Bristol Rovers 2-1 Charlton

Goals either side of the break from Steve Elliott and Paul Heffernan secured victory for the Pirates less than a month after Leyton Orient had beaten the Addicks in front of the Sky cameras, despite Therry Racon’s late consolation.

Phil Parkinson drafted in Lloyd Sam, Jose Semedo and Deon Burton into the starting line-up, while Scott Wagstaff and Kyel Reid were dropped to the bench.

There was no place at all in the squad for midfielder Jonjo Shelvey as the Addicks looked to end a run of three consecutive draws.

And there was a dramatic start as Dominic Blizzard was booked within 12 seconds for a nasty and cynical two-footed challenge on Grant Basey.

The injury sustained by Basey led to the early introduction of Chris Solly after several minutes of treatment, with Blizzard lucky to escape with only a yellow card.

Charlton’s first chance arrived on seven minutes when a foul on Racon 20 yards out produced a free-kick, although skipper Nicky Bailey drilled it straight into the Rovers wall.

However, it was Bristol Rovers who took the lead on 14 minutes when Stuart Campbell’s corner was flicked on by Heffernan and an unmarked Steve Elliott smashed home from six yards.

Bailey tried his luck from just outside of the area 10 minutes later but his attempt landed straight into the palms of Rovers keeper Mikkel Andersen.

Charlton had Rob Elliot to thank for three superb saves in quick succession, first denying Andrew Williams when he broke clear, then tipping over Chris Lines’ powerful 20-yard volley and finally for catching Lines’ on-target free-kick.

Akpo Sodje’s 33rd minute shot was charged down by a Rovers defender for a corner, from which the on-loan Sheffield Wednesday striker headed agonisingly wide of the far post.

Heffernan headed straight at Elliot after connecting with Jeff Hughes’ inviting cross three minutes later.

Sam shook off the attentions of two Rovers defenders before breaking into the area and delivering a low pass across the six-yard box which just failed to meet the outstretched leg of Akpo Sodje.

But the visitors had Sam Sodje to thank for scrambling Heffernan’s 41st minute shot off the line after the Rovers striker fired past Elliot with a low shot from the left-hand side of the area.Bailey’s 44th minute free-kick hit the top of the wall but was flicked on to Akpo Sodje, although his header went straight at Andersen.

Bailey almost grabbed a stunning stoppage time equaliser with a 20-yard volley that only just went wide, but there was also time for Heffernan to blaze over at the other end.

There was still time for Bailey to have a penalty claim ignored and pick up a caution for diving, although replays showed he had been fouled by Byron Anthony.

Charlton’s sense of injustice was fuelled when Bailey was cautioned for diving, but it was Rovers who went in at the break with their noses in front.

Parkinson freshened up his attack at the start of the second half by introducing David Mooney for Akpo Sodje.

Blizzard came agonisingly close to adding a second when his header from Lines’ free-kick went just wide of the target.

Campbell fired straight at Elliot moments later and then Sam fired straight at Andersen.

Only a vital challenge by Anthony prevented Bailey making a better connection with Sam’s cross on the hour, seconds before Semedo made way for Reid.

However, things went from bad to worse for Charlton on 64 minutes when Sam Sodje’s unfortunate back header released Heffernan clear on goal and he unleashed a powerful shot beyond Elliot to make it 2-0.

It could have been worse had Danny Coles managed to connect with Campbell’s corner, but at least Charlton showed some signs of a response when Racon tested Andersen with a decent shot.

Having used all their substitutes, the visitors were reduced to 10-men when an accidental clash of heads between Anthony and Mooney forced the Charlton striker to leave the field on 81 minutes.

Sam blazed wildly over in stoppage time and Racon fired straight at Andersen.

There was still time for Burton to pick up a booking for a challenge on the Pirates keeper and Racon to halve the deficit with a half-volley from 18-yards with virtually the last kick of the game.

But Charlton’s lacklustre display will be a major concern for Parkinson and a huge delight for Leeds and Norwich.

Charlton: Elliot, Richardson, Dailly, S Sodje, Basey (Solly 4), Sam, Semedo (Reid 61), Racon, Bailey, A Sodje (Mooney 46), Burton. Subs not used: Randolph, Llera, McKenzie, Wagstaff. Att: 7,624.