Charlton's loan striker Paul Kitson, borrowed from West Ham earlier this week, scored on his debut as the runaway First Division leaders collected three more points against Palace.

Substitute Kitson scored the only goal in a red-hot south London derby eight minutes from time to give the Addicks their first win at Selhurst Park for 65 years.

The visitors started the stronger side but they failed to convert their early domination into goals.

John Robinson shot straight at Fraser Digby from 15 yards out after cutting inside from the left and shortly afterwards defender Carl Tiler, totally unmarked, headed straight into the arms of Digby.

But the Addicks should have punished Palace on the half hour.

In a two-on-one situation, Robinson broke free on the left and fed the unmarked Shaun Newton and 12 yards out it looked a certain goal.

But the Charlton winger held up his shot for just a moment and that was enough for Hayden Mullins to clear off the line.

The Eagles' best spell came 15 minutes before the break as Leon McKenzie shot over the bar and skipper Dean Austin saw his header saved by Dean Kiely.

After the break Charlton took the game by the scruff of the neck but still they failed to find the net.

Robinson's cross was desperately hacked clear from under the crossbar by Fan Zhiyi, and Matt Svensson - against his old club - and Andy Hunt went close before Hunt missed a dream chance midway through the half.

Newton returned Svensson's back-heel into the goal mouth and left Hunt with a clear open goal. But he completely screwed his shot well wide.

Apart from the occasional assault, the Eagles were always on the back foot. Svensson was a handful while Robinson on the left touchline was a constant danger.

The breakthrough came eight minutes from time. Chris Powell made a menacing run to the by-line and crossed into the crowded goalmouth for Kitson to slide home the simplest of goals for the Addicks, who are now unbeaten away from home since last October.

Teams:

Crystal Palace: Digby, Austin, Zhiyi, Linighan, Cole, Morrison, Mullins, Thomson (Foster 60), Carlisle (Martin 84), McKenzie, Forssell.

Subs Not Used: Woozley, Gregg, Hunt.

Booked: Cole.

Charlton: Kiely, Barness, Tiler, Rufus, Powell, Newton (Salako 75), Kinsella, Stuart, Robinson (Konchesky 84), Hunt (Kitson 75), Svensson.

Subs Not Used: Parker, Royce.

Goals: Kitson 82.

Att: 22,577

Ref: C Foy (St. Helens).