Half-Time Report: Charlton Athletic on course for FA Cup quarter-finals

Charlton Athletic are on course for an FA Cup quarter-final showdown with Sheffield United having taken a 1-0 lead into the halfway stage of their fifth-round match with Sheffield Wednesday this evening.

The first chance of the match fell the way of the visitors in the 13th minute as Wednesday failed to deal with a ball into the box, allowing Simon Church to poke it to Astrit Ajdarevic, who placed his effort just past the post with Damian Martinez beaten.

The Addicks did take the lead just nine minutes later, however, when Callum Harriott received the ball inside the area, smashing a half-volley past Martinez from 12 yards out.

Wednesday's first hint of an opening came just before the half-hour mark as Chris Maguire whipped in a cross towards the back post, but Jacques Maghoma just couldn't make contact with it.

The Owls then had their first shot on the target of the evening when the Charlton defence could only clear the ball as far as Gary Gardner, whose swerving effort was well stopped by Ben Hamer.

Wednesday's pressure continued shortly afterwards as Leon Best found space, but he chose to shoot instead of looking for support and Hamer was able to make the save at the second time of asking.

The hosts were unable to find an equaliser before half time, leaving the prospect of a quarter-final Sheffield derby hanging in the balance.