With only 19 goals conceded going into the game, the Addicks had proved themselves one of the more difficult sides to break down in the division and so it proved after Callum Harriott had given the visitors an early lead.
Stuart Pearce admitted to some 'critical' words at half-time before substitute Robert Tesche's excellent goal earned the home side a point which, in the absence of leading marksman Britt Assombalonga probably amounts to a positive result.
Assombalonga should return at the weekend as the Reds travel to the New York Stadium to meet a Rotherham United side who stayed clear of the drop zone with a hard-fought goalless draw at Cardiff City to the 'delight' of their manager Steve Evans.
He told the official RUFC website: “We kept hold of the ball, we kept passing and moving it and we had an end product. If we keep playing like that, keep working as hard, keep being brave on the ball then we’ll get the rewards.”
Former Nottingham Forest striker Matt Derbyshire missed the game with a knock and was replaced by Alex Revell but should be fit to face the side he left in the summer after finally finding form in the final few weeks of his Reds career.