County produced 15 second-half minutes of Cup magic that threatened to produce one of their best-ever victories.

Trailing 2-0 Jim Gannon introduced Anthony Pilkington and Adam Griffin at the interval in place of Matty McNeil and Michael Bowler in an attempt to retrieve the game.

And with Pilkington leading the home defence a merry dance down the right flank County did just that.

Twice in the opening minutes after the restart he threatened Darren Randolph in the Addicks' gaol.

But it was Adam Proudlock, moved to central striker in the second period that got his side a lifeline.

He started the move with a ball out to the left and then found space in the box to lift the ball over Randolph right infront of the magnificent travelling army on 54 minutes.

Charlton were rattled and Elding fired home the equaliser at the near post from Gary Dicker's low cross from the right on 65.

Then, four minutes later, the Hatters scored again. Elding diverted Proudlock's cross back to Dominic Blizzard who fired home from the edge of the box.

County looked set for a fantastic victory but they were pegged back 15 minutes from time when Lloyd Sam curled a free kick around the wall and just inside Logan's left-hand post.

And with extra-time looming Paddy McCarthy headed Charlton into round three from Sam's right-wing corner.

Jim Gannon was forced to make three changes for the Carling Cup clash at Charlton.

Liam Dickinson and David Poole failed to recover from the knocks they picked up in Saturday's hard-fought draw against Rotherham.

And James Smith, unfortunately, picked up a virus overnight and was too unwell to play.

Adam Proudlock, who replaced Dickinson against the Millers, was given a starting place.

Dominic Blizzard was given his first start since returning to Edgeley Park in place of Poole.

And Michael Bowler, who made his first-team debut against Derby County in last season's Carling Cup, came in at fullback.

County were subjected to another controversial refereeing decision that tipped the scales firmly in Charlton's favour.

Five minutes before the break the home side were awarded a penalty when Bowler brought down Izale McLeod in the box.

The former MK Dons striker stepped up to take the spot pick that was brilliantly saved by Conrad Logan.

But, as the 'keeper was being mobbed by his delighted teammates, the linesman indicated he had moved off his line.

Chinese skipper Zheng Zhi put the retake just inside Logan's left-hand post top double the Addicks' lead.

The opening goal came after 35 minutes when Svetolslav Todorov side-stepped Jason Traylor on the edge of the box and hit a blistering drive into the top corner.

Up until that point County had defended superbly and although Charlton had the lions' share of possession they were generally restricted to long-range efforts.

The Hatters first chance came on 16 minutes when Paul Tierney fired the ball to the near post where Matty McNeil's flick was deflected wide.

And on 25 minutes a piece of |Proudlock magic out on the left saw him cut inside and hit a deep cross to the unmarked Gary Dicker. It was a great run by the Irishman but, unfortunately, he miscued at the far post and the chance was gone.

Then, just before the penalty incident, Taylor saw a shot saved by Darren Randolph after he burst past a couple of challenges in midfield.

Just before half-time County had another chance to reduce the arrears. Dicker had his shirt tugged 25 yards out to earn his side a free kick in a dangerous area.

Tierney's free kick was blocked and Elding hit the rebound wide.