It was a bitterly cold evening at The Valley which may have had something to do with the sub 14,000 attendance.

The game never really flowed, though the Addicks created the bulk of the chances.

The silky skills of Dale Stephens were restored to the centre of midfield and Bradley Wright-Phillips was rested, his place going to Leon Clarke with Paul Hayes promoted to the bench.

As it transpired, there were numerous good chances in the first period and it is difficult to believe that, had he been playing, Wright-Phillips would not have ended his goal drought.

At the heart of the creativity was Stephens, demonstrating how much he brings to the team.

When chances are spurned, the nagging thought that it may cost you surfaces. This time the fears were realised when John-Lewis put the Shakers ahead just before the break. His shot hit the middle of the net and Ben Hamer may feel he could have done better. Hamer had another indifferent game, flapping at a couple of crosses during the opening period.

Though the Addicks continued to have the better of things after the interval, Bury stood firm and Belford was not unduly troubled. Dale Stephens went close with a shot that went just wide of the keeper’s right-hand post and Matt Taylor should have done better when Morrison headed back across goal, only for his defensive partner to head a clear chance over.

Haynes came on for Clarke as Powell tried to change the course of the game. The pacy striker was to prove the catalyst Charlton needed.

Pritchard came on for Hollands and Morrison moved into the front line as Powell went for broke.

Two minutes into added on time, Haynes’ pace allowed him to tee up Morrison, whose shot was blocked and went to Stephens, some 25 yards out. The returning midfielder caught the ball perfectly and thundered a drive into Belford’s top right-hand corner.

There was still time for Charlton to go in search of the winner but in the end, time ran out on them.

Charlton: Hamer; Solly, Taylor, Morrison, Wiggins; Green, Stephens, Hollands (Pritchard 84), Jackson; Kermorgant, Clarke (Haynes 73).

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

Goal: Stephens 90.

Booked: Green 44 (foul), Taylor 90 (foul).

Bury: Belford; Skarz, Sodje, Hughes, Picken; Schumacher, Sweeney, Coke (Carrington 86); Amoo, Doble (Worrall 57) (Bishop 85), John-Lewis.

Subs (not used): Williams, Eastham.

Goal: John-Lewis 42

Referee: Andy D’Urso (Billericay).

Attn: 13,264 (270 Bury).