By Tim Hodges from the Amex
Brighton & Hove Albion 0 Charlton Athletic 0
The Albion failed to capitalise on teams around them dropping points as they themselves were held at home by Charlton.
Albion had chances to score in the first half. Leo Ulloa having an effort blocked after superb build-up play involving David Lopez and Kazenga LuaLua.
Albion’s best chance of the first period fell to Inigo Calderon, who placed his shot wide from eight yards out.
In the second half Albion really dominated and kept Charlton penned inside their own half. But the Seagulls could not find the end result. Will Buckley came closest, heading a Vicente Rodriguez cross just wide of the far post.
Towards the end Dale Stephens 30-yard effort produced the save of the match from Tomasz Kuszczak and then Vicente, almost on the penalty spot, saw his fierce effort pushed on the crossbar by Ben Hamer.
From the resulting corner captain Gordon Greer rattled the woodwork as his close-range header hit the post and bounced to safety.
Albion now have a massive showdown with seventh place Leicester City at the Amex this coming Saturday.
The Seagulls still occupy sixth place in the Championship, the last play-off spot.
Albion: Kuszczak; Calderon, Greer, Upson, Bridge; Bridcutt, David, Vicente; Buckley, Ulloa, LuaLua. Subs: Ankergren, El-Abd, Painter, Crofts, Hammond, Orlandi, Barker.
Charlton: Hamer; Solly, Wiggins, Morrison, Dervite; Hughes, Jackson, Pritchard; Wilson, Harriott, Kermorgant. Subs: Button, Taylor, Stephens, Gower, Kerkar, Fuller, Haynes.
Ref: Mick Russell (Herts).
