Gary Megson was never a player that would convert non-believers into accepting that football is the beautiful game.

As a manager, little has changed. His sides are gritty, tenacious but play a style that is effective but not pleasing on the eye.

The ball is constantly pumped forward with a posse of players waiting to feed off the knockdown. Wednesday cynically hauled down any player who threatened to break clear, happily accepting the mandatory yellow. Rarely has Chris Powell been so riled by the opposition bench.

The winning goal came just before the half-hour mark when two Wednesday players clattered Bradley Pritchard as he was poised to burst into the area. The free-kick, on the right of the area, was superbly curled over the wall and into Weaver’s top left-hand corner.

Pritchard was again dragged back in the second half by Jose Semedo, this time before he had even crossed the halfway line. Semedo was one of five Wednesday players to be cautioned during the course of the afternoon.

The Owls had their moments, Madine had an effort ruled out for offside just before the break and late substitute, Clinton Morrison, had an effort hacked off the line by Wiggins at the death.

Charlton had opportunities to stretch their lead, Wright-Phillips cut in from the right after being sent clear by Hollands but was foiled by Weaver.

Wiggins had an effort cleared off the line by Chris Lines and Darel Russell spurned a chance to make the game safe late on.

Megson even brought on ex-Addick, Miguel Llera, at left-back to pump even more high balls into the area but Charlton’s defence stood firm, to take three richly deserved points back to London.

Another bonus was to see Dale Stephens return to the bench, his availabality will be a real boost as the season heads towards its conclusion.

Charlton: Hamer; Solly, Taylor, Morrison, Wiggins; Green (Russell 72), Pritchard (Cort 90), Hollands, Jackson; Kermorgant, Wright-Phillips(Clarke 76).

Subs (not used): Sullivan, Stephens.

Goal: Jackson 28.

Booked: Kermorgant 42 (kicking ball away).

Sheff Wed: Weaver; Otsemobor, Baath, Rob Jones, Reda Johnson; Mike Jones (Lowe 64), Semedo, Lines, Marshall (C Morrison 74); O’Grady, Madine (Llera 64).

Subs (not used): Bywater, Prutton.

Booked: Madine 29 (foul), Mike Jones 32 (foul), Semedo 78 (foul), Lowe 78 (foul), Rob Jones 81 (foul).

Referee: Neil Swarbrick (Lancashire).

Attn: 26,759.