Charlton Athletic survived a Blackburn Rovers fightback to secure their third successive league win at Ewood Park this afternoon.
© PA Photos
Rovers boss Michael Appleton employed a new 4-2-3-1 formation from the start, opting to play Ruben Rochina behind lone striker Rhodes.
Charlton shaded possession in the early stages but it was Blackburn who had the first strike on goal when Simon Vukcevic fired wide from range.
Danny Murphy also failed to hit the target with a free kick as Charlton restricted the home side to efforts from distance.
Charlton burst forward on the counter and took the lead midway through the first half when Dale Stephens slammed into the top corner from just outside the area.
It was nearly 2-0 just moments later when Johnnie Jackson's shot from close range was well saved by Jake Kean.
Blackburn went close soon after when Colin Kazim-Richards had a strong header well saved before Charlton scrambled clear a dangerous corner.
The home side equalised quickly after the interval when Rhodes reacted quickest to a Kazim-Richards cross to finish from close range.
Just as Rovers looked to be back in the match Yann Kermorgant got the winner with a looping header as he met a pinpoint cross from Bradley Pritchard.
Appleton sent Nuno Gomes on in the closing stages but he could not find an equaliser as Charlton held on to keep their 100% league record in 2013 alive.
Liam Power
