Charlton 2-2 Wigan: Macaulay Bonne grabs last-gasp equaliser to boost Addicks' survival chances

Macauley Bonne snatched a last-gasp equaliser to boost Charlton’s Championship survival chances while dealing a blow to Wigan’s hopes of avoiding the drop.

Bonne’s clinical finish from Chuks Aneke’s flick on in the third minute of stoppage time lifted Charlton three points above Hull and Luton in the relegation zone ahead of the 3pm kick-offs.

But it leaves Wigan sweating ahead of the final round of fixtures on Wednesday night – they are 13 points above the drop zone prior to Saturday’s later games but have a 12-point deduction for entering administration looming. 

Paul Cook’s side looked set to grab three crucial points at The Valley when Kieran Dowell scored five minutes before half-time, restoring their lead after Alfie Doughty had cancelled out Jamal Lowe’s opener.

Lee Bowyer’s side will now watch Saturday’s showdown between Hull and Luton closely before making the trip to Leeds United – who have been confirmed as champions – on Wednesday.

Wigan host Fulham in midweek and will likely need another three points to ensure the 12-point penalty doesn’t condemn them to League One if their appeal against the punishment fails.

With so much riding on the game, both teams contributed to a frantic start at The Valley with Wigan drawing first blood on 10 minutes to pick up the scoring glut from their 8-0 demolition of Hull in midweek. 

Kai Naismith delivered a dangerous cross from the right side towards the far post and, after Kieffer Moore’s initial header was saved by Dillon Phillips, the ball hung in the air for Lowe to nod home from right underneath the crossbar.

But Charlton were unbowed and restored parity within a couple of minutes. Adam Matthews pinged a deep cross from the right-hand side that cleared a number of bodies in the Wigan box.

It fell to Doughty well beyond the back post but the technique on the Charlton man’s first-time volley was perfectly executed to find the net.

Charlton, perched just above the relegation zone, continued to push and Naby Sarr headed just wide at the back post after a corner bobbled through the Wigan box.

Sarr then played Bonne clean through on goal with plenty of time to set himself, but Latics keeper David Marshall did well to make a save down to his right.

Charlton appeared to be finishing the first-half the stronger and felt they should have been awarded a penalty when Bonne was pulled down by Nathan Byrne, but appeals were dismissed.

And home frustration was compounded moments later when Wigan took the lead the second time.

Antonee Robinson turned on the burners down the Wigan right and clipped over a cross to Dowell, who’d stolen a march on the Charlton defenders to slot home.

Bowyer introduced Albie Morgan and Jonny Williams for extra impetus at half-time but Wigan saw the first chance of the second-half when Moore’s looping header from Dowell’s cross landed on the roof of the net.

Charlton continued to enjoy more possession and some neat build-up play led to Josh Cullen dragging a shot just wide from the edge of the box.

Marshall was called upon once again just after the hour mark, pushing away Sarr’s smart free-kick that was bound for the bottom corner.

And Charlton frustration mounted when Jason Pearce headed over from a corner when left unmarked.

But Bonne popped up in the nick of time to leave the outlook much brighter for Charlton ahead of the final day.