NEW signing Danny Mills made a sensational start to his Charlton career as he scored within three minutes at Gresty Road on Saturday.

The Addicks signed the Norwich City defender on Tuesday last week in a deal worth £350,000. The 20-year-old returned the favour with a close-range header after keeper Jason Kearton had beaten out Mark Bright's shot.

First team coach Les Reed said it was a dream start for the U21 international. "It's set him up with bags of confidence and the crowd got behind him. He came into training on top of the world," said Reed on Monday.

Despite the early setback, it was Crewe who enjoyed the majority of first half possession. It was a surprise when Charlton added to their lead a minute before the break. Clive Mendonca's quick ball from the right sent Shaun Newton racing clear to beat Kearton.

The second half was dominated by Charlton and 35-year-old striker Bright was twice denied in front of goal. It was Mark Kinsella who put the points beyond doubt as he latched on to substitute Paul Mortimer's finely-judged pass.

"As the game went on the team got stronger and stronger and Mark Kinsella and Keith Jones were outstanding in the middle of the park," said Reed afterwards.

Charlton lie fourth in the Nationwide League Division One, nine points behind Middlesborough who currently occupy the second automatic promotion spot.

Reed admitted that the way results were going, a high-placed play-off berth was the main aim. "You've got to put yourself in the best possible situation should there be a slip-up," he added.

On Saturday Charlton face table-toppers Nottingham Forest and Reed was excited at the prospect. "The atmosphere's been brilliant at The Valley recently - it's a bit of a fortress," he said.

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