Sunderland 1 Charlton 2 – League One play-off chase is properly on for Addicks as they do business at Stadium Of Light

Charlton Athletic’s prospects of being involved in the League One play-offs have improved significantly after an excellent 2-1 victory at Sunderland.

The result means that Nigel Adkins is unbeaten in his three matches since replacing Lee Bowyer in the Valley hotseat – seven points from a possible nine.

And crucially it is now back-to-back wins over League One promotion rivals.

This sapping, spirited and highly rewarding result on Wearside ended Sunderland’s 14-game unbeaten run and Charlton are just a point behind sixth-placed Lincoln City, who do have a match in hand.

Charlton’s opener was a goal straight off the training ground as Jason Pearce held back both his marker and the one assigned to Ryan Inniss, the big centre-back’s header was only partially blocked by Lee Burge before Josh Scowen sliced into the roof of his own net in the 31st minute.

And the second goal came from another deadball moment. A throw in was flicked on by Jayden Stockley – one of 14 aerial duels he won on a dominant afternoon – and Alex Gilbey finished at the second attempt just past the hour mark.

Stockley deserved a goal himself as he led the line with aplomb but had missed a golden opportunity just before Gilbey struck. Diallang Jaiyesimi picked out the on-loan Preston man but from close-range he guided his header against the right upright.

Charlton and coasting don’t tend to go hand in hand. They had defended resolutely and given the hosts little encouragement up until the 70th minute. Scowen ensured there would be a nerve-jangling finale as he headed home after Ben Amos initially made a double stop with former Addicks loanee Aiden McGeady lifting the ball over the backline for Charlie Wyke to chase.

The keeper would probably have been better advised to have stayed on his line but he also made crucial first-half saves to deny  Wyke and Callum McFadzean. His calm handling of crosses also alleviated some of the pressure as Sunderland put plenty of deliveries into the box.

Charlton have banked 14 points from their last six matches – a total only matched by league leaders Hull City and Blackpool. The chase for the play-offs is very much on.

PICTURES: KYLE ANDREWS