A last-minute winner against Watford on the opening weekend, followed by a resounding Carabao Cup triumph over Stevenage in midweek, gave plenty to be hopeful about going into Saturday’s trip to the South West.
Confidence was sky-high, which was clear to see from the start at Ashton Gate.
Despite an even opening exchange, Nathan Jones’ side never looked vulnerable and saw off intermittent waves of pressure from the hosts with relative ease while maintaining their shape.
Charlton were able to counter effectively and, although chances were scarce at times, they carried plenty of promise when situations arose.
Sonny Carey broke into the box on the near side in the 18th minute, before dragging an otherwise threatening effort agonisingly wide of the far post.
The Addicks asked plenty of questions of the Robins’ defence and showed promise at the end of the first half, but an opener proved elusive as the sides entered the break level.
This persisted into the second period as the Addicks started positively, and were it not for a strong stop from Radek Vitek, they could have nudged ahead in the 52nd minute.
Robert Apter was slipped through down the right-hand side, but, after cutting into the box, the Scotsman’s cross-goal effort was stopped by Vitek.
Just a minute later, a very different story was almost written when an over-the-top ball fell for Anis Mehmeti in the box. Thomas Kaminski was quick off his line to smother the danger.
The Robins sent another warning when Mehmeti struck the bar after doing well to get a shot off in the heavily congested penalty area.
Jones’ side took the warning on board and, minutes later, came agonisingly close to finding the breakthrough their play deserved.
A cross towards the six-yard box flew fractionally out of reach of substitute Miles Leaburn, albeit Tyreece Campbell was on hand to direct the cross goalwards, forcing a remarkable save from Vitek, who pushed the effort onto the post.
With both sides desperately chasing a winner, the closing stages closer resembled a basketball game than a football match.
A last-gasp chance for Charlton saw Isaac Olaofe flick on a long ball into the path of Leaburn, but the 21-year-old’s effort, under considerable pressure, skewed well wide.
The last action, a Bristol City free-kick in a threatening position, proved inconsequential as the delivery missed everyone in a red shirt, allowing Charlton to clear the ball as the referee’s whistle sounded.
In a game short on quality, a draw felt a fair reflection of both sides’ performances, though Charlton had enough chances to feel they should have made more of them.
With their unbeaten start to the season still intact, the Addicks host recently relegated Leicester City at The Valley in next Saturday’s early kick-off.