Jose Riga’s reign as Charlton’s new manager kicked off with a scoreless Valley draw against Huddersfield.

It was certainly an improved display from Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final capitulation at Huddersfield, although the Addicks’ lack of cutting edge remains a cause for concern.

There was a huge round of applause from the home fans in the third minute in acknowledgement of former boss Chris Powell and Astrit Ajdarevic went close almost immediately after it had finished with a long range shot which produced a save from Alex Smithies.

Ben Hamer was called into the action at the other end to deny Nahki Wells, while Jonathan Hogg saw a long range volley fly off target three minutes later.

Michael Morrison made a poor connection after being picked out by Johnnie Jackson’s corner before Huddersfield went straight up the other end and had a penalty claim turned down when Wells went to ground under close attention from Morrison.

Reza Ghoochannejhad volleyed inches wide from Jackson’s corner and then Smithies had to get down low to deny Ajdarevic as the home side’s bright start continued.

Paul Dixon made a crucial block on Ghoochannejhad after he had been found by Rhoys Wiggins’ low delivery.

Hamer had to be alert to keep out Hogg’s 25 yard attempt but the Addicks keeper wasn’t troubled by Adam Clayton’s ambitious long range effort which went harmlessly over the bar.

Wells was the next Terrier to try his luck from outside the box with Hamer yet again more than a match for what was thrown at him.

Danny Ward fired a shot straight at the stopper from the edge of the area, but Charlton should have got their noses in front when Ghoochannejhad’s header took an unfortunate touch off Marvin Sordell which took the ball behind.

It was Sordell who had the first chance after the break when he was put through by Callum Harriott, although the shot failed to trouble Smithies.

There was confusion in the Addicks box when Hamer made a hash of Dixon’s cross but fortunately for him the danger was hacked clear.

Charlton had Dervite to thank after he cleared Wells’ effort off the line after the former Bradford striker had rounded the Charlton keeper on the hour.

Smithies was down low to gather Ajdarevic’s drive from just outside of the box and Harriott saw an effort drift well wide.

Diego Poyet’s excellent pass put Sordell through but Smithies pulled off a decent stop with the Charlton striker under pressure from a trio of visiting defenders by the time he pulled the trigger.

Southern summed up a night of poor quality from both sides in the final minute by blasting well over from 30 yards.

Only the small matter of Millwall away next.

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