Charlton defenders Jason Pearce and Lewis Page stepped up their recovery from injury as the Under-23s beat Watford last night.

Pearce, who has been plagued by a knee problem for most of the season, made his first-team return against MK Dons last month.

Page hasn’t played for almost a year after suffering serious hamstring and achilles injuries.

Other first-teamers Johnnie Jackson and Nicky Ajose also gained valuable minutes against Watford.

Jackson has been preoccupied with his coaching duties, while Ajose has started just eight games this season.

All four players are set to be in the matchday squad for the trip to Peterborough on Saturday.

They featured alongside Anfernee Dijksteel, whose brace secured an impressive 2-1 win at Vicarage Road.