Sheffield United 2 Charlton 1

Charlton's enterprising attempts to rebound from last week's humilation against Sheffield Wednesday were not aided by Danny Webber's fortunate 26th minute opener, a looping cross which looped over Charlton keeper Rob Elliot.

Aston Villa's forgotten man Lee Hendrie then boosted his profile at completely the wrong time for the away side, lashing in a powerful free kick just after the hour mark. But there was hope of a comeback when Chris Dickson sneaked onto Jonathan Fortune's free kick to touch the ball past Ian Bennett.

Buoyed by the goal, Charlton took the opportunity to panic Sheffield United's defence, and seemed unfortunate not to win a late penalty. Lloyd Sam tumbled in the box, and Charlton players were convinced the ball also bounced a defender's hand immediately afterwards. But the referee remained unmoved, denying the troubled side a chance to take their Championship counterparts back to The Valley.

Charlton manager Phil Parkinson said: "At 2-0 down I thought we came back terrifically well and I thought we should have had a penalty at the death.

"I'm not sure if the referees have got together and said Charlton are not allowed penalties. I'm just waiting for one to put his whistle in his mouth and give us one. Even if it's one of those 70/30 ones, one day we will get a decision."

Sheff Utd: Bennett, Jihai (Howard 83), Morgan, Kilgallon, Naysmith, Halford, Naughton, Montgomery, Webber (Hendrie 56), Sharp, Henderson

Subs Not Used: Haber, Cotterill, Carney, Walker

Goals: Webber 26, Hendrie 62

Charlton: Elliot, Moutaouakil, Fortune, Hudson, Youga, Shelvey (Dickson 58), Bailey, Ambrose, Holland (Racon 78), Sam, Burton (Gray 59)

Subs Not Used: Randolph, Wagstaff, Basey, Clark

Booked: Dickson

Goal: Dickson 69

Att: 15,957