Charlton Athletic ride their luck – and rely on Ben Amos – as they hold Sunderland at The Valley

Charlton Athletic battled to a 0-0 draw against Sunderland – but were fortunate not to be comfortably behind by half-time.

The Addicks’ new owner Thomas Sandgaard was at The Valley for the first time since he bought the football.

But the hosts were indebted to Ben Amos and also some poor finishing by the Black Cats in a disappointing opening 45 minutes.

Amos made an excellent diving save to keep out a goal-bound header which left Luke O’Nien holding his head in disbelief.

And Amos also saved from former Millwall attacker Aiden O’Brien with both Ben Watson and James Vennings producing blocks as Danny Graham twice attempted to put the loose ball home.

Graham produced a terrible miss, lashing wildly off target when Josh Scowen’s low cross from the right left him with what looked to be a tap in from about six yards out.

Charlton struggled to find a flow and it was reflected by Lee Bowyer changing his formation on a few occasions, scrapping a three-man central defence midway through the first half.

Tom Flanagan was shown a straight red card in the 74th minute after bringing down Conor Washington as he looked about to latch on to a flick by substitute Chuks Aneke.

Bowyer brought on new addition Marcus Maddison in the closing stages but the former Peterborough and Hull man’s most notable contribution was a timely headed interception in his own box late on to deny Sunderland potentially snatching a late clincher.

PICTURES: PAUL EDWARDS