A Jayden Stockley brace either side of half-time saw Charlton prevail against Gateshead on Tyneside to secure the Addicks’ passage into the third round of the Emirates FA Cup.
Jackson made four changes from the Addicks’ last Sky Bet League One outing at Shrewsbury Town, with Stephen Henderson, Deji Elerewe, Diallang Jaiyesimi and Stockley all starting at Gateshead International Stadium.
The Addicks enjoyed the first sight of goal through Stockley on 14 minutes, though the skipper could only fire tamely at Jacob Chapman after being teed up by Conor Washington.
Then came the Heed’s opening chance as Robbie Tinkler’s through ball found Dan Ward, who, in turn, pulled back for Cedwyn Scott, only for the forward to strike the side-netting with an angled drive.
Neat link-up play from the hosts culminated with Macaulay Langstaff delivering a fizzing centre for Adam Campbell at the far post, but the latter curled over the crossbar.
Charlton broke the deadlock minutes later when Akin Famewo found Washington racing in behind the Heed defence with an inch-perfect lofted pass. The Northern Ireland international drove to the byline before standing up a cross for Stockley, who duly headed home his 20th goal for the Addicks.
Mike Williamson’s side threatened again moments before half-time as captain Gregg Olley squared for Campbell, who was initially thwarted by Henderson before miscueing wastefully wide with the rebound.
Henderson had to be alert again immediately after the interval to foil Alex Nicholson’s low drive, though the Irishman could only divert it as far as the poaching Langstaff, who skewed a first-time effort wide.
At the other end, Gilbey’s cut back found Washington in a promising position, but he could only shoot straight at Chapman.
The Addicks’ second arrived moments later, Diallang Jaiyesimi’s centre reaching Ben Purrington, whose volleyed effort took the slightest nick of Stockley before nestling in the net.
Another chance went begging for the Heed on 70 minutes as Langstaff latched onto Luke Williams’ through ball, but the hosts’ top scorer could only fire horribly over with the goal at his mercy.
With a matter of minutes remaining, Henderson made a remarkable double save to instinctively thwart substitute Jack Hunter and then Louis Storey after Williamson had nodded against the left upright
The third round draw will take place from 7pm on Monday, December 6th, with ties taking place on the weekend commencing Saturday, January 8th.
Gateshead: Chapman; Tinkler, Williamson, Storey, Nicholson; Bailey (Hunter 86), Ward (Blackett 67), Olley (c), Campbell (Williams 67); Langstaff (Pani 82), Scott
Subs (not used): Wombwell, Jacob
Booking: Bailey 64 (foul on Lee)
Charlton: Henderson; Clare, Elerewe, Famewo; Jaiyesimi (Leko 73), Gilbey, Dobson, Lee (Morgan 66), Purrington (Souaré 81); Stockley (c), Washington (Davison 73)
Subs (not used): MacGillivray, Gunter, Arter, Watson, Kirk
Goals: Stockley 30, 54
Booking: Elerewe 87 (foul on Blackett)
Referee: Tom Reeves