Charlton 1 Doncaster 2

Nicky Bailey found to his cost how wafer thin the line is between hero and villain as he conceded the match-winning penalty that almost certainly relegated Charlton at a saturated Valley on Tuesday.

In the 73rd minute his superbly volleyed goal drew Charlton level, fuelling optimism that the club may yet avoid the drop. Three minutes later he was guilty of a rash challenge on Doncaster�s Richie Wellens that gave Brian Stock the opportunity to score from the spot.

Defeat leaves Charlton 12 points adrift of safety and with most of their relegation rivals winning on the night, the suspicion hardened that the club could be relegated by Easter.

Even manager Phil Parkinson found it impossible to put on a brave face having gone into the game buoyed by a three-match unbeaten run.

He conceded: �The result leaves us with one almighty task to achieve if we�re to stay up. Now it�s important we maintain belief.

�What upset me most was that we set ourselves decent standards in the last three games which we allowed to slip.

�We were second best, especially in midfield where we lacked energy.�

Charlton fell behind in the 50th minute when Wellen�s back-heel played in James Coppinger.

Bailey raised Charlton�s spirits when Doncaster half cleared Jonjo Shelvey�s corner and he produced a cracking volley. Then it all turned sour for Bailey and Charlton, leaving the club needing miracles to survive.