Sam Dalby's first-half finish secured Bolton Wanderers a vital 1-0 away win at Charlton Athletic on Tuesday night. They have scored 18 goals this season but conceded 26, leaving them with a goal difference of minus eight.

Dalby struck in the 18th minute, capitalising on a misplaced pass from Charlton's Nathaniel Chalobah to score his sixth goal of the season. The striker is now Bolton's top scorer with five league goals in 13 appearances. The visitors then showed defensive resilience to protect their lead, with goalkeeper Jack Bonham making a key claim from a Charlie Kelman attempt.

Charlton, who had a Kelman goal disallowed for offside, are now winless in 11 consecutive Championship matches. The defeat leaves them 21st in the table and increases the scrutiny on manager Nathan Jones. Thierry Gale had two late opportunities from the bench but failed to beat Bonham.

Key moments and discipline

Bolton captain Josh Sheehan controlled the midfield in the first half, but the visitors faced a disciplinary scare when Bonham was penalised for handling a Sheehan backpass. Atsuki Ito hit a first-time volley wide early in the second half, while Max Conway saw a shot blocked by Lloyd Jones. At the other end, Harvey Knibbs headed wide from a Karlan Grant cross.

Steven Schumacher's side, whose recent form reads two wins, one draw and two losses from their last five matches, have now won two of their last five matches. This sequence includes a 2-3 home defeat to Bristol City last Saturday, where Sheehan and Dalby scored, and a 1-5 loss to league leaders Middlesbrough, who they now trail by 14 points. The victory provides a timely boost ahead of a key away fixture against 23rd-placed Derby County on Friday, 6 November.

Bolton's defensive unit, marshalled by Akin Famewo, held firm under late pressure to secure a third clean sheet in their last four away trips. The win moves them four points clear of the relegation zone and within touching distance of the mid-table pack. Charlton manager Nathan Jones acknowledged the pressure, stating his team's performance was not good enough and that he understands the frustration of the supporters after another home defeat. Bolton boss Steven Schumacher praised his team's game management and the character shown to see out the result in a difficult atmosphere.

The original report is at Sky Sports Football