Charlton remain just above the Championship drop-zone following a second 1-0 defeat in four days.

The Addicks went down 1-0 at Reading, just days after suffering a single goal home defeat against Ipswich.

Reading, without a home league defeat this season, won Tuesday night’s contest thanks to Billy Sharp’s 13 minute strike.

Charlton weren’t without their chances and before Sharp’s effort, they had strong appeals for a penalty turned down.

Simon Church went down in the box under a challenge from defender Stephen Kelly but referee Darren Sheldrick felt it was fair.

Addicks boss Chris Powel, however, was adamant.

"We should definitely have had a penalty,” he said.

“But these big decisions always seem to go against you when you're lower down the league.”

Sharp almost scored a second, after Charlton keeper Alnwick spilled Pavel Pogrebnyak’s long range effort, but the keeper redeemed himself by clocking the follow-up. Garath McCleary also hit the post for the hosts in the second half.

Reading were forced to hang on late in the game, as the Addicks pressed.

Marvin Sordell had the ball in the net, but was deemed to be off-side, while Jonnie Jackson and Cameron Stewart also went close.