Terry Devlin stunner helps Portsmouth to victory at Charlton

Terry Devlin scored a spectacular long-distance strike as his brace helped Portsmouth move four points clear of the Championship relegation zone with a 3-1 win at Charlton.

The Northern Ireland full-back’s first goal of the evening had to go down as a goalkeeping error by Thomas Kaminski.

Colby Bishop doubled Pompey’s advantage at the break with Devlin adding a brilliant third in front of the travelling support.

Charlton substitute Jayden Fevrier’s 64th-minute goal proved to be only a consolation as Portsmouth recorded a first league double over their opponents since the 1985-86 season.

The two clubs held a minute’s applause before kick off in memory of Addicks supporter Norman Barker, whose passing during the December 6 fixture saw the match abandoned in the 12th minute.

Charlton had a huge chance to score inside the opening minute but Portsmouth goalkeeper Nicolas Schmid saved Harry Clarke’s attempt with his legs.

That fast start was not maintained by the hosts as the visitors, missing 13 first-teamers due to injuries, showed more control of the ball before the break.

Kaminski will not want to watch back the opening goal in the 22nd minute as Devlin’s swerving low strike from outside the area squeezed between his legs – ending the home team’s hopes of recording a fourth straight clean sheet.

It got worse for the London club when referee Leigh Doughty, who dished out six cautions in the opening 45 minutes, ruled that Amari’i Bell had handled Gustavo Caballero’s cross inside the penalty area.

Kaminski was booked for his protests before Bishop tucked his spot-kick down the middle. It was only the forward’s second league goal of the campaign and his first since August 23.

Zak Swanson produced a tame attempt from another strong shooting position after being played in on the left of the box by John Swift.

Charlton boss Nathan Jones made a triple change before the restart but Portsmouth went further ahead with a sensational strike from distance by Devlin in the 56th minute which flew into the top right corner.

Fevrier flashed an attempt narrowly wide of Schmid’s right upright shortly after the hour mark.

The on-loan Stockport winger did not have to wait long to cut the deficit, finishing cutely from Lyndon Dykes’ flick-on from a long throw.

But Charlton were unable to maintain their attacking momentum as Portsmouth defended resiliently, with centre-back Connor Ogilvie influential.

The pace of Millenic Alli caused problems on the break and the Portsmouth attacker drove over from a tight angle after being released by Ebou Adams’ pass in the 82nd minute.