Charlton lost their unbeaten home record to Colchester with two goals from either end of the spectrum.

The first by Anthony Wordsworth after 5 minutes was right out of the top drawer. A thunderbolt from 25 yards out gave Ben Hamer no chance. Wordsworth, a possible summer target for the Addicks, gave the Valley faithful a preview of might be in store next seaon.

Stephen Gillespie sealed the win after 73 minutes. Hamer’s attempted left-footed clearance cannoned of the Colchester striker to nestle in the net. Gillespie will feel it was poetic justice for the goal  he had disallowed in controversial circumstances in last year’s fixture.

Hamer had passed a fitness test at The Valley to take his place in an unchanged team. Despite the scoreline, the Addicks looked bright and sharp but spurned their chances.

Wright-Phillips  could have had his second hat-trick in a week if he had taken the clear chances that came his way.

In the end, it turned out to be one of those nights with Powell wondering how his team his team did not get something from the game.  Charlton have had far more good days than bad this season but Powell will be keen to see his side return to winning ways against Notts County on Saturday. The gap at the top remains at 13 points as Sheffield United lost at Walsall and failed to capitalise on a rare slip up by the Addicks.

Charlton: Hamer; Solly, Taylor, Morrison, Wiggins; Green (Haynes 73), Stephens, Hollands, Jackson (Clarke 86); Kermorgant, Wright-Phillips.

Subs (not used): Sullivan, Cort, Russell.

Booked: Morrison 87 (dissent).

Colchester: Williams; Wilson, Okuonghae, Eastman, White; Henderson, Izzet, Rowlands (Bond 83), Worsdworth; Odejayi, Gillespie (Duguid 90).

Subs (not used): Rose, Heath, Sears.

Goals: Wordsworth 5, Gillespie 73.

Booked: Henderson 70 (kicking ball away), Wordsworth 71 (foul).

Referee: Gavin Ward (Surrey).

Attn: 13,650 (270 Colchester).