The Addicks had to come from behind to earn a share of the spoils in the West Midlands. Trailing to a Jon Macken goal, Yann Kermorgant equalised on the stroke of half-time.

The match was played on a poor pitch on a cold afternoon. There were few icidents of note until that goal of Macken’s. Hollands and Macken were spoken to by the referee for shirt pulling prior to a corner and the incident seemed to distract the Addicks. The ball was played back to Matt Sadler on the edge of the box, his shot cannoned off Olly Lancashire and eventually, the ball found its way to Macken. Unmarked inside the six yard box, Macken could hardly miss.

The goal stirred the visitors into action and they restored parity just before the interval. Hogan Ephraim cut in from the left to deliver an inch perfect cross for Kermorgant to score with a trademark header.

The Addicks were far livelier after the break and looked the more likely team to score. The best chance fell to Danny Hollands. A header from Kermorgant found Hollands unmarked and just needing to head the ball past Walker. Unfortunately, the midfielder’s header was staright at the keeper.

Darel Russel – who had a fine game – headed a goal bound effort off the line and Matt Sadler was sent off for a second bookable offence as the game reached its climax.

Charlton had a late claim for a penalty turned down by the referee who awarded a corner rather than a spot-kick for handball. The resultant right-wing corner was headed against the outside of the post by Kermorgant in the game’s final moment.

Several Charlton players spoke to referee David Webb about the penalty decision after the game. Walsall were resilient, difficult to break down and probably did enough to earn their point.

Charlton: Hamer; Solly, Taylor, Morrison, Wiggins; Green (Wagstaff 73), Russell, Hollands, Ephraim; Kermorgant, Wright-Phillips.

Subs (not used): Sullivan, Cort, Pritchard, Euell, Wagstaff.

Goal: Kermorgant 45.

Booked: Hollands 90 (foul).

Walsall: Walker; Beevers, Smith, Sadler, Lancashire; Halliday (Gnakpa 55), Taundry, Chambers, Paterson (Bowerman 75); Nicholls, Macken (Peterlen 84).

Subs (not used): Grof, Butler.

Goal: Macken 36.

Booked: Smith 45 (throwing ball away), Sadler 77 (foul).

Sent off: Sadler 87(foul/second yellow card).

Referee: David Webb (County Durham).

Attn: 4,537 (1,065 Charlton).