Luton 3 Charlton 1 (aet)

MANAGER Alan Pardew conceded that Charlton were were second best to League 1 Luton as they were eclipsed from the third round of the Carling Cup at Kenilworth Road on Tuesday night.

Defeat terminated the Addicks six-match unbeaten run as the home side came from behind to win.

"I thought Luton were the better side but we have only ourselves to blame because we missed a lot of chances in the first half when we were at our best," said Pardew who denied that he treated the competition lightly.

He said: "I told my chairman and the board of directors that I wanted to do well in the competition because of the financial rewards.

"All credit to Luton because they edged it on the night."

Showing 10 changes from the side that beat Leicester on Saturday, Charlton paid the price for missing countless first half opportunites while on top.

Striker Izale McLeod was the biggest culprit missing three one on one chances with Luton goalkeeper Dean Brill.

Charlton were boosted by the tonic of a third minute goal when Dean Sinclair scored at the far post after Svetoslav Todorov flicked on McLeod's cross.

Therry Racon was out of luck with a blistering 25-yard drive that rattled the crossbar before Steve Robinson equalised with a spectacular 25-yard drive in the 43rd minute.

Charlton lost momentum in the second half and never matched their fluency of the first period.

They were forced to defend in depth for long periods with goalkeeper Darren Randolph producing an exceptional save to deny David Bell in the 74th minute.

Luton looked the stronger going into extra time and took the lead in the 105th minute when Matthew Spring rose unchallenged to head home substitute Darren Currie's cross.

Madjid Bougherra's slip in the 118th minute presented Drew Talbot with a simple chance to seal victory.

Charlton: Randolph; Moutaouakil, Bougherra, McCarthy, Sankofa; Ambrose (Fortune 121 mins), Racon (Varney 69 mins), Holland, Sinclair; McLeod, Todorov (Arter 86 mins). Substitutes not used: Weaver, Thomas.

Attendance: 4,534.