Charlton came from behind to beat Wycombe 3-2 at The Valley on Saturday afternoon. They trailed to an early Randell Williams goal, but drew level when Sido Jombati sliced Lewis Page’s cross into his own goal.
But the Addicks were coasting thanks to second-half goals from Lyle Taylor and Naby Sarr, until Paris Cowan-Hall headed home in the last minute to give Lee Bowyer’s side a nervous end to the game.
Bowyer was without Tariqe Fosu through suspension, Josh Cullen and Jamie Ward due to international duty, and Krystian Bielik who had a calf strain. The manager also opted for Jed Steer in goal. Dillon Phillips dropped to the bench.
Charlton were not at their best in the first period, and did not win their first corner until the last minute of the half.
The Chairboys surprised their hosts when Williams curled a 20-yard effort into the far corner of Steer’s goal after just 7 minutes.
A horrible sliced clearance by Jombati from Lewis Page’s low driven cross ended up in his own net, to bring the Addicks level just past the half-hour mark.
The game then exploded into life. There was an almighty scramble in Charlton’s box, and Karlan Grant was foiled by Ryan Allsop.
The second-half was more entertaining. Nicky Ajose failed to appear after the break, and George Lapslie replaced Darren Pratley after after 56 minutes.
Reeves’ invention, and Lapslie’s energy had a profound influence on the game.
Patrick Bauer and Taylor had good chances before Taylor eventually prodded home 19 minutes from time.
A sweeping move saw Page, Aribo and Grant combine to present Taylor with a tap in from close range after 71 minutes.
Three minutes later, the Addicks nearly added a third. Taylor fed Lapslie, who drifted across the box, before giving Reeves an opportunity to shoot. Unfortunately, the midfielder dragged his shot wide.
But Wycombe’s respite was brief. The visitors’ defence failed to clear a Bauer free-kick, and Naby Sarr slotted home from close range.
Just when the home fans thought the points were safe, the Chairboys struck again.
A left-wing corner was headed powerfully home at the near post by Paris Cowan-Hall in the last minute.
Home fans had to endure 5 minutes added time – that was extended to nearly 8 for perceived time wasting – before Graham Salisbury blew the final whistle.
Bowyer will be pleased with the character his team showed, and he will want to keep the momentum going at Bradford next week.
Charlton: Steer; Solly, Bauer, Pearce , Sarr, Page; Pratley (Lapslie 56), Ajose (Reeves 47), Aribo; Grant, Taylor (Djiksteel 90).
Subs (not used): Phillips, Marshall, Vetokele, Morgan.
Goals: Jombati 32 (own goal), Taylor 71, Sarr 80.
Booked: Sarr 34 (foul), Pratley 51 (foul), Steer 90 (time wasting).
Wycombe: Allsop; Jombati, McCarthy, Stewart, Jacobsen; Thompson, Gape, Morris, Williams (Kaskket 63); Akinfenwa (Cowan-Hall 79), Mackail-Smith (Onyedinma 57).
Subs (not used): Ma-Kalambay, Saunders, Bean, Harriman.
Goals: Williams 7, Cowan-Hall 89.
Booked: Jombatti 64 (foul).
Referee: Graham Salisbury (Lancashire).
Attn: 10,358 (1,078 Wycombe).