Sky Blues survive despite defeat

Shelvey: Battles with Hughes

The hosts, with nothing to play for, raced into a fourth-minute lead through former Crewe striker Luke Varney and doubled that advantage thanks to Andy Gray.

Michael Mifsud got a goal back but Grant Basey restored the Addicks' two-goal lead shortly after half-time.

Veteran full-back Chris Powell completed the scoring four minutes from the end.

Charlton took an early lead when Coventry keeper Kasper Schmeichel raced out after a long pass from Madjid Bougherra only for Varney to beat him to it and lob the ball into the empty net from 20 yards.

Varney almost completed a brace four minutes later when he fired in another long-range effort but this time his shot sailed wide of the target.

Michael Doyle almost produced a moment of magic for the visitors to draw them level when his overhead kick was blocked by Addicks defender Patrick McCarthy.

Charlton were two up after 19 minutes when Gray finished off a superb team move, latching on to Varney's flick and sliding the ball past Schmeichel.

But, moments later, Mifsud popped up to unleash a 25-yarder into the bottom corner of the Charlton goal and bring Coventry right back into the match.

Jonjo Shevley and Dan Fox exchanged long-range shots, but both saw their efforts charged down.

Varney had a 25-yard strike blocked by Michael Hughes and, as the half drew to a close, Shevley sent an effort wide from a similar distance.

Three minutes after the interval Basey struck after another Schmeichel error. His mis-cued punch fell to Basey who slotted the ball home.

Varney could have put the game to bed minutes later but he shot wide when well placed in the box.

Coventry's chances were few and far between but Stephen Hughes did drill a left-foot shot wide from distance.

On the hour mark Varney met Basey's cross but his shot from 12 yards was off target.

Jay Tabb and Michael Doyle both had efforts for the Sky Blues but neither managed to test Charlton keeper Nicky Weaver.

Chances were coming at both ends - Fox shot over before Schmeichel saved from Varney and then McCarthy did well to block Mifsud's effort.

With 19 minutes remaining Coventry should have got back in the game but Leon Best headed over the bar from six yards out.

At the other end Matt Holland was desperately close to ending the game as a contest when his 30-yard scorcher hit the crossbar.

Best had a goal disallowed for a foul on McCarthy before Greg Halford headed Shevley's free-kick over.

Powell, playing his last game before retirement, came on as a late sub and celebrated by converting Halford's cross from the right.