Magic Morrocan Tahar El Khalej was the man of the moment with a late equaliser to earn Saints a share of the spoils at The Valley this afternoon.

Gordon Strachan's side had initially been the oasis to Charlton's goal-scoring drought when they scored their first goal after 325 minutes.

Richard Rufus stole in with a clever flicked header after 17 minutes which looped over goalkeeper Paul Jones and which was given a goal despite the best efforts of Jason Dodd to clear the ball off the line.

But Saints have become known for their ability to chase lost causes, coming from a goal down on five occasions this season to at least grab a share of the spoils.

James Beattie had twice gone close - firstly with Kiely saving a terrific point-blank range effort after 24 minutes and then Rufus clearing off the line from a headed effort after 57 minutes.

Saints always looked in the driving seat but, as they chased the game, occasionally left holes at the back. And substitute Kevin Lisbie should have sealed the three points 15 minutes from time when he fired over an open goal.

Saints capitalised on that reprieve six minutes from time when Dodd centred from a quick throw-in on the right-hand side and El Khalej rose amid a crowd of players to head powerfully home and send Saints' travelling band of supporters home happy.

SEE TONIGHT'S PINK AND THE 12-PAGE SPORTS SUPPLEMENT IN MONDAY'S DAILY ECHO FOR FULL MATCH REPORTS, ANALYSIS AND PICTURES.