No Valley of darkness as El Karkouri fires home late winner

MOROCCAN defender Talal El Karkouri crashed home a dramatic stoppage-time winner as Charlton celebrated 14 years back at The Valley by climbing off the foot of the Barclays Premiership and giving new manager Les Reed his first win.

El Karkouri hammered a stunning 25-yard free kick past Blackburn goalkeeper Brad Friedel to snatch all three points after Stephane Henchoz had been booked for holding back substitute Marcus Bent.

It looked like Charlton’s fierce endeavours would go unrewarded despite a plucky showing from a changed team following Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Sheffield United.