Charlton 0 Sheffield United 3

MANAGER Alan Pardew offered no excuses as Charlton's run of four straight wins and no goals conceded ended with Tuesday's shock defeat at The Valley.

"We can have no excuses because Sheffield United have some great individuals and the best team won," said Pardew.

"We didn't start well and once they got the goal it gave them the lift they were looking for.

"I cannot deny that we were a bit flat, which was surprising as we came into the game on the back of an exceptional performance at Preston on Saturday.

"There were things that went on in the first half that worried me and I will address those."

James Beattie became the first player to score against Charlton in 411 minutes when he converted a 33rd minute penalty after Jerome Thomas fouled David Carney.

China captain Zheng Zhi missed a 70th minute sitter when he struck the crossbar from less than five yards before United made Charlton pay.

Gary Cahill scambled a second with the defence in disarray in the 75th minute and when Beattie broke in the final minute, Chris Armstong lent strong support to score a simple goal to complete a miserable night for Addicks fans.

Charlton: Weaver; Mills, Sodje, Fortune, Basey (Bougherra 66 mins); Sam (Varney 46 mins), Semedo (Holland 46 mins), Reid, Zheng, Thomas; Iwelumo. Substitutes not used: Randolph, Ambrose.

Attendance: 20,737.