Stoke City winger Sorba Thomas scored twice from attempted crosses as Charlton Athletic suffered another disappointing Championship defeat.

The Wales international got both of his goals in the first half as Addicks' boss Nathan Jones again witnessed his side capitulate in the opening 45 minutes.

Four days after conceding five before the break against Southampton, the visitors were cut adrift early on once more after Thomas' two strikes came either side of Million Manhoef's left-foot drive.

The Potters, who went into the game following two successive defeats, climb above Middlesbrough and into second, although leaders Coventry are an astonishing 10 points clear.

Stoke scored with their first real foray into the Addicks' half, although the opener carried more than a touch of good fortune.

Eric-Junior Bocat's tenacity saw the ball poked out to the left, where Thomas made space to send over a cross which was well struck and the ball looped over Charlton keeper Thomas Kaminski.

It went from bad to worse for Charlton boss Jones, returning to a club that he managed for 11 months in 2019, as they went 2-0 down after just five minutes.

Goalkeeper Viktor Johansson's long ball was contested by Potters' centre-forward Robert Bozenik and defender Lloyd Jones.

The Slovakian bundled his opponent out of the way, the ball falling to Thomas who found Manhoef on the right.

The winger was able to cut inside and deliver a low shot just inside Kaminski's right-hand post.

The Addicks conceded four goals in eight minutes against the Saints and although they managed to hold out for longer this time around, they conceded a third before half-time.

Bae Jun-Ho fed Thomas, again loitering on the left, but this time he cut back onto his right foot.

Bozenik and Kayne Ramsey contested the cross in front of keeper Kaminski who reacted late, the ball dribbling under his arms and crossing the goalline.

Charlton eventually threatened - Luke Berry testing Johansson from distance just after the hour mark - but Stoke substitute Sam Gallagher went closest to finding the net again with a late snapshot.

Stoke City boss Mark Robins told BBC Radio Stoke:

"It probably felt like we were comfortable. We were in front early after two minutes, followed that up and then we were three-up in the first half.

"They had a real go at us. We kept things simple because that was what got us the goals.

"I think it was well-deserved and just reward, really, because the three performances we have had over the last three games, this Coventry and Leicester - it probably wasn't our best performance of the three.

"We've ended up getting three goals, conceding none and winning three points. So, happy days, because I think this moves us up to second."

Charlton Athletic boss Nathan Jones told BBC Radio London:

"We've come here looking to bounce back and that start has killed us because goals change games.

"It's very difficult to say I'm pleased about anything tonight because we have just lost 3-0 away from home.

"We were really open. We weren't at the levels we needed to be.

"The first was a stroke of good fortune and the second we feel is a foul and the third is a big error again. You have to defend it better.

"We have been stretched in recent weeks, injury-wise, but it wasn't good enough."

What's next for both teams?

Stoke City are at home again on Saturday as they take on Hull City.

Charlton Athletic will be looking to stop a run of three straight defeats but they face a trip to Championship leaders Coventry City.