Charlton alienated by class struggle

Charlton's season was a hard luck story waiting to happen. But on the day that they were finally damned and demoted, Premiership status was not lost to misfortune but for a simple lack of class. For all the manager Alan Curbishley's brave words last week, hardened observers had calculated that his team would struggle to complete their element of the escape formula - a win at the Valley - even against a Sheffield Wednesday side so supine in recent weeks.

The game was up even before the coup de grace of Danny Sonner's goal 11 minutes from the end.

At the final whistle the Charlton player slumped to the turf only for bodies and spirits to be quickly raised by Curbishley and his management team, who sent the squad on a walk of honour to salute the fans who had kept the faith for so long. Now, like the impressively refurbished Valley, the team needs refitting if they are to escape the Nationwide immediately.

Wednesday's manager Danny Wilson, who had performed that feat with Barnsley, gave a dispassionate view. Would Charlton come straight back? "I don't know," he replied flatly. "It's very difficult to get out of the First Division."

Curbishley admitted that yesterday was a typical example of Charlton's season. "Close game, not too many chances, plenty of huff and puff, but no goal. We look back and think there's too many one-nils against us, and that's the tale for many a newly promoted side. It really is such a learning curve."

Charlton: Petterson, Mills, Tiler, Brown (Bowen 64), Powell, Stuart, Kinsella, Redfearn (Barnes 62), Robinson (Pringle 70), Jones, Mendonca. Subs Not Used: Ilic, Parker. Booked: Robinson, Jones.

Sheff Wed: Srnicek, Haslam (Cresswell 59), Walker, Stefanovic, Thome, Rudi, Jonk, Atherton, Alexandersson, Booth, Carbone (Sonner 60). Subs Not Used: Pressman, Humphreys, McKeever. Sent Off: Atherton (83). Booked: Walker, Atherton, Jonk. Goals: Sonner 79.

Referee: M Reed (Birmingham).