It was an afternoon to forget for Charlton Athletic and Stevenage as the two League One sides played out an uninspiring 0-0 draw at The Valley on Monday.
The home side controlled the game early on with George Dobson and Conor Coventry finding time and space on the ball. There was little to trouble Taye Ashby-Hammond in the Stevenage goal though, a dangerous Tennai Watson cross after 12 minutes the first sign of real promise but without an Addicks attacker making a run.
There were several sloppy passes from a defensively-assured Charlton backline with Stevenage lacking the quality to make the home side pay. Meanwhile, Freddie Ladapo busied himself in a physical battle with Carl Piergianni and Alfie May curled an ambitious attempt over the bar shortly before the half-hour mark.
Frustrations grew at The Valley as the fixture meandered to half-time as supporters groaned while Charlton struggled to unpick an organised Stevenage side. The Boro began to find a foothold in the match ahead of the break but an awful Alex Macdonald cross from a dangerous free-kick position was symbolic of the opening 45 minutes.
Whatever Nathan Jones said to his side at half time did the trick after the break with Charlton trying to seize the initiative in the second half. Ladapo came the closest with a header that ultimately didn't prove too much of a test for Ashby-Hammond before May almost capitalised on a loose Stevenage pass.
With the game opening up, Stevenage also started to create more chances. Jamie Reid leapt well to make Isted work as the game neared 60 minutes.
Jones turned to Chuks Aneke and Tyreeq Bakinson to change the game with the two Addicks players adding impetus to attacking moves as Charlton attacked towards the Covered End, but to no avail. Here's how the Charlton players rated.
9. Alfie May - 6
A little sloppy early on and curled a shot well over the bar in the first half. He was the most lively up top for Charlton and set the improved pace after half-time before his sub. | Getty Images
10. Freddie Ladapo - 5
Frustrated fans at times today. Became embroiled in a physical battle with Piergianni in the first half, which seemed to occupy him more than the task at hand. Improved after the break and was in the right place for a decent headed chance, which proved rather tame, before being subbed. | Getty Images
11. Daniel Kanu - 5
Never quite at the races today. Scuffed a good chance with 70 minutes on the clock and was offside to end a good injury time move. | Getty Images
12. SUB - Chuks Aneke - 8
The game was crying out for Aneke to try and seize control. He worked hard from the bench and was a handful for the visitors. | Getty Images