MANAGER Alan Pardew singled out goalkeeper Nicky Weaver for praise as Charlton beat Preston at Deepdale for the first time in 53 years on Saturday.

Weaver excelled in the second half with a series of exceptional saves as Charlton registered a fourth straight win and a fourth consecutive clean sheet.

"Nicky's in the shape of his life," said Pardew. "Preston really put pressure on him in the second half and there were plenty of bodies around him every time they had a corner.

"He dealt with it superbly because he's in really good shape."

Charlton, who scored last minute goals against Southampton, Bristol City plus two in first half stoppage time against Cardiff, continued at Deepdale.

China international Zheng Zhi gave them the lead with a sweet left-foot drive in the last minute of first half stoppage time.

And after withstanding a second half battering, substitute Luke Varney increased the lead in the final minute of second half stoppage time.

Charlton: Weaver; Mills, Sodje, Fortune, Basey; Sam (Ambrose 82 mins),Semedo (Holland 73 mins), Zheng, Reid (Varney 85 mins); Iwelumo. Substitutes not used: Randolph, Bougherra.

Attendance: 12,532.