In the three years Charlton have been away, the Championship has metamorphosised into Premier League Two.

Each match is an event and the angst of losing points late on immeasurable. The greater time afforded on the ball in midfield, as opposed to the harum scarum of League One, suited the Addicks who retained the ball far better than Birmingham.

Leon Cort was fit enough to take his place and put in a stirring performance at both ends of the pitch. As expected, Bradley Pritchard filled the wide right spot in midfield with Danny Green on the bench and Scott Wagstaff restricted to bleep tests on the touchline.

The Addicks took a little while to get in to their stride but went on to dominate the rest of the half. Pritchard threaded a ball through to Wright-Phillips, Kermorgant spurned a glorious chance from a Jackson cross and Jackson headed a terrific cross from Wiggins over the bar.

Chris Powell would have been delighted with his side’s opening 45 minutes of their return to the Championship, though there was a nagging worry that the Addicks would rue missing those chances against a team of Birmingham’s quality.

The game opened up more after the break with Charlton continuing to have the better chances with Jackson again having an excellent opportunity.

The deadlock was broken eight minutes from time following a right-wing corner. Eventually the ball arrived at the far post for Leon Cort to nod home. The 1637 Charlton fans behind the goal were delirious.

The goal was no more than the visitors deserved and they look assured of the three points. Deep, deep into stoppage Zigic, who Lee Clark introduced late on for a desperate Route One assault, got the Blues out of jail with the equaliser.

The Addicks paid a heavy price for their earlier profligacy but they more than matched their hosts, who many fancy for promotion. Powell will be delighted with his team’s performance despite the cruel end to the afternoon.
Charlton Athletic: Hamer; Solly, Cort, Morrison, Wiggins; Pritchard, Stephens, Hollands, Jackson (Taylor 89); Kermorgant, Wright-Phillips (Cook 77).

Subs (not used): Sullivan, Wilson, Kerkar, Green, Smith.

Goal: Cort 82.

Booked: Kermorgant 49 (foul).
Birmingham City: Butland; Packwood (Spector 64), Murphy, Caldwell, Davies; Burke, Mullins, Morrison (Redmond 64), Ambrose; Lovenkrands (Zigic 86), King.

Subs (not used): Doyle, Ibanez, Elliott, Rooney.

Goal: Zigic 90.

Referee: Gary Sutton (Lincolnshire).
Attn: 18,210 (1,637 Charlton).