Substitute Charlie Kelman came off the bench to score the only goal as Charlton Athletic beat Birmingham City 1-0, a result that moved the hosts nine points clear of the Championship's bottom three and eased their relegation concerns. The former QPR forward took his fifth goal of the season with a composed finish in the 74th minute, punishing a Birmingham side whose play-off aspirations suffered another damaging setback.
In a tight contest of few clear-cut chances, Charlton created the better openings before the interval without ending their long wait for a first-half home goal, while Birmingham grew more dangerous after the break, particularly following a double substitution. Ultimately, though, it was Kelman's sharp impact from Sonny Carey's long throw that separated the sides, with the visitors unable to find a response despite late pressure and half-chances at both ends.
Cagey First Half with Charlton on the Front Foot
The first half reflected the high stakes for both sides, with clear openings at a premium, but it was Charlton who fashioned the more promising moments. Facing his former club for the first time since leaving at the end of the winter transfer window, Lyndon Dykes tried an audacious lob over Ryan Allsop in the 19th minute, spotting the Birmingham goalkeeper off his line, but the effort failed to seriously trouble the visiting keeper.