CHARLTON's entry into the Premiership stage was anything but quiet when the Addicks visisted St James' Park on Saturday.

It included the new season's first sending-off, a new club record and a sterling defensive performance.

Goalkeeper Sasa Ilic and his ultra-mean defence carried on where they left off last season by keeping a clean-sheet for the eighth consecutive league match -- beating the old record which had stood since 1924 -- despite playing 65 minutes without their influential defender Richard Rufus.

He got his marching orders following an incident with United's Nikolas Dabizas.

There was no doubt Rufus raised his elbow but the level of intent and contact looked harsh from the stands.

Despite this setback of Rufus' dismissal, the Addicks retained their shape and composure in one of the most imtimidating of arenas and went close to pulling off a shock victory.

Four minutes from time substitute Paul Mortimer set up Steve Jones, but his close- range shot was parried by Shay Given.

Newcastle stormed forward in the dying moments and Ilic saved spectacularly from Pistone's powerhouse drive.

But Charlton held on tenaciously for their first Premier-ship point, consolidating their record of four wins and two draws in the last seven previous visits to St James'.

Charlton are at home to Southampton on Saturday before an away game at double champions Arsenal the weekend after.

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