Joe Nicholson's verdict: The key areas which helped Middlesbrough claim vital Charlton Athletic win

Defeat at The Valley, or even a draw, would have left Boro straggling in the relegation zone after failing to beat a side which had just been thumped 4-0 by Huddersfield.

Jonathan Woodgate’s men passed the test, though, easing nerves on Teesside after last weekend’s wake-up call.

Boro moved out of the bottom three with this result, yet the work is far from done.

Woodgate claimed his team were exceptional at times and could have scored more after Paddy McNair’s first-half finish.

In terms of possession and chances created, the stats certainly support Woodgate’s assessment that Boro were the better side.

Operating in a 4-2-3-1 formation, the visitors recorded 55 per cent possession and registered 23 shots to the Addicks’ 13.

Yet Charlton boss Lee Bowyer could also argue his side deserved a point, and the hosts could have easily snatched a late equaliser with a bit more composure in front of goal.

Thankfully for Boro, McNair showed that composure in the 17th minute when he converted Rudy Gestede’s cut back low past Charlton keeper Dillon Phillips.

McNair was the standout performer, here, excelling once again in his natural central midfield role after a recent spell in defence.

With Adam Clayton providing security in the engine room, McNair was able to drive his side forward while linking up well with Lewis Wing, Marcus Tavernier and Gestede.

After scoring his second goal of the season against Nottingham Forest last time out, Gestede once again deserves praise for the way he battled with Charlton’s backline and brought others into play.

Yet the hosts caused problems, too, particularly down the right where Andre Green had the beating of Boro left-back Marvin Johnson.

Green was deployed alongside Addicks top scorer Lyle Taylor, and the 29-year-old frontman was a real handful for visiting centre-backs Ryan Shotton and Harold Moukoudi.

Yet Charlton were booed off by home supporters at the half-time whistle, with passes going astray and Boro winning the overall battle.

Woodgate’s side could have put this result beyond doubt if they weren’t so wasteful in the final third, yet poor decision making gave Charlton hope.

The introduction of Macauley Bonne at half-time helped Bowyer’s side pose more of a threat in the second half, with the forward regularly drifting to the left channel while supporting Taylor up top.

Bonne’s energy and pace helped spark the home fans into life as Boro came under the cosh midway through the second half – yet Woodgate’s side weathered the storm.

But for all his good work it was Bonne who squandered the final chance of the match when he mistimed Deji Oshilaja’s cross and headed over the bar in stoppage time.

Moments later, after five additional minutes, Boro could breath a huge sigh of relief.