Charlton Athletic 1-1 Bristol City
Adam Baker reports from The Valley

Jamie McCombe's third goal in four games earned City a much-deserved point at Charlton's Valley.

City struggled in the first half but Charlton only had Darren Ambrose's early goal to show for their efforts.

The visitors improved after the break and deservedly levelled through McCombe's goal. They almost snatched it late on when Michael McIndoe hit the crossbar, but the point keeps City top of the Championship with ten games left.

Charlton came out of the traps flying and had an early lead when Ambrose combined well with Kelly Youga to work his way into the penalty area and drive a low shot into the bottom corner.

City, attacking an away end packed with around 1,500 supporters, struggled to fight their way back into the game.

And Adriano Basso was glad Jerome Thomas' screaming 30-yard drive found its way straight into his midriff on 22 minutes.

Moments later at the other end McIndoe crossed from the left and saw Dele Adebola loop a header onto the top of the goal-net.

But that incident also saw the big striker suffer a cut on his eyebrow - which took ages to stitch and left City struggling with ten men for more than ten minutes.

Even with Adebola back on the pitch, City again found themselves on the back foot as Basso's clearance struck the head of Iwelumo and it required a diving header from the Brazilian keeper to clear the danger outside his penalty area.

Then on the stroke of half-time Thomas was given time and space in the box to volley goalwards, but his effort was wayward.

City altered their formation at the break as Ivan Sproule was replaced by Darren Byfield, who partnered the bandaged Adebola up front. Nick Carle moved out to the right-wing.

All of a sudden City were on top with McIndoe driving three separate efforts wide of the goal from long range.

At the other end McCombe's wayward backpass put Basso in danger, and the Brazilian ended up chesting the ball over his own crossbar.

But McCombe made amends on 62 minutes when he guided in Lee Johnson's inswinging corner to level the scores.

A flare appeared on the pitch during the celebrations, which delayed the restart.

But when underway once more, City had to be alert to prevent Charlton from retaking the lead quickly.

Zheng Zhi had two efforts saved in quick succession, the first from close range in a goal-mouth scramble and the latter from 25 yards.

Adebola earned a free kick with ten minutes left and from the edge of the box McIndoe brilliantly curled over the wall, only to see the ball rebound back off the crossbar.

Varney headed a goalbound Holland drive over at the other end before an exciting grandstand finish.

Byfield went close on 89 minutes before Greg Halford almost hooked the ball into his own net at the death.