Charlton have chance of moving back into top six as Leyton Orient suffer Birmingham defeat

Leyton Orient’s defeat at Birmingham on Tuesday night means Charlton Athletic have the chance of moving into the play-off spots on Saturday.

Former AFC Wimbledon defender Jack Currie was issued with a red card after 12 minutes at St Andrew’s as Taylor Gardner-Hickman and Ethan Laird both scored in the second half to move the Blues strengthen their position at the top of the League One table.

The Addicks, seventh, are level on points, 53, and have a game in hand over sixth-placed Orient.

Richie Wellens’ side have had to play Wrexham, Bolton and Birmingham in their last three league outings – picking up just three points against promotion rivals.

Nathan Jones’ South Londoners have lost just two of their last 15 League One fixtures.

“Today is not going to decide our fate,” said Orient boss Wellens on the defeat at Birmingham.

“Before the game wouldn’t have decided our fate. We have more important games with where we’re at and where this club is at.

“I needed to protect some of the players because of the schedule we have had.”

PICTURE: ALAMY