Darren Ambrose, back from his unsuccessful loan spell at Ipswich, scored the only goal against Norwich to reach the FA Cup fourth round.

The last time Charlton won was against Ipswich on 4 October but since then they have been on a dreadful run, which has seen them slump to the foot of the league and cost previous boss Alan Pardew his job.

But Parkinson is now hoping to use this victory in the FA Cup as a springboard for some much-needed success in the league. "Ending the long run without a win was the most important thing," said Parkinson. "It's a mixture of relief and it's great to have that monkey off our backs. Hopefully now we can carry on the good work in the league."

Charlton travel to Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday looking to record back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

And Parkinson feels they will have a chance of doing that, providing they match their work-rate against Norwich.

He added: "The league is so close with everybody capable of beating everybody else. What you need in a position like us is a strong mentality and a fighting spirit.

"That's exactly what my players gave me and it was especially pleasing that there were eight players who came through our academy showing those qualities."

Ambrose's strike, his first in 10 months, came in the sixth minute when he latched on to Nicky Bailey's pass to slot past Andy Marshall.

The Addicks came under substantial pressure in the second half but managed to cling on to snatch the morale-boosting win.

In the fourth round they will face Championship rivals Sheffield United, who beat Leyton Orient last night.