Charlton Athletic moved to the top of the Championship table on Tuesday night with a 1-0 victory over struggling Preston North End. The result, reported by Sky Sports Football, sees the Addicks take the league's summit after a round of midweek fixtures packed with goals and drama.
How did Charlton secure the win?
Charlton's performance was enough to edge past a Preston side that has found the early season tough. The single goal proved sufficient, lifting the team clear at the top. This marks a significant turnaround from the club's 19th-place finish last season, where they ended with 53 points from 13 wins, 14 draws, and 19 losses. Their recent form had been mixed, but this win provides a strong platform as they prepare for their next fixture away to West Brom on 2 September.
What other key results happened?
Elsewhere in the division, Norwich City shook off a sluggish start to thrash Burnley 4-1 at home for their first win of the campaign. Southampton were even more emphatic, ending Millwall's perfect start with a 5-1 demolition at St Mary's. Saints boss Tonda Eckert was full of praise for his striker, saying he "rates him as the best striker in the Championship" after Cyle Larin scored a double. Wolves also enjoyed a comfortable 4-1 win over Stoke.
Several other matches produced notable stories. Lincoln City, last season's League One champions, celebrated a historic 1-0 win at Bolton thanks to Ben House's 66th-minute goal. It was their first second-tier victory in 65 years and ended Bolton's previously unbeaten run. Bristol City gave new boss Michael Skubala his first win with a 2-1 result against Portsmouth at Ashton Gate, with Lorent Tolaj on the scoresheet.
Which teams are still searching for a win?
The search for a first Championship win continues for both Cardiff City and Sheffield United after they played out a 2-2 draw at the Cardiff City Stadium. It was a third successive draw for each side. West Ham United are also without a victory this season after being held to a 1-1 draw at Watford, their goal coming via a Mattie Pollock own goal.
In contrast, Swansea City maintained their unbeaten start with an impressive 3-0 win at Derby County, with Joseph Opoku, Eom Ji-sung, and Ronald getting the goals. Middlesbrough continued their strong start with a 3-1 home win over West Brom, with summer signing Will Lankshear scoring to take his tally to six goals in five games. QPR came from behind to win 2-1 at Blackburn Rovers, securing their second win in three outings.
What comes next for Charlton?
The immediate focus for Charlton is maintaining this momentum. Sitting top provides a psychological boost, but the Championship season is a long one. The club conceded 58 goals last term, so defensive solidity will be key to sustaining a challenge. Their next test is a trip to face West Brom, who currently sit 21st. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on our fixtures page and check the latest standings. Building on this positive start is the clear objective for the weeks ahead.
