Stoppage time goals at the end of each half were enough to secure all three points for Queens Park Rangers in a hard fought game at Loftus Road on Saturday afternoon.
The Addicks had more than enough chances to win the game but lacked a liitle composure and quality when it mattered.
Jordan Cousins levelled things up for Charlton after 62 minutes and the South Londoners were then in the ascendency for much of the half, until Abdenasser El Khayati struck the killer blow deep into added on time.
Alou Diarra recovered from the foot injury he suffered at Ipswich in the week, and partnered Cousins in the centre of midfield, but Johan Berg Gudmundsson’s head injury ruled him out.
Jose Riga switched Callum Harriott to the right of midfield and brought Igor Vetokele in to play alongside Yaya Sanogo up front.
Both sides had chances in the first half without seriously troubling either keeper. Harriott went closest for Riga’s side when he struck the bar. But there was a controversial moment right at the end of the half.
Ademola Lookman lost the ball in the middle of the park, and Rangers broke away down the right. Junior Hoilett failed to make contact with Matt Phillips’ cross. Hoilett was standing in an offside position and by trying to get on the end of the cross, had to be interfering with play.
The visitors showed real desire after the break and got a deserved equaliser just past the hour mark. Harriott fed the ball to Cousins who found the far corner of the net from 20 yards.
The Addicks went in search of the winner, with Cousins, Lookman, Harriott and Vetokele all trying their luck.
At the other end, Nick Pope had to make smart saves from Tjarron Chery and Phillips.
The fourth official’s board indicating five added minutes was greeted with a roar from the away end, but it was the Hoops fans who had cause to celebrate.
Abdenasser El Khayati curled in a peach of a shot deep into the added period to land the all three points for the hosts.
Results elsewhere left Charlton marooned ten points from safety with just five games left to play.
Charlton: Pope; Solly, Fanni, Teixeira, Fox (Lennon 83); Harriott, Cousins, Diarra, Lookman (Lookman 89); Sanogo (Makienok 34), Vetokele.
Subs (not used): Henderson, Bergdich, Motta, Ba.
Goal: Cousins 62.
Queens Park Rangers: Smithies; Perch (Kpekwa 55) Hall, Onuoha, Robinson; Hoilett (El Khayati 85), Henry, Luongo, Phillips (Gladwin 72); Polter, Chery.
Subs (not used): Ingram, Washington, Faurlin, Petrasso.
Goals: Phillips 45, El Khayati 90.
Booked: Kpekawa 66 (foul), Onuoha 86 (foul), Gladwin 90(foul).
Referee: Andrew Madley (West Yorkshire).
Attn: 15,834 (1,106 Charlton).