challenges when he broke into the box midway through the half, eventually delivering a cross which Brill was able to deal with.

Matt Spring unleashed a volley from 40 yards, which appeared to be on target, but only several unkind deflections prevented what would have been a stunning strike from testing the keeper.

But Oldham protested strongly they should have been awarded a penalty after half an hour when Alex Marrow hit the deck under a challenge from Frazer Richardson, an appeal which was completely ignored by referee Mr Horwood.

Charlton were beginning to look a bit edgy and Oldham’s confidence grew even more when Dean Furman saw a 35th minute shot sail past the post.

Spring tried his luck again from long range four minutes later and his 30-yarder wasn’t too far away from the target, while Deon Burton almost applied a crucial touch to Llera’s dangerous cross as the Addicks finally woke up.

However, the opening 45 minutes was a largely forgettable affair and there was much relief in the stands when the officials signalled only one minute of added time.

Racon had the first shot on target on the second half, although his 47th minute shot at the second attempt was never going to cause Brill any major concerns.

Hazell did have the ball in the back of the net for Oldham on 53 minutes but he was clearly offside when Danny Whitaker’s free-kick was played into the box and the effort was rightly disallowed.

The game remained a poor one with Charlton struggling to break down a dogged and determined Oldham side, so it was some surprise that Phil Parkinson waited until the 64th minute to make his first substitution.

Jonjo Shelvey made was for Izale McLeod, although the new arrival didn’t make the best of starts when he completely scuffed a shot 15-yards out within two minutes of entering the field of play.

He was a bit more unfortunate moments later with an effort which just went over when under pressure from Jon Worthington.

Llera should have broken the deadlock in the 70th minute when he met Bailey’s free-kick but the defender’s header was just off target.

Leon McKenzie was handed his SE7 debut when he came on for Burton on 76 minutes.

McLeod headed wide from Bailey’s corner moments later but he missed an absolute sitter after Racon found him unmarked 12-yards out but the substitute somehow contrived to drill his effort wide of the post.

But Charlton colleague Kelly Youga almost made amends in spectacular style six minutes from time with a stunning overhead bicycle kick which crashed off the bar before the danger was finally cleared by a relieved Oldham defence.

Pawel Abbott blasted over in stoppage time with the last chance, but Parkinson will undoubtedly be concerned by Charlton’s failure to score in their last three league games.

Charlton: Elliot, Richardson, Llera, Dailly, Yoga, Sam (Wagstaff 84), Racon, Spring, Bailey, Shelvey (McLeod 64), Burton (McKenzie 76). Subs not used: Randolph, Basey, Solly, Tuna. Att: 16,441.