Lincoln City and Charlton Athletic were forced to settle for a share of the points on a storm-hit day.
Storm Darragh played its part, as the SkyBet League One game ended goalless in front of more than 8,300. Lewis Montsma’s chance at the back-stick from a Sean Roughan corner was as close as either team got to a decisive goal.
A Slow and Steady First-Half:
Michael Skubala made four changes from the side that were beaten by Rotherham United in midweek. The injured Adam Jackson and ill Ben House made way, alongside Ethan Hamilton and the suspended Tendayi Darikwa.
It offered a change of shape for the Imps, with academy duo Freddie Draper and Jovon Makama leading the line.
And, it was the home side that started brightest. A strong header from captain Paudie O’Connor sent Irish compatriot Jack Moylan in behind, forcing a save out of Ashley Maynard-Brewer.
Charlton struggled to get out of their own half, while Lincoln were not turning their dominance into goalscoring chances. Moylan did force another routine save though, with Maynard-Brewer diving to his left on 21 minutes.
The Addicks then sparked into life. The pacey Tyreece Campbell blazed an effort over the bar, as he proved a threat from right-wing back.
Nathan Jones’ men had a sustained period of pressure as the clock hit 30 minutes. A cross flashed across the face of George Wickens’, Karoy Anderson had a shot deflected, and Greg Docherty curled an effort wide.
In the wind and rain of Storm Darragh, the game ebbed towards half-time. Ethan Erhahon lashed a wild effort over the Stacey West Stand, as quality remained at a premium.
Slower and Steadier:
Lincoln City had three wins in their last eight all competition games heading into the visit of Charlton Athletic, while the away side had a run of form that was just as mixed.
Despite cup victories, the Imps had not claimed three points in a league game since October.
Lincoln went close on the hour mark, as Roughan whipped in a tasty cross from the corner flag. Helped along by the forceful wind, it reached the back post. Montsma looked to poke it home and only narrowly evaded adding a telling touch.
The lack of quality that defined the first-half showed no sign of changing after the break, with chances remaining sparce. Charlton substitute Allan Campbell stabbed an effort wide of Wickens’ point, while Sheffield Wednesday loanee Bailey Cadamarteri could not turn a Jovon Makama pass goalward.
Lincoln City and Charlton Athletic Share Spoils:
The Imps were forced to settle for a point, as Charlton Athletic continued their mixed run of results.
The goalless draw meant Lincoln are now six league games without a win, while they avoided losing a fourth straight league match.
Michael Skubala will now ready his men for a trip to West Yorkshire, to face Huddersfield Town. That comes after the EFL Trophy tie with Morecambe on Tuesday.