Franck Queudrue's first Blues goal clinched a thrilling comeback victory over Charlton Athletic at St. Andrew's this afternoon.

The Frenchman scored what proved to be the winner nine minutes into the second half and Blues held on with ten men for the final half-hour to seal a much-needed three points.

The afternoon had started perfectly with James McFadden's goal of the season contender but the Addicks hit back through Hameur Bouazza and Andy Gray to stun the majority of the 20,000-plus crowd.

But Kevin Phillips drew Blues level to mark his 500th career appearance before Queudrue notched the decisive fifth and final goal of the game.

Nigel Quashie was sent off for a second bookable offence but Blues dug deep to clinch victory to the great relief of the home faithful.

Alex McLeish made two changes to his side. Phillips was recalled to the line-up partnering Marcus Bent in attack - the first time this season the two had been paired up front from the start of a game.

Kemy Agustien made way with James McFadden dropping back from attack into midfield.

The other change from the team that drew 1-1 at the City Ground was the return in defence of Queudrue following illness as he replaced Martin Taylor.

Alan Pardew made just one change to his side that drew 2-2 at Plymouth with Lloyd Sam replacing Luke Varney.

The first effort of any note from either side came from Quashie as the on-loan midfielder, who was making his first start in front of the St. Andrew's fans, tried his luck from the left edge of the box and his low shot was only a couple of yards wide.

McFadden teed up Bent with a chance from the Scot's right-wing cross and the former Everton man saw his goalbound effort blocked up Charlton skipper Mark Hudson.

Blues' pressure finally told on 13 minutes as McFadden put his team in front in an exquisite manner.

The ball bounced out to the Blues' number 16 on the edge of the box and he cleverly chipped the ball inside his marker before curling a superb shot into the far corner past the outstretched arm of Nicky Weaver.

Sixty seconds later Blues could have doubled their lead as Bent fashioned a shooting change and his low effort was saved by Weaver.

Just as McLeish's men were looking comfortable with an early lead under their belts, the game turned on its head in a remarkable six minute spell as Charlton scored twice.

Both goals were of Blues' own making but you could only sit back and admire the clinical way in which the chances were taken.

Firstly, on 21 minutes, Blues made a hash of a short free-kick and the visitors broke quickly.

The ball dropped to Bouazza who smashed an unstoppable shot past Maik Taylor - the on-loan Fulham man was fortunate to escape a booking for his over-zealous celebrations in front of the Tilton Road end.

On 27 minutes the turnaround was complete as Liam Ridgewell misjudged a high ball and Gray celebrated his 31st birthday by racing on before sending his half-volley past Taylor with the aid of a post.

It could have got even worse for Blues when Linvoy Primus rose highest in the penalty area to meet a left-wing corner but sent his header past the far post.

Queudrue sent a header wide at the other end before the game took an unpleasant turn on 33 minutes.

Quashie was the recipient of a terrible lunging challenge from Lloyd Sam. He got back up and clashed chests with the Charlton midfielder, who then inexplicably slumped to the ground.

Fortunately the referee took a sensible approach and gave both players a long talking to before showing each of them a yellow card - other officials may have immediately flashed the red card in the direction of the Blues player.

Nicky Bailey curled a free-kick just wide of the post while Queudrue attempted an audacious 45-yard set piece effort that dropped wide of the target as the half drew to a close.

Half-time: Blues 1 Charlton 2

Blues had a great opportunity to equalise within the first minute of the second half when Jaidi pulled the ball back for Phillips and the striker side-footed wide.

Phillips was going to get another chance to mark his milestone appearance with a goal - but not before Blues survived a miraculous escape at the other end.

Sam was presented with a gift-wrapped chance to score inside the six-yard box but his shot rebounded off the far post and then Bouazza's follow-up was blocked by Jaidi.

But on 50 minutes Blues were back on level terms and it was that man Phillips - although he was indebted to a hilarious goal-keeping error by Weaver.

Quashie's free-kick was dropping harmlessly into the arms of Weaver but the Addicks keeper inexplicably dropped to his knees and could only palm the ball away.

Phillips was following up in typically predatory fashion and he headed the ball over the red-faced Charlton keeper.

Another error in the visiting defence almost led to a third Blues goal.

Kelly Youga's back pass dropped short of Weaver and McFadden nipped in to take the ball around the keeper at a narrow angle only for the Scot to lose his footing at the vital moment.

Phillips' header from a Larsson cross was beat out by Weaver but Blues eventually regained the lead on 54 minutes.

Another Quashie free-kick caused havoc in the Charlton defence and Queudrue was in the right place to prod home.

Quashie's eventful afternoon took another twist just before the hour when his late tackle on Bailey led the referee to show him the red card.

McLeish then made a tactical change by bringing off Phillips and introducing Mehdi Nafti to replenish his midfield numbers.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, it was Blues that looked the team more likely to score the game's next goal.

Queudrue had a fierce effort saved by Weaver and Bent's shot flew just wide while sandwiched in-between those two moments was a penalty appeal when Larsson went down under a challenge from Primus but the referee was unmoved.

Charlton pushed for an equaliser and tried their luck on a few occasions but the only one that needed a save from Taylor was Bailey's shot that the Blues keeper caught down to his left.

The hard-working Bent was replaced by Cameron Jerome and then an injury to goal scorer Queudrue brought Martin Taylor into the action.

Blues held on through four minutes of injury time to claim the win and bring to an end their three-game barren run.

Full-time: Blues 3 Charlton 2

Blues: Maik Taylor, Nicky Hunt, Franck Queudrue (Martin Taylor 80), Radhi Jaidi, Liam Ridgewell, Seb Larsson, Nigel Quashie, Lee Carsley, James McFadden, Marcus Bent (Cameron Jerome 73), Kevin Phillips (Mehdi Nafti 61).
Subs not used: Colin Doyle, Quincy.
Goals: McFadden (13), Phillips (50), Queudrue (54)
Sent off: Quashie (two yellow cards 34 & 59)
Bookings: McFadden (73), Ridgewell (90)

Charlton: Nicky Weaver, Yassin Moutaouakil, Linvoy Primus, Mark Hudson, Kelly Youga (Luke Varney 81), Lloyd Sam, Jose Semedo (Svetoslav Todorov 64), Nicky Bailey, Matt Holland, Hameur Bouazza, Andy Gray.
Subs not used: Rob Elliott, Jonjo Shelvey, Martin Cranie.
Goals: Bouazza (21), Gray (27)
Bookings: Sam (34), Hudson (53)

Referee: K Hill (Herts)