COLIN Powell’s testimonial game ended with Charlton suffering their first defeat of pre-season against Inverness Caledonian Thistle at The Valley.

The SE7 pitch, which is groundsman Colin’s pride and joy, hosted its first action since May.

But home advantage could not prevent the Addicks succumbing to defeat as Josh Meekings’ second half volley proved to be the difference between the two sides.

Inverness almost almost opened the scoring on 18 minutes when Ross Draper curled an effort against the outside of the post from 20 yards.

And two minutes later the tall midfielder had another chance to break the deadlock, but this time he could only volley Meekings’ header into the arms of Ben Hamer.

The Addicks’ first sighting of goal didn’t arrive until the half hour mark, Callum Harriott drove forward and floated in a cross but Yann Kermorgant couldn’t beat Inverness keeper Dean Brill.

Hamer was forced into action again three minutes later when Aaron Doran took aim on the edge of the box.

The Charlton stopper could only beat the attempt down towards Billy McKay, but thankfully for the hosts the striker lost his balance when trying to reach the rebound.

Inverness did break the deadlock with 10 minutes remaining.

Doran did excellently to reach a heavily hit pass, cut the ball back for Meekings and the midfielder’s side-footed volley sailed past David Button.

Substitute Joe Pigott came close to levelling the scores two minutes later when he cut the ball onto his left foot inside the box but his tame drive was hacked away for a corner.

Kermorgant fired over after Inverness failed to clear a Danny Green free-kick but Inverness held on.

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