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Pearce is building an understanding with deadline day signing Sam Lavelle at the heart of defence and the pair were unfortunate not to keep a clean sheet at Priestfield Stadium with Ben Purrington's own goal levelling proceedings in the second half.

Pearce has endured a turbulent spell at The Valley now entering his sixth season at the club, a figure of stability through uncertain times and his return to the starting XI amidst one of the club's worst runs is testament to his character.

The 33-year-old is in line to face his former club Portsmouth on Saturday, a crunch encounter between two sides looking to climb the table after stuttering starts to the campaign.

The Addicks remain inside the League One relegation zone but Pearce typifies the determination and fighting spirit needed to turn their season around, Saturday's hosting of Pompey feels huge.

 

 

The Verdict

The 33-year-old was preferred to Akin Famewo for the first time this season at Priestfield Stadium, adding some much needed leadership and organisation to the side.

The threat of Ronan Curtis, Marcus Harness and co will be a lot harder to handle on Saturday than Vadaine Oliver's one man band was on Tuesday evening but alongside Lavelle, who has hit the ground running in SE7, Nigel Adkins will be hopeful of another assured defensive display.

As the pressure cranks up on the players and manager the visit of Portsmouth is a mouth-watering occasion for Football League neutrals.