Charlton Athletic were pushed further into the relegation mire after a controversial 1-0 defeat to Reading at The Valley.

It's a defeat that leaves Charlton two places and one point outside the drop zone having played one more game than the rest of their rivals. 

Story of the game 

Charlton got off to the worst possible start. Rinomhota was pushed in the back by the returning Deji Oshilaja inside the box and a penalty was awarded. George Puscas stepped up and smashed the ball down the middle to give the visitors an early lead. 

Charlton's first real attempt came on ten minutes. Darren Pratley won the flick-on from a corner, the ball fell to Albie Morgan who's volley was cleared. Moments later the ball came back in and Jason Pearce headed over.

Chuks Aneke had the ball in the net on 29 minutes but the goal was ruled out after Aneke was judged to have been in an offside position from Aiden McGeady's shot, however, replays suggested the wrong decision was made by the officials. 

The Addicks came close to an equaliser on the 30-minute mark. McGeady's ball found Bonne but he couldn't make a good enough connection with the ball. 

In the second half, Charlton continued to press and try and get back into the game. 

Darren Pratley was inches away from equalising as Alfie Doughty's cross just evaded him. Aneke then came close, heading over Josh Cullen's free-kick. 

On 85 minutes another controversial decision went against the Addicks. Jake Forster-Caskey was booked for simulation when it appeared his shirt was pulled by a Reading defender but nothing was given. 

Charlton huffed and puffed but the relegation fears continue to increase with three league games to play.

Takeaways 

Nightmare start costs Charlton 

The Addicks got off to the worst possible start. Oshilaja's needless push on Rinomhota to give away the penalty. Puscas didn't let his team down from the spot and it was always going to be tough from there on in for Bowyer's side who really are finding it hard to find the net. 

Poor officiating doesn't help the Charlton cause. 

There were two big decisions that went against Charlton. Then first being the decision to rule out Chuks Aneke's goal. Replays showed that the striker was onside when McGeady's initial shot was taken. The second one being the decision to book Jake Forster-Caskey for simulation. It was clear to see that his shirt was being pulled and that forced him to the ground. 

Relegation battle tightens up 

Luton's win at Huddersfield last night means they are just two points behind Charlton now and will have a bit of confidence. Charlton have now lost three on the spin and are struggling for goals. Bowyer's side have scored just three goals since the restart, two of which have come from set-pieces. 

Team News

Lee Bowyer made five changes to his starting lineup. Deji Oshilaja, Darren Pratley, Albie Morgan, Aiden McGeady and Chuks Aneke were all recalled to the starting eleven. 

Charlton: Phillips, Matthews, Lockyer, Pearce, Oshilaja, McGeady, Pratley, Cullen, Morgan, Aneke, Bonne.

Subs: Amos, Purrington, Williams, Forster-Caskey, Sarr, Hemed, Field, Oztumer, Doughty.

Meanwhile, Royals boss Mark Bowen made just one change to his side, Michael Olise replaced Jordan Obita who dropped to the bench. 

Reading: Rafael, Osho, Blackett, Morrison, McIntyre, Rinomhota, Pelé, Swift, Méïté, Olise, Pușcaș.

Subs: Walker, Gunter, Moore, Miazga, Obita, Baldock, McCleary, Boyé, Richards.