You have to go back to 2 February 1929 for Charlton’s last league win at St James Park.

The clubs have not crossed swords that often in the intervening years but the Addicks will be keen to eradicate that statistic.

Exeter have done splendidly since nearly going out of business less than a decade ago. They were out of the League for five years but under the guidance of Paul Tisdale, they have made significant strides. Tisdale, noted for his sartorial elegance, has steered the Grecians from the Conference to the dizzy heights of League One.

Charlton have drawn and lost in their two recent visits to St James Park, so will be hoping it’s third time lucky. Exeter are hovering just above the relegation zone, with a fairly indifferent home record. They have won four, drawn five and lost four of their league games in Devon. They currently have an unbeaten streak of seven in all competitions at St James Park, stretching back to mid October when Huddersfield beat them.

One player the Addicks will have to keep an eye on is former trialist, Guillem Bauza, who is likely to start up front for the Grecians.

The Addicks will be looking to stretch their winning run of league games to four and one player who will be especially keen to do well is Bradley Wright-Phillips, who earnt a year’s extension to his contract following his appearance against Sheffield United. He has not scored since mid November when he netted the winner against Brentford at Griffin Park and there is nowhere he would rather end that run than at St James Park.

Not popular with the natives due to his stint with arch rivals Plymouth, Wright-Phillips is sure of a hostile reception. A more traditional Devonian welcome is likely to be afforded to former skipper, Matt Taylor, on his return to his old stomping ground.

Chris Powell is likely to field the same team that faced Sheffield United with Dale Stephens replacing the suspended Darel Russell on the bench. Stephens is pushing hard for a return to the starting team and comfortably managed 65 minutes in the game at Margate in midweek. Stephens had this to say about his comeback

“It felt really good to be out there, I’ve trained for the last two weeks and have been feeling really sharp, so it was just a case of getting a few minutes under my belt.

“I managed to get 65 and felt I could have got a little bit more. But it was a pre-planned decision to come off, so that was fine.”

The classy midfielder has not played since the game at Stevenage in October and will be like a new signing for the Addicks. Powell could send out this side:

Hamer; Solly, Taylor, Morrison, Wiggins; Green, Pritchard, Hollands, Jackson; Kermorgant, Wright-Phillips.

Subs: Sullivan, Cort, Stephens, Clarke, Haynes.

The referee will be Graham Salisbury who will be making the long journey from Lancashire.

Powell has stressed the need to keep focused and take one game at a time until the goal of promotion has been achieved. After showing their battling abilities and resilience in the last two games, the Addicks will be looking to show some of their flair this week. The manager will have this game earmarked for three points.