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Preston North End 2 Charlton Athletic 2

Chris Powell
Chris Powell

Veteran substitute Graham Alexander's stoppage-time equaliser denied champions Charlton Athletic a winning end to their nPower League 1 away campaign at Deepdale.

The 40-year-old midfielder, playing his 1,023rd and final game of a remarkable career, curled home a sublime free-kick to earn Preston a draw after they had trailed 2-0.

Addicks manager Chris Powell (pictured) made eight changes to his side, with Chris Solly, Bradley Pritchard and Leon Cort the only survivors from the championship-wnning win over Wycombe last weekend.

John Sullivan came in goal for Ben Hamer while Danny Hollands returned after suspension following his red card at Oldham.

Despite all the changes Charlton made a bright start and were ahead inside 11 minutes as Danny Haynes claimed his first goal for the club after latching onto a pass from Danny Green.

Dany N'Guessan was only denied by a smart save by the home keeper on 19 minutes but with 33 minutes played, he doubled Charlton's lead, snaffling up Craig Morgan's poor back pass by to claim the fourth goal of his loan spell.

Shortly before the injured Lee Cook gave way to Scott Wagstaff, Green hit the woodwork from a free-kick, but Charlton remained in the ascendancy and looked well on the way to their sixth successive win and 100 points for the season until Preston halved the deficit 12 minutes into the second half.

Former Bolton man Nicky Hunt was their marksman, firing home his first goal for the Lancashire club after a corner had been headed into his path 25 yards out.

Sullivan then saved from Hunt as Preston staged a late rally and when Cort was penalised for a challenge on Chris Holroyd in time added on the scene was set for Alexander to take centre stage.

The former Burnley man - making his 420th appearance for Preston, did not disappoint, curling the ball over the wall to finish his career in fairytale style.

Do you think Charlton will breach the 100-point barrier at home to Hartlepool? Have your say below.

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