Ross McCormack scores four in demolition of Charlton Athletic

Ross McCormack scored four goals as Leeds United triumphed 4-2 at Charlton Athletic in the Championship.

Following a low-key opening, McCormack gave the away side the lead in the 17th minute.

Dexter Blackstock flicked the ball onto his unmarked strike partner, who kept his composure to slot home past Ben Hamer.

In the 42nd minute, Simon Church was denied as his rasping effort was turned away by Paddy Kenny, but just seconds before the half-time whistle, Charlton were level.

Johnnie Jackson's free kick was headed away but it fell only as far as Cameron Stewart, who thumped a first-time volley into the back of the net.

Church almost turned the game on its head in first-half stoppage time, but Tom Lees cleared the ball off the line.

Two minutes after half time, Callum Harriott brought down Danny Pugh in the box, and McCormack stepped up to put Leeds ahead once more.

Harriott almost made amends 10 minutes later, but Kenny reacted superbly to tip the ball away after the winger's effort seemed destined for goal via the aid of a deflection.

Charlton were level with 20 minutes remaining as captain Jackson converted Church's cross, but the lead lasted just three minutes.

McCormack was a constant thorn in the Charlton defence and the striker wrapped up his hat-trick with a powerful finish from a tight angle.

The 27-year-old still had time to add a fourth, as he curled a free kick beyond Hamer from the edge of the box.