Charlton 4 Reading 2

Charlton Player of the Year and goalscorer Matt Holland insisted the side had set a benchmark for the season after seeing off relegated Premier League side Reading at The Valley.

Holland, who with Nicky Bailey drove the team from midfield, said: "We set out our stall against a very good Reading side.

"That's our benchmark for the season and we'll need to maintain that kind of form if we're to get anything next week at Preston."

In a match of six goals, four penalties and a sending off, the fans were given full value for money.

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Manager Alan Pardew added: "It was a strange afternoon with so much happening but I thought we played really well in the first half.

"We had a few setbacks today with Reading pulling it back to 2-2. But the strength of character was there because we went on and won the game.

"Maybe that wouldn't have happened last season."

Holland opened the scoring in the 25th minute with his goal at The Valley for four years when Reading goalkeeper Marcus Hahnemann fumbled Luke Varney's shot.

It was the first goal conceded by Reading in the League this season.

Kevin Doyle missed a 34th minute penalty before Andy Gray increased Charlton's lead by converting a 43rd minute after Varney had been fouled by Ibrahima Sonko.

Sonko made amends when he headed in Bobby Convey's cross in stoppage time.

The drama increased in the second half when Reading were awarded a second penalty in the 50th minute.

Goalkeeper Nicky Weaver saved Stephen Hunt's penalty only for referee Lee Mason to order a re-take as Weaver had strayed off his line.

This time Hunt made no mistake. But in a thriller of a match Varney headed in Lloyd Sam's cross in the 67th minute.

The outstanding Hameur Bouazza added a spectacular fourth in the 73rd minute to round off a highly satisfying afternoon for the Addick.

Reading were reduced to 10-men in the 84th minute when Sonko was dismissed for a second yellow card following a challenge on Bouazza.

Charlton: Weaver, Moutaouakil (Semedo 89), Hudson, Fortune, Basey, Sam (Ambrose 82), Holland, Bailey, Bouazza, Varney, Gray. Subs not used: Elliot, Semedo, Shelvey, Ambrose, Dickson. Attendance: 20,020.