Plymouth 1 Charlton 2

CHARLTON manager Alan Pardew saluted his 10 braves after they came from behind to stun Plymouth and register a first win in the Championship since March 1 on Saturday at Home Park.

The odds were stacked against the Addicks, who were reduced to 10-men in the third minute when goalkeeper Nicky Weaver was sent off for handling outside his area.

Medway youngster Rob Elliott from Newington came off the bench to make his first team debut and helped inspire his side with several outstanding saves.

The Addicks suffered a further setback when central defender Sam Sodje was carried off with a broken toe in the 36th minute. The injury will keep him out for the rest of the season.

After a goalless first half, the Addicks came from behind to win thanks to two goals from Leroy Lita's - his third in two games.

"I cannot speak highly enough of the players," said Pardew. "People have posed questions regarding the mental strength of the side.

"I believe we answered those accusations against Plymouth. The three points keep us in the hunt for the play-off positions, though it looks as though we'll have to win all our remaining matches to qualify.

"We've had some dismal Saturday nights recently so it makes a big change to come off smiling."

Charlton trailed to a 60th-minute Jermaine Easter goal but then hit back four minutes later when Lita equalised with a close range header after Plymouth goakeeper Luke McCormick's weak punch from Ben Thatcher's free-kick was headed back by Zheng Zhi.

The Plymouth goalkeeper was at fault again with the 75th minute winner. He fumbled Chris Iwelumo's header and Lita gleefully finish.

Plymouth went close to equalising in the five minutes added for stoppages but Elliott produced an outstanding save to foil substitute Jamie Mackie.

Charlton now move up to eighth in the Championship, level on points with Plymouth, but ahead on goal difference.

Charlton: Weaver; Halford Sodje (Bougherra 36mins) McCarthy, Thatcher; Zheng, Holland, Semedo, Cook (Elliott 3mins); Iwelumo (Varney 86 mins) Lita. Subs not used: Ambrose, Thomas.

Attendance: 14,715.