Charlton’s Carling Cup run came to an abrupt end at The Valley on Tuesday night with Chris Powell fielding a whole new side.

The goals rained in as Charlton stormed to the top of the League One table last night. It was one of those quirks when not playing – on the face of it a handicap – proved to be a benefit, as Huddersfield’s demolition of Sheffied United at Bramall Lane, overturned the Blades’ superior goal difference.

In the game at The Valley Preston ran out deserved winners. In truth, it was men against boys on the night. The Addicks made 11 changes from the team that beat Exeter with Preston retaining just 3 of the team that faced Yeovil at the weekend.

Preston were bigger and stronger, and at this stage of their development, just too much for some of Charlton’s younger, more technical players.

The experienced Darrel Russell side-footed home from close range after 11 minutes to put the Lillywhites on their way.

Chris Powell made two substitutions at the start of the second period as he attempted to wrest the initiative back from the visitors. Yado Mambo replaced Simon Francis at right-back with Scott Wagstaff partnering Jason Euell, in place of Paul Benson up front.

Wagstaff had a fine game, drawing the one serious save that Arestidou had to make. Danny Mayor scored a fine goal from outside the box to seal the win for the Lancastrians in the 67th minute.

Charlton: Sullivan; Francis (Mambo 46), Doherty, Cort, Evina; Green (Popo 77), Pritchard, Hughes, Bover; Benson (Wagstaff 46), Euell.

Subs (not used): Hamer, Warren, Davisson, Smith.

Booked: Francis 12 (foul), Bover 37 (foul).

Preston: Arestidou; Clucas, Morgan, Carlisle, Parry; Coutts, Ashbee, Barton (Zibaka 79), Russell, Mayor; Tsoumou.

Subs (not used): Comrie, Nicholson, McLean, Wright, McLellan, Mellor.

Goals: Russell 11, Mayor 67.

Booked: Coutts 18 (kicking ball away), Morgan 58 (foul), Clucas 72 (foul).

Referee: Fred Graham (Essex).

Attn: 5,130.

After the match, news broke that Powell had completed his 19th signing of an eventful summer by capturing French striker, Yann Kermorgant. Very much in the target man mould, Kermorgant knows Powell from their time together at Leicester. He is perhaps best remembered for a shocking penalty miss against Cardiff in the Foxes’ play-off semi-final.