Charlton’s promotion bid took a blow as they could only manage a 1-1 draw against ten men Southend United at The Valley.

A deflected Stephen Humphrys strike gave the visitors the lead before they were reduced ten men on the half hour after Dru Yearwood’s lunge on Jonny Williams.

Ben Reeves pulled a goal back for the Addick’s on the hour but a stubborn Chris Powell side stood firm to see out the game despite a second half onslaught.

Fast Start

Charlton should’ve been ahead on five minutes.

Reeves finding himself in acres of space spreading the ball to Solly whose cutback deserved more from Fosu who failed to hit the target.

It was somewhat against the run of play and a fortuitous strike that broke the deadlock on 24minutes.

Humphrys’ 25-yard effort deflecting up off Naby Sarr and looping over the already committed Phillips to the delight of the traveling Shrimpers.

Powell’s men’s lead was only four minutes old when they were reduced to ten men as Yearwood’s rash challenge on Jonny Williams left Simon Hooper no chance other than to reach for the red.

Sarr went close with a spectacular 35-yard effort which had flying Nathan Bishop worried between the sticks who kept Charlton at bay until the break.

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As expected against ten men Charlton had the lion’s share of possession and with the Shrimpers camped deep in their half Bowyer sent on Josh Parker for full back Ben Purrington for his home debut at the break.

Charlton made their dominance count as on the hour Reeves’ glancing header from Mark Marshall’s delivery went in off the post.

With their tails up they went close to taking the lead through Bielik and substitute Parker who both saw their efforts finely saved by Bishop moments apart.

Southend, living on scraps, nearly regained the lead in the 85th minute as substitute Michael Klass saw his effort drag narrowly wide after a mix-up at the back.

The result will feel like two points dropped for Bowyer who now have Doncaster just five points behind in sixth but with two games in hand over his side.