Today we look back at how Charlton fared in the festive period and as 2019 approached...
The success of November was followed by a frustrating December, plagued by inconsistency and fixture congestion. The month began with two defeats, a 2-0 loss to Doncaster bringing The Addicks' FA Cup run to an end before an 87th-minute Blackpool winner curtailed the four-match League One winning streak in a 2-1 defeat.
![PA-40110966.jpg](https://cdn.charltonafc.com/sites/default/files/archive/b220cdee41210b920dc39ce89beac5a01788df6514a40e4cfd4c5d0ffcd847475017d53c7950ad77.jpg)
However, once again displaying their mental toughness, the squad recovered from the successive defeats to win three matches in a row.
Karlan Grant and Nicky Ajose struck first-half goals in a superb 2-1 victory against Portsmouth at Fratton Park.
![PA-40207152.jpg](https://cdn.charltonafc.com/sites/default/files/archive/3decf1c64e8ae50a7392ec1402f4ace52b51ba330df55f819d593fc7ce8a4d932ef2fbad55a23711.jpg)
That win was followed by a 2-0 triumph against AFC Wimbledon, Lyle Taylor and Mark Marshall getting the goals in a strange match that saw both sides reduced to 10 men, with Naby Sarr seeing red in the first minute for a mistimed sliding challenge. The third win in a row was secured with another 2-0 victory, Ben Reeves and Tariqe Fosu the goalscorers in an assured performance against Gillingham in SE7.
![PA-40332059.jpg](https://cdn.charltonafc.com/sites/default/files/archive/e62249e5d7fb93ef9a17352ad575e9f3623375632bb619ca8472f955cf37a469a816bcf2dd0cc725.jpg)
Charlton’s phenomenal run of form was quelled with a pair of disappointing 2-1 defeats to bring 2018 to a close. Late drama again proved decisive in defeat to Coventry City as Tom Bayliss won all three points for the Sky Blues in the 89th minute. A damaging opening against promotion rivals Barnsley saw us concede twice in the opening quarter of an hour before Ben Reeves reduced the deficit in the second half in a game which Lee Bowyer's men were denied the point their recovery deserved.
![PA-40395767.jpg](https://cdn.charltonafc.com/sites/default/files/archive/6d332332ddace30fba9883ddb1eeefbd4104381373d9add60d7354a53e20487e22d22046801a6629.jpg)
A 2018 that offered clear signs of progression ended with the Addicks in sixth place, firmly in the play-off hunt.
For our review of November, click here...