Birmingham City ensured their Premiership survival with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Charlton Athletic at The Valley to take themselves through the magic 40-point barrier.
A goal in each half gave Birmingham the points against a desperately disappointing Charlton side who are in a depressing slump in form which has come fortunately for them after they had made themselves safe from any relegation worries.
The Londoners have taken only one point from their last six Premiership matches but this result gave Birmingham a fifth win in their last seven Premiership matches which has pulled them well away from trouble.
Birmingham took the lead on 20 minutes with a cheeky goal from their French striker Christophe Dugarry who scored his first goal for Birmingham in last Saturday's match.
Geoff Horsfield broke clear down the right for the visitors and his cross was back-heeled into the net by the Frenchman from close range.
The visitors dominated the first half with the home side failing to get a shot on target.
Addicks boss Alan Curbishley made two changes at the break bringing on John Robinson and Kevin Lisbie but Charlton's hopes of getting back into the match were scuppered when referee Neale Barry gave the visitors a controversial penalty.
Robbie Savage got clear of the Charlton defence but had lost control of the ball when Chris Powell tackled him but the referee pointed to the spot and Savage dispatched the penalty into the net.
Charlton finally got their first shot on target after 74 minutes when Claus Jensen's free-kick went straight into Ian Bennett's arms.
Birmingham could have increased their lead with Horsfield and substitute Stern John missing good chances.
Manager Steve Bruce thought the performance was the best by his side this season but he was still cautious that his club had achieved complete safety.
He said: "If we win against Southampton on Monday that will decide it.
"It will be a massive achievement. There is a tremendous gulf between the first division and the Premiership but I hope that we can stay in the top flight for a few years to come."