A lightning start by Ipswich saw Tommy Smith power home a left-wing corner after just five minutes. Smith’s strike was enough for the Tractor Boys to take all three points back to Suffolk.

Ipswich could have been in front even earlier. Inside the first minute, Ben Alnwick pulled off a terrific save to foil David McGoldrick who was clean through with just the keeper to beat.

From the subsequent corner, Alnwick stopped Smith’s powerful header, with the ball being cleared for another corner. This time Alnwick had to produce a stunning double save to thwart first Daryl Murphy, then Christophe Berra’s follow up.

After the early onslaught, Charlton came back into the game, had plenty of possession, but rarely worked Dean Gerkin, though both Rhoys Wiggins and Cameron Stewart struck the outside of the post.

The Addicks struggle when chasing the game and lack the guile to draw their opponents out. Eventually, the team resorts to lobbing hopeful balls forward.

Yeovil’s victory at Watford will put the Glovers in good heart for the clash at Huish Park, but before that Charlton have a tough trip to Reading to negotiate.

Charlton: Alnwick, Wilson (Sordell 86), Morrison, Dervite, Wiggins; Stewart, Cousins, Stephens, Jackson (Green 69); Kermorgant, Church (Pigott 69).

Subs (not used): Pope, Wood, Evina, Hughes.

Booked: Morrison 94 (tussle).

Ipswich: Gerken; Chambers, Berra, Smith, Cresswell; Anderson (Edwards 73), Skuse, Tunnicliffe, Tabb (Tabb 84); Murphy (Nouble 73), McGoldrick.

Subs (not used): Loach, Wordsworth, Mings, Graham.

Goal: Smith 5.

Booked: Tabb 70 (foul), Nouble 94 (tussle).

Attn: 16,645 (2,654 Ipswich).

Referee: Scott Duncan (Northumberland).