Substitute Matty Godden's 79th-minute goal ended Charlton's run of 11 Championship matches without victory as they defeated Sheffield United 2-1 at The Valley.
The Addicks had lost their last four coming into the contest in south-east London and there was pressure building on manager Nathan Jones.
But the hosts produced a spirited showing and their first three-point haul since late August lifts them to 19th in the table.
Millenic Alli's first goal since his summer transfer from Luton put the hosts in front, but veteran Jordan Ayew levelled before the half-hour mark, also getting off the mark following his September arrival at Bramall Lane.
Ayew had the first chance in the fourth minute, but Charlton goalkeeper Will Mannion kept out the experienced striker's low shot with his legs.
Alli opened the scoring in the 12th minute, only his second goal of 2026 and his first since January. The winger drilled a finish inside the left upright of Michael Cooper's goal from 20 yards.
Sheffield United's equaliser came from a Kalvin Phillips' free-kick after Alli fouled Romelle Donovan near the left touchline.
Phillips' shot was only punched back out by Mannion and Ayew reacted quickest to head in from close range.
Mannion misjudged the flight of a Phillips corner after 28 minutes and was fortunate that Liam Kitching's header lacked power and he was able to claim at the second attempt.
Charlton had the last notable chance of the first period in the 33rd minute. Tyreece Campbell showed tidy control from
Billy Koumetio's cross but could only whip a right-footed shot over the crossbar.
United made a change at the start of the second half, but substitute Femi Seriki was taken off on a stretcher just minutes later after picking up an injury as he battled Campbell for possession.
Koumetio impressed for the Addicks and used his chest to block a shot by Phillips.
Both sides were struggling to fashion chances. Alli cut in off the left wing and produced a low shot in the 65th minute
which Cooper held without any major problem, while Charlie Kelman scuffed wide soon after.
Godden had only been on the pitch four minutes when he showed predatory instincts to hook in Alli's cross at the near post and put Charlton in front.
Phillips whipped an 85th-minute free-kick around the outside of the defensive wall, but Mannion was alert to push it out for a corner.
And the Charlton keeper made an even better stop deep into eight minutes of stoppage time, plunging low to his left to deny Sydie Peck.
Charlton manager Nathan Jones:
"Relief is a big thing - emotionally - because of everything that has gone on. That was more like us from start to finish. We were front-footed and had real control in our play.
"I'm really proud of the group, because they've had to cope with so much noise and pressure.
"We have lost five or six people this week through injury and what not. So to respond in the manner we did, apart from Wembley it is probably my favourite result at this football club.
"It was wonderful. It's only one win, but it's an important one. We won't over-egg it because it is just one win.
"The crowd have been really good with me. I probably used up all their patience in midweek. Hopefully I've taken one step back into credit.
"We brought Matty here to finish chances. He did it and then injuries have robbed him of these opportunities.
"His movement is an example - Charlie Kelman and Miles Leaburn can learn from him. Goal-scorers are priceless and we're very lucky to have him."
Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder:
"You look at the results after we came in and you scratch your head. But the one we have to concentrate on is our own and we have not done enough things right.
"We didn't capitalise on our moments to get the result we were all after.
"I'm not going to take a wrecking ball to it.
"There is always emotion in it - when you win then you're going up and when you don't then it is a different narrative.
"We will keep calm, like I have all the way through. I kept calm after we beat Wrexham, Bristol City and when we won on Tuesday. There are mini setbacks, mini highs and mini lows that we need to deal with.
"It is a missed opportunity. I'd have loved to have climbed into the top seven, but we need to rest and recover over the international break."
