Yann Kermogant grabbed the decisive goal as nPower League 1 leaders Charlton Athletic edged out Oldham after a fractious match which saw the leaders finish with nine men at Boundary Park.

Acting skipper Danny Hollands (pictured) and Oldham centre-back Jean-Yves M’voto were both dismissed in the first half, with Scott Wagstaff joining them late on after Kermogant's 49 minute winner. In all referee Trevor Kettle issued 11 yellow cards and three reds.

The win was Charlton's 14th away from home this season and leaves them six points clear with five games remaining.

Manager Chris Powell left 21-goal top scorer Bradley Wright-Phillips on the bench in favour of Dany N’Guessan, but in a disjointed first half both sides struggled to create chances.

Charlton’s Wagstaff had an early opening but the ball would not sit up and his shot was comfortably saved by Ben Bouzanis, while at the other end visiting keeper Ben Hamer got his body behind a 30-yard shot from Shefki Kufi.

Referee Kettle showed four yellow cards in the opening 19 minutes – one of them to Wagstaff - and the Berkshire official reached for red just after the half-hour when Charlton’s acting captain Danny Hollands was sent off after a sliding challenge on Kieran Lee.

The decision was seen as harsh by Addick fans, but Mr Kettle levelled things up four minutes before the break when he branded a second yellow to Oldham’s M’voto after a foul on Kermogant.

After a frustrating first half Charlton had to wait just four minutes after the restart to break the deadlock as Rhoys Wiggins crossed into the box and French striker Kermogant stooped to head home his 10 goal of the season.

Oldham created few clear-cut chances although the visitors did have a scare when Hamer slipped as Tom Adeyemi poked the ball goalwards but the Charlton keeper was able to recover and gather the ball.

The dismisal of young winger Wagstaff, after he had slipped in trying to tackle Dean Furman to collect a second yellow gave Oldham fresh impetus but tehe Charlton defence held firm and Kermogant almost grabbed a remarkable second with a shot from just inside his own half which went wide with Bouzanis struggling to get across.

With promotion almost in sight for the Addicks, how do you think they will fare back in the Championship? Have your say below