Simon Makienok revealed how a pre-match soldier’s pep talk inspired Charlton to victory over Sheffield Wednesday.

The Addicks ended a 12-game winless run with a 3-1 thumping of in-form Wednesday.

The Great Dane scored and completed his first 90 minutes since the South Londoners’ last league win against Hull on August 22.

A minute’s silence was held before the game at the Valley to commemorate the fallen for Remembrance Sunday.

Makienok said:“We had a pre-match pep talk from a soldier - it had a huge impact on me.

“He told us how the military have strict rules to follow but the most important thing for them is teamwork and to be willing to die for your fellow soldier.

“In our case, a teammate.

“The talk was very good and was a big inspiration for all of us to go out on the pitch to win the game.”

Johnnie Jackson and Reza Ghoochannejhad scored on either side of Makienok’s 45th minute goal to end the Owls’ 11-match unbeaten run.

Despite winning his first home game in charge, the crowd continued to ignore interim boss Karel Fraeye and opted to sing 'Jason Euell’s Red Army.'

Makienok gave nothing away on the possibility of the Belgian getting the job on a full-time basis.

He added: “It was a big performance from him as he put the right tactics together and everything worked out well from the first minute.

“But I don’t really think about his position - I just give everything for whoever is here.

“I don't think about his background or anyone else who might be coming to the club.

“This is the man who is here and we have to listen, trust and give everything for him.”

The tactical tweak by Fraeye meant that Alou Diarra slotted into his more natural defensive midfield position.

Makienok stressed the importance of winning before the international break and praised teammate Diarra.

The Danish international said: “It’s so hard to describe the feeling of finally winning after our bad run.

“We have a two-week break now which will allow us to get our confidence back and to train more - you saw that we were better so I’m really pleased with the performance.

“Personally, I thought Alou Diarra was the key player because he read the play really well and set up attacks.

“You feel that when he’s behind you, with his experience, you can take more risks further up the pitch and know he’s there to sweep up.”

Earlier in the day, supporters protested against Charlton owner Roland Duchatelet’s regime.

Makienok admitted he was not aware of the pre-match demonstration outside the main stand.

He said: “I could hear the fans when we started to warm up but I thought they were making noise because they really wanted to support us.

“I didn't know anything about the protests so I just used it for ‘we have to give everything as the fans don’t deserve this.'”

After the international break, Charlton go to promotion-chasing Birmingham City on November 21.