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Addicks suffer last second heartbreak

Andy Gray celebrates putting Charlton in front during the 2-2 draw against Derby. PICTURE: BARRY GOODWIN
Andy Gray celebrates putting Charlton in front during the 2-2 draw against Derby. PICTURE: BARRY GOODWIN

Charlton 2 Derby 2

Charlton were within touching distance of a first win in 13 games when they were cruelly denied by a last second equaliser from Derby striker Nathan Ellington.

Though Monday night's draw lifted the club from the foot of the Coca-Cola Championship, it was small consolation for the club, their supporters and caretaker manager Phil Parkinson who is keen to win the job on a permanent basis.

Parkinson, who lost his voice on the night, was afterwards distraught.

"As kicks in the teeth go, that's as big as it gets," he whispered.

"Last week we let our supporters down against Coventry but tonight we gave them a performance and I think they showed their appreciation at the final whistle.

"They did the jobs I asked them to do with two midfielders sat in to protect the back four.

"I feel desperately sorry for the players because they worked so hard tonight."

Until Ellington equalised in the 95th minute, 18-year-old striker Martyn Waghorn, signed on loan from Sunderland, looked to become a Valley hero after restoring Charlton's lead with his first senior goal.

Andy Gray had given Charlton a 34th minute lead which Ellington equalised from the penalty spot in the 62nd minute after Jose Semedo needlessly handled.

Two minutes later Waghorn struck with a shot that deflected in off Derby skipper Paul Connolly following good approach play by Lloyd Sam.

The goal looked good enough to win the game until Connolly's long throw skidded off the head of Charlton defender Grant Basey and fell perfectly for Ellington who made no mistake from close range.

Charlton: Elliot; Cranie, Fortune, Hudson, Basey; Sam (Gillespie 81 mins), Bailey, Semedo, Bouazza; Gray, Waghorn (Burton 79 mins). Substitutes not used: Weaver, Youga, Todorov.

Attendance: 20,989

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