Charlton edged a step closer to the Premiership, but were given a major scare by plucky Portsmouth at the Valley.

Needing a win to book their automatic promotion spot and secure the Division One title, Alan Curbishley's men were unable to claim all three points for the fourth match in succession.

They were rocked on 39 minutes, when Portsmouth striker Lee Bradbury opened the scoring. Bradbury shrugged off defender Richard Rufus to head home Justin Edinburgh's inch perfect cross from six yards out.

The home side's frustration began to show early in the second half, as they failed to break down the courageous Portsmouth defence. A fired up John Robinson was fortunate to escape a booking after he furiously debated a dubious offside decision.

But just when it looked as though Portsmouth were good enough to hold on to their advantage Charlton conjured an equaliser.

Swedish striker Mathias Svensson made a powerful surge into the area, drawing three defenders, before squeezing the ball to an unmarked Graham Stuart who blasted home from eight yards.

Robinson almost made it two goals in as many minutes when he ghosted past the visitors defence and unleashed a fierce drive form 25 yards, but keeper Russell Hoult made a spectacular one handed save.

Former Derby keeper Hoult was his side's best performer, and denied both Robinson and Andy Hunt on several occasions.

Charlton threw everyone forwards late on in a desperate attempt to snatch victory, but the Portsmouth defence held firm.

Charlton's recent slump in form would have been cause for greater concern for Curbishley had his side not built up such a cushion at the top of the table in the early part of the year.

A club record 12-match winning streak, which began at Crystal palace on Boxing Day and was ended by Swindon Town on March 11, helped Charlton build a 13-point lead and virtually ensure an immediate return to the top flight.

Chances to seal promotion were wasted with draws at Port Vale and Nottingham Forest, and a 1-0 Valley defeat by Huddersfield.

Nevertheless, should Ipswich Town fail to secure three points tomorrow the South Londoners will be promoted.

Teams

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.

Att: 20,043

Ref: T Heilbron (Newton Aycliffe).