A hard fought 2-1 win over Southend at The Valley on Saturday saw Charlton climb to second in the table.
Goals from Josh Magennis and Ricky Holmes gave the Addicks daylight, but John White pulled one back for the Shrimpers, to set up a tense finish.
As expected, Jay Dasilva and Magennis returned after international duty, with Johnnie Jackson dropping to the bench. Karlan Ahearne-Grant’s groin injury ruled him out.
Southend are a big, well organised side who made things difficult for Karl Robinson’s side. Though they did not create many clear cut chances, the Shrimpers always posed a threat.
Charlton had more control of the game after the break, and won the match in three inspired minutes midway through the second period.
After 65 minutes a deep cross from the right by Chris Solly was met with a bullet header from Josh Magennis at the far post.
Three minutes later, Ricky Holmes spun on the edge of the area and thundered a shot into the far corner of Mark Oxley’s goal.
John White powered home a right wing corner 12 minutes from time, but the Addicks saw the game out without too many scares.
Robinson’s team put their bodies on the line when they had to, and blocked most of Southend’s goal bound efforts.
The win lifts Charlton to second in the table, and they will be in confident mood when Wigan visit The Valley on Tuesday.
Charlton: Amos; Solly, Bauer, Pearce, Dasilva; Kashi, Forster-Caskey, Holmes (Dodoo 86), Clarke, Fosu (Konsa 89); Magennis.
Subs (not used): Phillips, Jackson, Sarr, Aribo, Hackett-Fairchild.
Goals: Magennis 65, Holmes 68.
Booked: Holmes 52 (foul), Clarke 84 (kicked ball away).
Southend: Oxley; Bwomono, White, Ferdinand, Hendrie (Demetriou 75); McGlashan (McLaughlin 61), Leonard, Timlin, Kightly; Cox (Robinson 75), Ranger.
Subs (not used): Smith, Fortune, Yearwood, Kyprianou.
Goal: White 78.
Booked: McGlashan 43 (foul), Kightly 85 (foul).
Referee: Gavin Ward (Surrey).
Attn: 12,229.
TAGS: Charlton Athletic