Charlton extended their unbeaten start to the season in the league to seven games, but dropped their first points of the season at The Valley. The game ended in a hard fought 1-1 draw.
Wolves were a strong, powerful outfit and the last action of the game saw young Joe Gomez literally put his body on the line to preserve a point for his team.
Chris Solly’s knee was not risked and Johann Gudmundsson was ruled out, but could be available for Rotherham at the weekend. Gomez and Lawrie Wilson came in and there was a place on the bench for Frederic Bulot.
The Addicks started brightly and Johnnie Jackson and George Tucudean had early chances.
Wolves responded with a flurry of corners but it was Charlton who took the lead with their first flag kick.
Jordan Cousins right-wing delivery was acrobatically volleyed into the net by Andre Bikey and the big defenders celebration was equally athletic.
The Addicks nearly doubled their advantage within a minute, but George Tucudean fired Igor Vetokele’s lay off narrowly wide.
After 34 minutes, Tal Ben Haim lost the ball on the touchline to James Henry, and it required a wonderful save from Stephen Henderson to tip the ball onto the inside of the post to preserve the hosts’ lead.
Jordan Cousins had a chance in the last minute of the half but his initial effort was blocked and his follow up flew narrowly wide.
Wolves dominated the opening exchanges of the second period and drew level after 65 minutes.
Henderson made a smart save from Bakary Sako but the visitors drew level from the resultant corner, Danny Batth heading home despite Henderson’s valiant attempt to stop the ball from crossing the line.
Chances came at both ends and ten minutes from the end, Cousins and Vetokele created an opening for Jackson that the skipper put his shot narrowly wide.
In added time, a terrific pass from
Jackson sent Vetokele clear but a heavy first touch allowed Carl Ikeme to foil the striker.
In the end, both sides were probably happy with the point.
Charlton: Henderson; Gomez, Ben Haim, Bikey, Wiggins; Wilson (Bulot 74), Buyens, Jackson, Cousins; Tucudean (Moussa 61), Vetokele.
Subs (not used): Pope, Fox, Morrison, Harriott, Church.
Goal: Bikey 26.
Booked: Tucudean 59 (foul).
Wolves: Ikeme; Doherty, Stearman, Batth, Golbourne; McDonald, Evans, Henry (Jacobs 87), Saville (Dicko 46); Sako, Clarke (Edwards 81).
Subs (not used): McCarey, Rowe, van La Parra, Ricketts.
Goal: Batth 65.
Referee: Pat Miller (Bedfordshire).
Attn: 15,973 (1644 Wolves).