Ra’ees Bangura Williams’ 88th-minute goal earned Millwall a 1-1 draw at The Valley and denied Charlton a first victory over their south London rivals in 29 years.
The Addicks looked set to claim their first three-point haul against their local rivals since March 1996 – Sonny Carey’s first goal since his summer switch from Blackpool put them ahead in the 40th minute.
But Charlton’s control of the contest was ended by the 74th dismissal of centre-back Kayne Ramsay for two yellow cards.
The opening exchanges in SE7 were scrappy and nervy, both sides backing up why only Sheffield United came into this round of weekend fixtures with a lower shot conversion rate in the Championship.
Sonny Carey scores the opener for Charlton in their clash with Millwall.
The first attempt of any note was registered by Ramsay when the Addicks centre-back sent a long-distance attempt comfortably off target in the 27th minute.
Millwall, who had won their opening two away league matches, found it even tougher to fashion attacking moments in the opening 45 minutes. Aidomo Emakhu was their most threatening outlet as the Irishman showed intent to dribble at the hosts backline but struck wildly off target after cutting on to his right foot.
Charlton finished the first period with some momentum and threatened again just moments before they broke the deadlock. Rob Apter’s deflected shot looped over Lions keeper Steven Benda and clipped the top of the crossbar.
The resulting corner saw Carey open his account for the hosts. Benda could only fist Conor Coventry’s corner to the edge of the penalty area, with Carey’s first-time strike fizzing through a crowded penalty area and into the bottom of the net.
Millwall captain Jake Cooper headed wide from Emakhu’s corner from eight yards out just before the interval.
Sonny Carey scores the opener for Charlton in their clash with Millwall.
Charlton were reduced to 10 men after Ramsay picked up his second yellow card from referee Robert Madley – both for fouls on the dangerous Emakhu, easily the best performer for Millwall on a below-par day.
Despite their numerical disadvantage the Addicks had the chance to go 2-0 ahead; Miles Leaburn’s flick sent the excellent Tyreece Campbell through but he arrowed a shot over Benda’s bar.
Millwall boss Alex Neil had switched off the subdued Mihailo Ivanovic, along with Camiel Neghli, bringing on Bangura-Williams and Daniel Kelly.
And Bangura-Williams had an impact.
The young midfielder had a goal disallowed for handball but there was to be no reprieve from the officials for Charlton soon after.
Bangura-Williams was the quickest to react after Thomas Kaminski was only able to push Luke Cundle’s shot back out into danger, lashing in the loose ball.
The managers
Charlton’s Nathan Jones:
To follow…
Millwall’s Alex Neil:
To follow…
