Deon Burton netted his 10th goal of the season to secure Charlton a nervy 1-0 victory against Southend at the Valley.
Burton grabbed the only goal of the game when he headed home Lloyd Sam's cross after 25 minutes.
The result continued the Shrimpers losing streak but helped the home side close the gap on league leaders Leeds to four points, after they drew 2-2 with Huddersfield earlier in the day.
But, despite the win, the Addicks created very little of note after that and were left hanging on after the visitors upped their game after the break.
Simon Francis and James Walker came close to grabbing the elusive equaliser for Southend, but they found their shots blocked by last ditch challenges from Christian Dailly and Matthew Spring, respectively.
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