Charlton 2 Aston Villa 1

Bryan Hughes came off the bench to earn Charlton a late and deserved 2-1 victory over Aston Villa.

The Addicks seem a different team under Pardew and again the home support was buzzing. The Valley had become a quiet ground before Pardew’s arrival but now the covered end is leading the ground in great voice.

The game started brightly for the addicks and Marcus Bent went for the first shot with a 25-yard effort as Charlton set the tempo.

Gabor Kiraly made a stretched fingertip save to push Darren Ambrose’s curling shot from outside the box onto the upright.

Darren Bent then went forward and got his shot away but ended up receiving treatment after falling awkwardly in the process.

Djimi Traore was next up with a deflected shot from 20 yards before a moment of near-suicide almost cost the home side.

Gavin McCann crossed from the right and Talal El Karkouri decided to leave it for his goalkeeper, Scott Carson – only for Gabriel Agbonlahor to head over unchallenged.

More crazy defending brought Villa the opening goal on 38 minutes. Hreidarsson took Gareth Barry’s legs away and the Aston Villa skipper scored the resulting penalty.

The Addicks went in at the break a goal down but unlucky not to be at least level with many wasted chances.

Charlton were level on 56 minutes when Darren Bent stole in behind Olof Mellberg to send a header back across Kiraly and into the net. A long ball over the top from El Karkouri was placed superbly and Bent dived forwards and stuck it away.

There was drama just three minutes later when Barry was sent off for a professional foul on the speedy Rommedahl. The winger was clear through one on one and Barry decided to prevent him from scoring and got himself sent off. The Villa skipper knew exactly what he was doing.

The Danish flyer then had a toe-poke cleared off the line by Aaron Hughes as he followed up Traore’s header off the crossbar. It was all Charlton and as the clock ticked down it looked as though it was going to be another draw.

Then ecstasy at The Valley as it was our turn to nick the game late on. Hughes got deep into the box and as Hreidarsson’s cross came in his soft header was enough to beat Kiraly to seal the points.

For once luck was on Charlton`s side and we got a very much needed three points.

It was a good day all around for Charlton as West Ham lost and so did Middlesbrough. Sheffield Utd did however beat Arsenal 1 nil in a game that saw Jagielka go in goal for over 30 minutes.

The relegation rollercoaster is in full swing and the Addicks are starting to show the heart and desire they need to lift themselves to safety.