Charlton 1-1 Bury

The visitors led courtesy of Lenell John-Lewis’ first half opener and looked to be on their way to inflicting Charlton’s first home defeat of the season until Stephens saved the day.

Bradley Wright-Phillips was rested in favour of Leon Clarke, while Stephens started instead of Bradley Pritchard, who was on the bench.

Danny Green fired over early on before Giles Coke tried his luck from 20 yards at the other end, placing his attempt just wide of Ben Hamer’s post.

But it was Charlton who assumed control of the opening exchanges and they should have taken the lead in the 15th minute when Johnnie Jackson released Clarke, but his shot was well saved by Shakers keeper Cameron Belford.

Michael Morrison made a vital clearance to prevent Coke getting on the end of David Amoo’s dangerous looking 20th minute cross, while Hamer had to gather Peter Sweeney’s attempt four minutes later.

John-Lewis headed over Steven Schumacher’s 40th minute free-kick but he made amends within two minutes by drilling a shot past Hamer from 15 yards.

Scumacher’s volley within a minute of the restart was deflected behind for a corner as Bury looked to pick up where they left off.

Kermorgant was unable to capitalise on a couple of half chances which fell his way, while Belford had to punch clear Green’s long range attempt.

Charlton should have been level when a green corner was flicked on by Morrison to Taylor, but the defender headed over from eight yards.

Efe Sodje had to head behind Rhoys Wiggins’ shot moments before Clarke made way for Danny Haynes.

Charlton players appealed furiously for a 74th minute penalty when Chris Solly’s volley looked like it had been handled on the line, appeals which fell on deaf ears.

Kermorgant placed a header straight at Belford and then Belford had to punch behind a Green corner as the home fans became increasingly anxious.

But their nerves were finally eased in the 93rd minute as Morrison’s initial shot was pushed out by Belford to Stephens on the edge of the area and his shot flew into the net to send The Valley into ecstasy.

Manager Chris Powell said: “It was 11-3 to us on the chances count this evening and kit was a superb goal, just outstanding the strike from Dale.

“That’s a good point. It is better than losing, although of course I want us to win each and every game and we got a bit frustrated.

“I sensed a little bit of frustration around the place but we should just remain calm and patient.

“It looked as if it was going to be a frustrating night for us and our unbeaten home record would have gone, but they are full of character the boys in the home team dressing room.

“They never know when they are beaten and it was an outstanding goal to rescue a point for us.”

Follow us on Twitter @NewsShopperSprt

Charlton: Hamer, Morrison, Taylor, Wiggins, Solly, Jackson, Green, Stephens, Hollands (Pritchard 84), Kermorgant, Clarke (Haynes 73). Subs not used: Sullivan, Hayes, Cort. Att: 13,264.