Mick McCarthy admitted his team’s third successive Molineux win had not been a one-sided affair.

Charlton had the better of the game in the first half when only one brilliant Wayne Hennessey save and some last ditch defending prevented their taking a lead.

But Wolves grew into the game and finished comfortable winners to give them the perfect start to a demanbding six-game schedule over the next three weeks.

“They had the best chances in the first half when we needed Wayne Hennessy to make a fantastic save,” said McCarthy.

“We had a couple of bits and pieces but we didn’t supply the best of ball to the front players. But we’ve worked hard and come up with a goal and I’m delighted for Karl Henry – he’s had a fantastic week.

“He had to prove to everyone he was a good player again after his injury and his performance was particularly pleasing because players signing a new contract normally go out and have a useless game.

“But that is the measure of the man. Karl was given a man-for-man job on Andy Reid, something he has not done before, but I imagine the Charlton dressing room are wishing their lad was man for man on him when he set up the first and scored the other.”

The decision to partner Andy Keogh with Jay Bothroyd was, said the manager a “no brainer” with Freddy Eastwood suffering from a slight Achilles problem.

“I spoke to Jay before the reserves match at Shrewsbury this week and told him he was in with a good chance of starting,” he said.

“He then went out and played the worst game I have seen from him although to be fair he was suffering from a stomach bug at that time.

“But I told him he was playing and I’m delighted for him. He’s had lots of barracking from me.

“We know he can get goals but he’s done more of the other side of the game today. He’s worked hard.

“We’ve ended up with a good win against very serious title contenders.”

Charlton boss Alan Pardew admitted his team had wasted their best chances in their bright first 45 minutes when they frequently had Wolves under pressure.

“We showed up well in the first half but chasing the game is always difficult in the Championship, and we should have done a bit better in the second half.

“It rubbishes the half-time team talk when you are trying to make plans for the second half and a goal goes in like that. It leaves a bad taste in the mouth.

“It was a sloppy goal and there are a few instances when we should have cleared it, but in defence of Madjid Bougherra, he was sick before the game and we were worried about starting him.

“Perhaps that’s a slight excuse for him. We didn’t hit the target enough and it’s something we spoke about in the week.

“And Wolves have ended up doing a professional job on us in the second half. In terms of trying to get back in the game I felt we lacked a bit of devilment and a bit of purpose.

“Certainly during the late series of corners I expected to see a few of my Charlton boys attacking them, yet we didn’t.

“The players wore their frustration in the second half, particularly in the last 20 minutes and you can’t afford to do it. I can do that on the touchline, but they can’t.”