Goals from Josh Magennis, Ricky Holmes and Jake Forster-Caskey gave Charlton a 4-1 win over Northampton.

The Cobblers failed to take their first-half chances, and were punished by a ruthless Addicks side.

They did pull one back through Marc Richards late on to make it a nervy ending.

But two Forster-Caskey injury-time goals ended any hope for the away side. 

Charlton boss Karl Robinson made no changes to the team that lost 2-0 to Plymouth last weekend.

And the decision paid dividends in the second minute when Magennis put the Addicks in front. Ricky Holmes bombed down the left to cross for the big number nine who headed home.

It was the Northern Ireland striker’s first goal since signing a new contract on Friday.

The Addicks could have conceded soon after, but Ben Amos got down well to thwart Richards.

Amos had to be alert again as he held Ash Taylor’s snapshot after a scramble in the box.

A lightning quick counter attack from Charlton should have seen them double their lead in the 32nd minute. Holmes carried the ball at least 50 yards, played in Tariqe Fosu, who dragged his effort wide.

Amos made sure Charlton went into the break a goal up after making himself big to deny Billy Waters from close-range.

Northampton started the second-half the same way they ended the first, and nearly scored through David Buchanan, but the defender headed just wide.

And shortly after, Magennis wasted a glorious chance to score his second goal of the game. Fosu’s shot was parried by David Cornell, the ball fell to Magennis, who volleyed over.

But Charlton ensured the miss would not come back to haunt them when Holmes’ top-corner strike beat Cornell in the 61st minute. Great interplay between Clarke and Holmes saw the latter let fly from 15 yards.

The Addicks could have had a third, however, Magennis’ long-range shot trickled wide.

Richards’ 79th-minute header gave Northampton some hope, but two brilliant Forster-Caskey goals ended the contest.

Charlton XI: Amos, Solly, Bauer, Pearce, Dasilva, Kashi, Forster-Caskey, Fosu (Ahearne-Grant, 73), Clarke (Jackson, 90), Holmes (Konsa, 83), Magennis.

Subs not used: Phillips, Sarr, Airbo, Hackett-Fairchild.

Attendance: 11,289.