Greg Docherty knows Charlton have a huge three games on the horizon to finish off their first season back in the Championship as they bid to avoid an immediate return to League One.
"We're not oblivious to where we are in the league table," the club captain exclusively told Your Site ahead of Wednesday's clash against promotion-chasing Ipswich at The Valley.
It is one of two back-to-back home games, the other against another top six side, Hull - Docherty's former side - on Saturday, before a final day visit to Swansea.
Heading into the midweek fixtures, Charlton are six points clear of the bottom three. There is a weary eye over the shoulder, but the Addicks have their Championship status very much in their own hands. However, a run of six games without a win - and all three points in that spell coming from away draws - only adds to the anxiety.
But Ipswich have the worst away record of any of the top ten Championship teams, while Charlton are the only side to have beaten Kieran McKenna's side at Portman Road this season.
Docherty said: "I'm going into the game [on Wednesday] thinking they've got something to play for, but we've got plenty to play for as well.
"The game at Portman Road was a real confidence boost for us and we put our names out there that we were a team that can go and do something.
"You could maybe argue that we've let ourselves down a little bit and not won as many games since, but we've certainly been competitive. That's something that shows the fine margins and levels. That day, we took our margins.
"That's what we've been lacking in the last few games, particularly at home, when we've not been putting the ball in the back of the net.
"We've had so many opportunities to score and the longer that goes on, you can see maybe it creeps into the squad a little bit.
"It's the hardest thing to do and we've probably been guilty of not spreading the goals amongst the team well enough this year. It's not for a lack of trying or lack of creativity, we're playing against good teams and in the last six games, we've not put in a 90-minute performance.
"In the odd 10-minute spell we haven't [played well], we've been punished and that's the brutality of this league.
"There's full belief that we've beaten Ipswich before and we'll give them the respect they deserve, but as we go into a home game, things are in our hands in terms of what we want to do this season. That's the mood that will remain positive leading into that game."
It was strong end-of-season form under Nathan Jones that saw Charlton promoted last term, beating Wycombe and then Leyton Orient in the play-offs.
This term, the Addicks have won eight league games at The Valley with four draws - two of which came against other top six teams, Millwall and Coventry.
Such is the nature of the Championship, Charlton have form in taking points from big teams - something they will be hoping for again over the next few days.
"We relish the challenge of playing against good players and big teams," Docherty said. "Ipswich are a team fighting high in the league and rightly so, but we want to prove a point as well.
"We fought so hard to get into this league last year, to play in these games, to be in these moments, to have some pressure on your shoulders and go and play for something.
"But now, I want to improve our home record again. We haven't had as strong a home record as we have previously and it hurts us as players, it hurts the fans and I understand that. Ultimately, we just want to get back to winning games again."
As captain, Docherty has had to lead from the front this season. He has the joint-highest number of assists (3) among his teammates, but also the highest number of tackle (47) - and he categorises himself as the all-around midfielder.
He reflected: "I've got a bit of reputation for the ugly side of the game and that's something I love doing. I get a buzz off that sometimes just as much as scoring.
"But I definitely want to add more at the top end. That's something the manager's been working on with me and I've pushed myself to try and do that and that's the next step for me.
"I feel like I started the season well and there's maybe a little dip in the middle, but I'm finishing the season strong.
"I'm happy with how things are personally, but I'm only happy all round when the club are doing well and we're doing well as a team.
"I'll do everything I can for us to try and win games and that's the next step is for us to win more games because I do feel we should have won more.
"It's easy to sit here and say that, but I do think there's evidence there. But it's a very tough league and it's only going to stand us in good stead [for next season] from the experiences we've learned this year."
Docherty and Charlton will be hoping the 2026/27 campaign remains in the Championship, but know the fine margins and home form will be crucial to making that happen.
