Birmingham City 3-2 Charlton Athletic

CHARTLON'S barren run continued with an exciting defeat at second-placed Birmingham City.

After a wary opening 12 minutes, James McFadden cleverly flicked the ball over Hameur Bouazza before curling the opening goal past Nicky Weaver.

The Addicks responded well to going behind, however, and a skillfull counter attack 10 minutes later ended with Bouazza firing the equaliser into the roof of the net.

And the game was turned on its head on 27 minutes as Blues defender Liam Ridgewell mis-kicked a routine clearance, allowing Andy Gray to pounce and fire in off the post for his fifth goal of the season.

Charlton could have made it three just after the interval but Lloyd Sam could only find the post from a tight angle.

The visitors will rue this chance to race ahead as two quick-fire City goals from Kevin Phillips and Franck Queudrue changed the tide once again.

And despite Nigel Quashie seeing red for a second booking just before the hour, Charlton failed to capitalise on the numerical advantage and have now gone seven games without a win.