As expected, a far larger than usual Charlton following at St James Park this year.

Warm welcomes were given to Grecian old boys, Ben Hamer and skipper of four years Matt Taylor. The warm Devonian hospitality didn’t extend to Bradley Wright-Phillips though, who  ironically clapped the fans on the Big Bank when he made way for Leon Clarke in the second half.

The first half was a turgid affair with no real clear cut chances. Rhoys Wiggins had Charlton’s best effort with a low, near post drive from the edge of the area. Pritchard had a half chance which he had to volley as it dropped. Unfortunately for the impressive midfielder he ballooned his effort over.

The winner came in unusual circumstances, ten minutes into the second period. Good work on the right by Green saw him deliver a wickedly curving cross. The flight deceived Artur Krysiak in the Exeter goal. As he scrambled across his line he could do no more than get a hand to the ball and help it in.

Paul Tisdale immediately made a double substitution with Guillem Bauza one of those joining the fray.

A spell of Exeter pressure was relieved when Wright-Phillips broke down the right to deliver a peach of a cross. Kermorgant should have done better than thunder his header wide of the post.

Hamer had another jittery moment, spilling a simple cushion back header which had to be scrambled away for a corner. The custodian flapped at the flag kick but eventually the Addicks cleared their lines.

Clarke, Stephens and Haynes were introduced in the last quarter of the match with Stephens showing some sublime touches.

So Charlton ended their 83 year wait for a win at Exeter to stretch their lead over the two Sheffield clubs. They only showed their class in flashes but it was enough to earn three more valuable points.

Charlton: Hamer; Solly, Taylor, Morrison, Wiggins; Green (Stephens 82), Pritchard (Haynes 89), Hollands, Jackson; Kermorgant, Wright-Phillips (Clarke 71).

Subs (not used): Sullivan, Cort.

Goal: Green 55.

Booked: Hollands 81 (foul), Wiggins 90 (foul)

Exeter: Krysiak; Tully,  Duffy (Bauza 56), Archibald-Henville, Coles, Golbourne; Dunne, Noble, Bennett; Taylor (Nardiello 64), O’Flynn (Logan 56).

Subs (not used): Pidgeley, Jones.

Referee: Graham Salisbury (Lancashire).

Attn: 5,439 (828 Charlton).