A second half strike from Dale Stephens was enough for Charlton to take all three points from St Andrews on Saturday.

In truth, the win was more comfortable than the score indicates, with the Addicks seldom troubled defensively.

Dorian Dervite continued to deputise for Richard Wood and Johnnie Jackson returned in place of Yann Kermorgant. The skipper had a free role as second striker, slightly behind Simon Church.

Birmingham lined-up in a 4-5-1 formation as they tried to build on an impressive midweek performance against Premier League side, Stoke.

There was an early scare for the visitors when Nikola Zigic nodded home Chris Burke’s right-wing corner, but the effort was ruled out for Lee Novak’s push on Ben Hamer. The dangerous Burke got no change out of Rhoys Wiggins all afternoon.

Charlton had the better of the first half though, controlling the game for long periods. Just past the half-hour mark, a move down the left involving Simon Church and Jackson produced a ball that just needed a touch to open the scoring.

Five minutes later, Church and Jackson combined again. Church took advantage following a defensive slip and fed Jackson, who pulled his shot wide.

Darren Randolph nearly gifted his old club the lead four minutes before the break. The keeper was stranded out of his goal but he recovered to save Jackson’s effort with his feet.

The Addicks took the lead after 56 minutes. Good work down the left by Rhoys Wiggins saw the full-back drive into the area and pull the ball back for Cameron Stewart. Stewart’s effort was parried by Randolph, Jackson’s follow up was blocked but the ball fell kindly for Dale Stephens to steer it home.

Birmingham’s best effort came shortly after when Tom Adeyemi beat Ben Hamer only to see Michael Morrison clear off the line.

Midway through the second period, Lawrie Wilson appeared to be felled from behind but referee, Scott Mathieson, waved away the visitors’ penalty appeals.

Substitute, Peter Lovenkrands, and Zigic spurned late chances to level for the Blues but Charlton thoroughly deserved a second successive away win.

Charlton: Hamer; Wilson, Morrison, Dervite, Wiggins; Pritchard, Cousins, Stephens, Stewart; Jackson (Cook 90); Church.

Subs (not used): Alnwick, Hughes, Evina, Sordell, Harriott, Lennon.

Goal: Stephens 56.

Birmingham City: Randolph; Caddis, Burn, Robinson, Bartley; Burke, Reilly, Adeyemi, Novak (Ferguson 62), Gray (Lovenkrands 62); Zigic.

Subs (not used): Doyle, Mullins, Lee, Shinnie, Brown.

Referee: Scott Mathieson (Cheshire).

Attn: 14,070 (855 Charlton).