FORMER Southend High School for Boys pupil Morgan Fox made his Charlton Athletic debut on Monday night and helped put the Addicks within a win of Wembley.

The 20-year-old was handed his first start in the fifth round of the FA Cup against Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsbrough.

And Fox – who is from South Woodham Ferrers – helped his team to a 2-1 win setting up a quarter final against League One side Sheffield United and denying Wednesday the chance of a Steel City derby.

Fox tweeted afterwards: “Thanks to everyone. Buzzing to make my debut. The lads were quality and battled right the way through.”

Left-back Fox has only just returned from a loan spell at League One strugglers Notts County where he made his Football League debut.

He made seven appearances for the Magpies, scoring one goal against Colchester United, before being recalled by Charlton boss Chris Powell last month.

Fox is behind one of Charlton’s star players, Rhoys Wiggins, in the pecking order at left back, but was on the bench as the Addicks inflicted a shock defeat on promotion-hunting QPR in the Championship on Saturday.

Wiggins aggravated an injury during that game which gave Fox his chance on Monday night and he took it with both hands.

Charlton now go to Brammall Lane to face Sheffield United on Saturday, March 8.

If they get through that tie they will be in a semi-final at Wembley.

Former Southend United star Powell, who is battling to save his side from relegation from the Championship, said: “Since being a player at the club in 1998 and since I have come back, we never do well in the cups. It is almost a running joke at Charlton.

“It’s about time we turned it on its head.”