Gillingham 1 Charlton 1

However, shortly after, an equaliser from Gillingham's goal-machine Simeon Jackson meant a share of the spoils.

The Addicks made just one change from the starting XI that beat Huddersfield last week with Jose Semedo coming in for Matt Spring.

Izale McLeod kept his place up front and almost made an immediate impact at Priestfield.
The striker was crudely brought down in the Gillingham penalty area on four minutes but the referee bizarrely waved played on.

The first half had few chances but John Nutter came closest for the home side when his crossed free kick went past everyone before being denied by a good reaction save by Rob Elliot. It was the goalkeeper's second good stop as he was also on hand early on, saving well from Mark Bentley.

At the other end McLeod broke free but shot harmlessly wide, as the Addicks struggled to test Simon Royce.

There was also action off the pitch in the home ends where at least two fans were ejected in the first half.

The second half saw chances for both sides, but Elliot was again the busiest keeper, making another fantastic save low from Nutter.

When the deadlock was finally broken it came from an unlikely source.

Sam Sodje poked the ball in the area towards substitute David Mooney. The ball was cut out by Nutter but the Gillingham defender could only place the ball out of reach of Royce and into the net.

Charlton's glee only lasted two minutes, however, when Jackson leveled the scores, firing past Elliot after holding off Christian Dailly.

It ended all square but with Leeds losing to Millwall, Charlton are now just a point behind the league leaders.

Charlton: Elliot; Richardson (Basey 60), Youga, Dailly, Sodje; Sam (Wagstaff 90), Semedo, Racon, Bailey; Burton, McLeod (Mooney 76)

Gillingham: Royce; Fuller, Nutter, Gowling, Fry; Bentley, Weston, Lewis, Barcham; Jackson, Oli (Yussuff 90)

Att: 10,304