Charlton gained their first point of the season after coming from behind against Northampton at The Valley on Saturday afternoon.
The Cobblers brought a healthy following to South London and they were ecstatic when their team took an early lead.
Russell Slade paired Ezri Konsa and Jason Pearce at the heart of the defence for the first time, and new arrival, Josh Magennis, partnered Nicky Ajose at the front. Magennis will be a real handful at this level.
Slade opted for his usual midfield of Ricky Holmes on the right, with Andrew Crofts and Kevin Foley in the middle, and Johnnie Jackson slightly to the left of them.
The week’s other new arrival – Leeds winger Jordan Botaka – was on the bench, along with Roger Johnson. Patrick Bauer made a welcome return, his place on the bench was his first involvement since before Christmas.
Northampton are a solid, well organised side who denied the Addicks space. Holmes, Morgan Fox and Magennis had the best of the chances, but it was the visitors who took the lead after 16 minutes.
A right-wing cross gave Alex Revell the opportunity to rise unopposed at the far post, and pick his spot.
Charlton came out with all guns blazing after the interval, and got a deserved equaliser after 57 minutes.
Holmes slipped the ball to Ajose, who played a delicious ball into Jackson’s path. The skipper coolly slotted home to restore parity.
Slade’s side spent most of the second period in the ascenency and Ajose and substitute, Ademola Lookman, all went close, but the Addicks had to settle for a point.
The manager will be encouraged by his team’s performance, particularly in the second half, but will be anxious to get that elusive first win on the board.
Shrewsbury at The Valley on Tuesday will be the next opportunity.
Charlton: Rudd; Solly, Konsa, Pearce, Fox; Holmes (Botaka 67), Crofts, Foley (Lookman 60), Jackson; Magennis (Novak 81), Ajose.
Subs (not used): Phillips, Bauer, Johnson, Holmes-Dennis.
Goal: Jackson 57.
Northampton Town: Smith; Phillips, Diamond, Zakuani, Buchanan; Beautyman (Hoskins 56), O’Toole, Taylor, Gorre (Richards 71); Revell, Potter.
Subs (not used): Cornell, Maloney, Byram, Sonupe, Nyatanga.
Goal: Revell 16.
Referee: Darren England (South Yorkshire).
Attn: 11,567 (1,283 Northampton).
TAGS: Charlton Athletic