Charlton 1 Southend 0

Southend had a lot of the early play but the best chance of the opening 15 minutes fell to Charlton.

Deon Burton's cut back found David Mooney who missed his kick. The ball ran to Lloyd Sam whose well placed shot was superbly saved by Southend keeper Steve Mildenhall.

For the visitors, centre backs Adam Barrett and Sean Morrison were causing problems in the air at set peices but failed to trouble Charlton keeper Rob Elliot.

The Shrimpers best chance came on 22 minutes when Lee Barnard was in acres of space with just Elliot to beat but the keeper saved brilliantly with his feet.

On 25 minutes the deadlock was broken when Charlton took the lead. An inch perfect left-footed cross by Lloyd Sam was met by Burton at the near post and his header squirmed past Mildenhall.

Minutes later Nicky Bailey nearly doubled the lead but his free-kick was tipped over by the keeper.

Early in the second half Therry Racon, who was in for the suspended Jose Semedo, went close with a shot from just outside the area.

Southend's neat passing game was putting the Addicks on the back foot in the second period, although the visitors were struggling to create chances.

Charlton were missing the Semedo effect of breaking up play, as Southeend were enjoying far more of the possession than the home side.

They went close on 75 minutes when Simon Francis shot just over with a free-kick.

The Addicks nearly killed the game off with five minutes to go but Burton's close range effort was bundled wide by Mildenhall.

Charlton played out the last few minutes to secure a nervy victory against the Essex side.

Charlton: Elliot; Richardson (Omozusi 46), Basey, S Sodje, Dailly; Sam, Racon (Spring 79), Bailey, Wagstaff; Mooney (A Sodje 60), Burton.

Southend: Mildenhall; Francis, Malone, Barrett, Morrison; Laurent, McCormack, Grant, Moussa (Scannell 87); Ibehre (Walker 80), Barnard.

Att: 17,445