Goals from Dale Stephens and Simon Church were enough for Charlton Athletic as they beat Doncaster Rovers 2-0 at The Valley this evening.

Church had one of the best chances of the first half after just two minutes, but the striker failed to convert when Jordan Cousins had played him with a ball over the top.

Yann Kermogrant sent a free kick sailing over the bar from around 30 yards after 20 minutes, but the Frenchman came a lot closer three minutes later when he hit the post in open play.

Donny keeper Ross Turnbull was forced into a good save from Johnnie Jackson after 25 minutes.

The visitors responded minutes later through Billy Paynter, but his header was off target as they struggled to get a foot hold on proceedings.

However, with the half petering out, Stephens struck a volley to put his side a goal up at the interval.

Following the restart, Church added the second when he tucked away an assist from Jackson.

Federico Macheda had a chance late on for the visitors, but his powerful effort was well saved by substitute Ben Alnwick.

Written by
Paul Gorst