The Addicks named two loanee debutants in the starting eleven in the form of goalkeeper Carl Ikeme and right back Elliot Omozusi.
The game moved at a slow pace throughout the first half with neither side able to grab a strong foot hold in the match until the 42nd minute as Carlisle were awarded a penalty following alleged pushing and shoving in the Charlton penalty area.
Ian Harte stepped up and placed the ball towards the left hand corner of the net only to watch as Carl Ikeme flung himself in the correct direction and saved the penalty kick. Unfortunately the Charlton keeper could only manage to parry the save, the ball fell back to Harte, who ensured the ball ended up in the back of the net. 1 – 0 to Carlisle.
The Addicks had to wait all of four minutes for a response however, as Deon Burton found himself fouled inside the Carlisle area after 46 minutes. Burton stepped up to take the penalty himself and coolly slotted the ball away to make the score 1 – 1.
The second half began with a livelier atmosphere to the first period with both sides having early opportunities to take the lead. It was the hosts however that took the lead on 63 minutes. Graham Kavanagh struck the ball well from outside the Charlton area and watched with delight as the ball found the back of the net.
The Londoners tried to get back into the game but did not seem to hold the same killer touch as the Cumbrians. A point which was rammed home after 84 minutes as Graham Kavanagh again drilled the ball past Carl Ikeme to take the game to 3 -1.
Charlton leave Carlisle defeated and undoubtedly dejected following another lacklustre away performance which means Phil Parkinson’s men have not won away since their 4 -0 victory over Tranmere more than two months ago.
The Addicks next face away trips to Northwich Victoria in the FA cup and Southampton in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy with the Addick faithful hoping that the presence of TV cameras at the fixtures will inspire Charlton to re-ignite their early season form.
Come on you Addicks!