COVENTRY City began 2026 with a 1-1 draw away at Charlton Athletic on New Year’s Day.
An early goal from Ellis Simms put the visitors ahead only for Joe Rankin-Costello to draw the home side level at the Valley.
The result leaves Coventry eight points clear of Ipswich Town at the top of the Championship table.
Frank Lampard’s side made the perfect start when Simms swept Milan van Ewijk’s ball in from the right into the bottom left corner from 12-yards out after just three minutes.
Charlton went through at the other end only for Carl Rushworth to deny Miles Leaburn when one-on-one.
The Sky Blues had a chance to double their lead as Haji Wright curled a shot narrowly wide from just outside the penalty area.
However, Charlton equalised on 69 minutes when Miguel Angel Brau failed to deal with a high ball and Rushworth could only parry Charlie Kelman’s shot into the path of Rankin-Costello who finished from close range.
Coventry are next in action against Birmingham City on Sunday, January 4 with kick-off at 12pm at St Andrew’s.
