Stephens stunner inspires Addicks to Blackburn victory (From News Shopper)

Blackburn 1-2 Charlton

5:18pm Saturday 19th January 2013 in Charlton Athletic By George Jones

A SUPERB Dale Stephens strike and a pinpoint Yann Kermorgant header gave Charlton a deserved win at Blackburn Rovers on Saturday.

Michael Appleton’s new team were booed from the field at the full-time whistle while Addicks boss Chris Powell went to celebrate with 300 or so hardy travelling Addicks supporters.

Midway through the first half Colin Kazim-Richards headed a Ruben Rochina corner straight at Ben Hamer in what was the first meaningful attempt on goal from either side.

Charlton went ahead with their first attack of the game on 26 minutes through Stephens’ second of the season.

He chested the ball down 25 yards from goal before smashing beyond Jake Kean with his weaker foot.

Rovers equalised through Jordan Rhodes two minutes after the interval when he got down low to head a Kazim-Richards cross beyond the reach of Hamer.

Three minutes later the Addicks had a great chance to go back in front but Stephens could only slash wide from 18-yards after a poor Kean punch had landed at his feet.

They did go back in front three minutes after the hour, though, as Bradley Pritchard’s cross was met by the head of the hanging Kermorgant, who headed back across Kean and into the net.

A Rovers onslaught was not forthcoming and the Addicks held on comfortably to collect their sixth away win of the season.

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Charlton: Hamer, Solly, Morrison, Taylor, Evina, Wilson (Harriott 90), Pritchard, Stephens, Jackson, Wagstaff (Dervite 77), Kermorgant. Subs not used: Button, Green, Wright-Phillips, Wiggins, Fuller. Att: 13,647.