Sheffield United 2 Charlton 1

Manager Phil Parkinson believes his Charlton players re-discovered self-respect on their return to Sheffield on Saturday.

A week earlier the Addicks were mauled 4-1 in the Coca-Cola Championship across the city at Sheffield Wednesday.

This time Charlton produced a 100 per cent improvement despite their eclipse from the FA Cup at the fourth round stages.

"Though we lost, I feel a lot better than I did this time last week," said Parkinson.

"We competed, we got stuck in and did all the things we didn't do at Hillsborough a week ago.

"I think we deserved a draw and I was deeply disappointed that we didn't get a penalty in second half stoppage time.

"What I want us to do now is take that level of performance into Tuesday's derby with Crystal Palace.

"Win that and I believe we'll get lift-off."

Parkinson confirmed that the club were in discussions with a player they hope to sign next week."

Two mistakes by goalkeeper Rob Elliot handed victory to Sheffield United who extended their unbeaten run to nine games.

The youngster from Newington near Sittingbourne, allowed Danny Webber's speculative 26th minute shot to sail over his head.

On the hour he was again at fault as substitute Lee Hendrie beat him on his near post with a free-kick.

Transfer-listed Gillingham target Chris Dickson gave the Addicks hope when he pulled back a goal nine minutes later when he cheekily lobbed the ball over advancing United goalkeepeer Ian Bennett.

The Addicks had strong appeals for a penalty rejected in second half stoppage time when substitute Andy Gray was flattened by United skipper Chis Morgan.

Addicks: Elliot, Moutaouakil, Fortune, Hudson, Youga, Shelvey (Dickson 58), Bailey, Ambrose, Holland (Racon 78), Sam, Burton (Gray 59). Subs not used: Randolph, Wagstaff, Basey, Clark.

Attendance: 15,957.