Powell power is wearing off

CHARLTON have seen their play-off ambitions obliterated in every bit as dramatic fashion as Athletic's.

After former manager Phil Parkinson was sacked at the turn of the year by new co-owners Tony Jiminez and Michael Slater — at the time, the club were fifth in npower League One — things have gone badly wrong at The Valley.

New boss Chris Powell was handed a three-and-a-half year contract and started his first management job in stylish fashion.

Following a 2-2 draw at Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton embarked on a run of four successive victories which put the club only six points away from second spot and with two matches in hand.

But hopes of a return to the Championship were subsequently dashed by a run of 11 fixtures without a victory.

That sequence came to an end with a 3-1 victory over London rivals Leyton Orient on Saturday and though it was followed up by a midweek 2-0 reverse at Southampton, Powell is nonetheless targeting an impeccable end to the campaign from his men.

"I'm looking for six wins," said the 41-year-old, a former Charlton player with over 250 appearances to his name as well as five England caps gained under Sven Goran-Eriksson.

"I'm looking for the players to try to show everyone that they are proud to play for Charlton."

One name familiar to home fans won't grace the turf at Boundary Park on Saturday.

Last season's top scorer Pawel Abbott, who moved to Charlton for a nominal fee in August, has since signed for Polish outfit Ruch Chorzow.

The visitors will aim for goals through the strike duo of Bradley Wright-Phillips and Paul Benson.

Wright-Phillips — who caused Athletic so many problems with his pace and trickery while playing for visiting Plymouth in their nine-man 4-2 loss in mid-January — has claimed eight goals in 16 appearances for his new club, while tall ex-Dagenham striker Benson has nine to his name.

Former Tottenham midfielder Johnnie Jackson is Charlton's leading scorer with 17 goals in all competitions, with fellow wide man Scott Wagstaff, a scorer in the 1-1 draw between the two sides at The Valley in August, next in line with 11.