Charlton Athletic 1 Blackburn Rovers 0

IF CHARLTON should emerge at the season’s end still clutching a place in the Premiership they will give thanks to Talal El Karkouri's first goal for two-years.

Mere seconds remained on Tuesday night when the big Morocco international central defender shoved team-mate Andy Reid aside and wrong-footed Blackburn goalkeeper Brad Friedel with a 20-yard free-kick.

The Valley responded by abandoning itself to sheer ecstasy. Charlton were celebrating moving off the foot of the table for the first time since September 30.

It was Les Reed’s first victory in four attempts since succeeding Iain Dowie last month and not surprisingly, he declared himself "elated".

He added: "We played very well and now we can feel a little better when we look at the league table. We go to Tottenham on Saturday with renewed confidence."

Reed disclosed that both Reid and El Karkouri wanted the last chance to win the game.

"I was screaming at Talal to let Reidy have it but he wouldn’t listen - which is just as well because if this is the turning point in our season, then that free-kick will be vitally important."

Blackburn, who won three times in League and Carling Cup matches at The Valley last season, were always second best to a vibrant Charlton team that bore no resemblance to the one that capitulated four days earlier away to Sheffield United.

By contrast, Blackburn had little to offer with their square and sluggish defence and a midfield unable and unwilling to compete effectively.

Charlton: Carson, Young, El Karkouri, Hreidarsson, Traore (Diawara 26), Kishishev (Holland 88), Faye, Reid, Hughes, Sam (M Bent 70) D Bent.
Subs not used: Myhre, Rommedahl.
Attendance: 23,423.

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