Charlton finally got the win their recent efforts have deserved at Elland Road on Saturday.
They were in control for large parts of the game, and Jose Riga will have been pleased with both the performance and attitude of his team.
Chris Solly’s ankle again ruled him out, and though Jordan Cousins made the trip, a slight knock kept him on the sidelines. Cousins boosted the away support and sat amongst the fans.
Rod Fanni switched to right-back, with Alou Diarra reverting to central defence and Marco Motta dropping to the bench.
Ahmed Kashi made his long awaited first start since his injury, partnering skipper Johnnie Jackson in central midfield. Callum Harriott and Ademola Lookman occupied the flank positions, with Johann Berg Gudmundsson playing just behind Igor Vetokele.
Nick Pope had to make a smart early stop to foil Luke Murphy, and continued his recent good form. He made one breathtaking clearance with his head to stop Chris Wood. At the other end, Lookman curled a 25-yard free-kick just wide, and Gudmundsson struck the foot of the post.
It was Gudmundsson who broke the deadlock six minutes before the interval, sweeping in Morgan Fox’s pinpoint cross.
Four minutes after the interval, Lookman finished off a move between Harriott and
Gudmundsson, when he rifled home from 20-yards.
The Addicks payed the price for not clearing their lines as the game entered its final quarter. They tried to play their way out of trouble on the right hand side of their defence, but surrendered possession.
Kashi conceded a free-kick and Leeds skipper, Sol Bamba, headed Alex Mowatt’s cross home at the far post.
Pope was called upon to stop Mirco Antenucci. Steve Evans’ side launched a route one assault on the Charlton goal, but substitute, Simon Makienok, dropped back to repel the hosts.
Pope made another flying save deep onto the six minutes of stoppage time, but the Addicks saw the game out.
Jackson came over and gave his shirt to disabled fan at the end. A typically kind gesture by the skipper.
Charlton: Pope; Fanni, Diarra, Teixeira, Fox,; Harriott, Kashi, Jackson, Lookman (Ba 88); Gudmundsson (Suk-Young 72), Vetokele (Makienok 82).
Subs (not used): Mitov, Sarr, Lennon, Motta.
Goals: Gudmundsson 39, Lookman 49.
Booked: Diarra 17 (foul), Kashi 71 (foul) .
Leeds: Silvestri; Coyle, Bamba, Cooper, Taylor; Bridcutt (Antenucci 66), Murphy (Diagouraga 75), Cook, Dallas (Mowatt 50), Botaka; Wood.
Subs (not used): Peacock-Farrell, Wootton, Phillips, Erwin.
Goal: Bamba 71.
Referee: Keith Hill (Hertfordshire).
Attn: 25,458 (363 Charlton).
TAGS: Charlton Athletic