Patrick McCarthy saved Charlton from humiliation with a last minute winner to delate plucky Stockport in Tuesday's Carling Cup thriller at The Valley.

The Addicks, who had strolled into a 2-0 half time lead through Svetoslav Todorov's first goal for the club in the 34th minute and a Zheng Zhi penalty in the 40th, were stunned by Stockport's second half revival as the League 2 club hit back to equalise and then take the lead.

Adam Proudlock made it 2-1 in the 54th minute and then Anthony Elding equalised in the 62nd minute.

Dominic Blizzard gave them the lead in the 69th minute with Charlton staring down the barrel of defeat.

Lloyd Sam's brilliant free-kick levelled in the 74th minute to pull Charlton back from the brink.

With a minute remaining, McCarthy advanced to meet Sam's corner and head the winner. It was his first goal for the club since his summer arrival from Leicester.

Charlton manager afterwards confirmed that he intended making at least one signing before Thursday's closure of the transfer window.

"I believe we're close on at least one deal and maybe two," he said after Stockport had magnified his defensive problems.

Asked if watching Crystal Palace manager Peter Taylor had learned much ahead of Saturday's South London derby at Crystal Palace, he retorted: "I would think that he's learned that you can score goals against Charlton."

Charlton: Randolph; Semedo, McCarthy, Fortune, Powell; Sam, Faye, Racon (Ambrose 80 mins),Zheng; Todorov, McLeod (Iwelumo 71 mins). Substitutes not used: Weaver, Sinclair, Thomas.

Attendance: 8,022.