Two goals from Matt Svensson and Shaun Bartlett condemned Newcastle to a 2-0 defeat at The Valley this evening but left Charlton flying high in seventh spot. This latest defeat extends the Magpies' humiliating run of 24 matches in London without a victory and also gave Charlton a double over Bobby Robson's men. Having reached the all-important 40-point mark, Alan Curbishley's team, unbeaten in seven league outings, are now confident that they have avoided the relegation dogfight for this season and will concentrate on finishing as high as they can in the Premiership.
Charlton were lively from the opening minute and went close to scoring after 16 minutes only to see Svensson head wide. Republic of Ireland keeper Shay Given was called upon on several occasions to keep his team in this game, but there was nothing he could do when Jensen found Powell on the left and his cross was pushed by Bartlett into the path of Svensson. Given watched helpless as the Swede volleyed into the net with 37 minutes on the clock.
Charlton were 2-0 up just before the break after the Newcastle defence attempted to play offisde. Linesman Graeme Atkins raised his flag but it was for a handball against Aaron Hughes. However, referee Paul Durkin waved play on and Svensson returned the favour for Bartlett, setting him up with perfect pass which he slammed into the net.
Newcastle looked more alert in the second half, especially after Kevin Gallacher came on in place of Clarence Acuna. Sasa Ilic in the Charlton goalmouth was forced into two fine saves from Robert Lee and Shola Ameobi and with just seconds remaining on the clock, the keeper, deputising for the injured Dean Kiely, maintained the Addicks clean sheet when he denied Gallacher.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
