A few records tumbled at St Andrews on Saturday afternoon. Charlton ended a twelve match run of winless games that stretched back to March, it was the first time they have had back-to-back wins since March, and skipper, Johnnie Jackson, notched his 50th goal for the club.
Karel Fraeye done his homework on Birmingham and again used his diamond midfield, with Jordan Cousins replacing the suspended El-Hadji Ba.
Tareiq Holmes-Dennis started at right-back as Chris Solly did not recover from the knock he picked up against Sheffield Wednesday in time, and Ademola Lookman replaced Reza Ghoochannejhad up front.
On a bitterly cold afternoon, only Jackson appeared in a short sleeve shirt for the visitors. Former Addicks, Michael Morrison and Jonathan Spector, were the two Birmingham players to similarly brave the elements.
Charlton were organised, confident and unfazed by the Blues’ five man midfield.
Stephen Henderson had a smart save or two to make, but Fraeye’s team ran out worthy winners.
It was a real team effort, with Jackson and Ademola among those who impressed for the Addicks.
The winner came in the 61st minute, following a slick move down the right. Holmes-Dennis played the ball in to Lookman, took the return and clipped a super cross into the box.
Jackson rose majestically and thundered a header beyond Tomasz Kuszczak to give Charlton a lead they never relinquished.
The skipper’s emotion was there for all to see as he celebrated the goal in front of the delirious away fans.
The players and fans celebrated in unison at the end, as the eight month winless streak on the road finally came to an end.
Charlton: Henderson; Holmes-Dennis, Fox, Bauer, Sarr; Diarra, Cousins, Jackson, Gudmundsson (Ghoochannejhad 90); Lookman (Vaz Te 62), Makienok (Ahearne-Grant 90).
Subs (not used): Pope, Bergdich, Lennon, Charles-Cook.
Goal: Jackson 61.
Birmingham: Kuszczak; Caddis, Morrison, Spector, Grounds; Gleeson, Davis (Solomon-Otabor 72), Gray, Toral, Maghoma (Brown 72); Brock-Madsen.
Subs: Legzdins, Eardley, Kieftenbeld, Shinnie, Lowry.
Referee: Darren Drysdale (Lincolnshire).
Attn: 16,514 (650 Charlton).