Charlton remain without a league win since Boxing Day following a 2-0 home defeat by fellow Championship strugglers Birmingham on Saturday.

Victory would have lifted them out of the bottom three but a goal in each half from former Manchester United striker Federico Macheda leaves Chris Powell’s side two points adrift of Millwall in 22nd place.

Charlton handed home debuts to keeper Yohann Thuram-Ulien, striker Reza Ghoochannejhad and winger Astrit Ajdarevic.

But they fell behind on 22 minutes to Macheda’s header from a Emyr Huws free-kick.

Jordan Cousins wasted a decent chance for the Addicks, while Birmingham keeper Darren Randolph also saved from Ajdarevic, Johnnie Jackson and Ghoochannejhad.

Blues were happy to sit on their lead as Charlton pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

The hosts couldn’t score and were punished 10 minutes from time when Tom Adeyemi led a counter-attack and set up Macheda.

Charlton boss Powell said: “The character wasn’t lacking. The quality was there at times but it just wasn’t going to be our day and it was two poor goals we conceded.”