Karl Robinson had more injury problems to contend with ahead of the game with Scunthorpe on Tuesday evening.
Chris Solly, Patrick Bauer and Jordan Botaka were all ruled out, and Robinson left Lewis Page and Andrew Crofts on the bench.
The manager opted for a diamond formation in midfield. Johnnie Jackson was at the base, Ricky Holmes at the point, and Frederik Ulvestad and Joe Aribo were the central duo.
The Addicks nearly took an early lead. Holmes’ free-kick found Ulvestad who shifted the ball to Jorge Teixeira. But the Portuguese defender’s effort hit the bar and was cleared.
Charlton looked bright and inventive and took a deserved lead after 32 minutes. Jackson timed his run to perfection and volleyed home Holmes’ right-wing corner.
The Iron came more into the game after the break, and it took a great tackle from Ezri Konsa to stop Paddy Madden from having a clear strike at goal.
Scunthorpe levelled the scores15 minutes from time. Declan Rudd clawed away a dangerous looking cross from the left, but Kevin van Veen was on hand to turn the loose ball home for the equaliser.
The Iron were in the ascendency now and looked the more likely side to get the winner, but it was the Addicks who took the three points in dramatic circumstances.
Teixeira was pushed in the box in the last minute and referee, Dean Whitestone, pointed to the spot.
Tony Watt stepped up and thumped the ball past Luke Daniels to end Charlton’s eight match winless run. The Scot was booked for his understandably exuberant celebration.
One negative was the loss of Josh Magennis. The big Irishman had to be replaced just before the hour mark, after picking up what looked like a hamstring injury.
There was huge relief at the end, as The Valley celebrated a much needed win.
Charlton: Rudd; Byrne, Konsa, Teixeira, Chicksen; Jackson, Ulvestad, Aribo, Holmes (Ahearne-Grant 86); Magennis (Crofts 58), Novak (Watt 81).
Subs (not used): Phillips, Page, Dijksteel, Dasilva
Goals: Jackson 33, Watt 90 (pen).
Booked: Holmes 58 (foul), Bryne 82 (foul), Ulvestad 85 (foul on Toffolo), Watt 90 (going into crowd), Chicksen 90 (foul).
Scunthorpe: Daniels; Clarke, Wallace, Mirfin (Davies 90), Toffolo; Morris (Bishop 46), Crooks, Holmes (Hopper 62), Dawson, Madden, Van Veen.
Subs (not used): Anyon, Wiseman, Goode, Toney.
Goal: Van Veen 75.
Referee: Dean Whitestone. (Morthamptonshire).
Attn: 9,088 ( Scunthorpe)
TAGS: Charlton Athletic