Charlton Althetic's abysmal record in the Worthington Cup came back to haunt them again at the Valley when they were dumped out of the competition by third division Oxford United, who won 6-5 in a penalty shoot out after a 0-0 scoreline after extra time.
Charlton have never gone beyond the fourth round of the competition and went into the match having lost all four of their Premiership matches at the Valley this season.
But in 16 home games against Oxford, Charlton had never been beaten until tonight's giant-killing by Ian Atikins' side in an exciting penalty shoot-out. Young substitute Jefferson Louis fired home the winner to send the 1,500 visiting supporters into delirium.
Charlton dominated the first half but were unable to break down a tenacious five-man Oxford defence and Andy Woodman in the visitors' goal made a number of brilliant saves.
It took Oxford 44 minutes before they got their first shot on goal and substitute Emmanuel Omoyinmi almost scored with a low shot on the turn.
In the second half Oxford did much better as an attacking force and at times caused the Premiership side severe embarrassment. It was only a brilliant save by Charlton goalkeeper Dean Kiely that denied Oxford skipper Andy Crosby as the game progressed into extra time.
Charlton became more and more frustrated and missed the first two penalties in the shoot out.
The score was 5-5 on penalties after both sides had taken eight spot-kicks each but when Radostin Kishishev fired over the bar with Charlton's ninth spot-kick it was left to Louis to secure the U's night of glory
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Editors Views
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Once again Charlton crashed to a lower team. This was a disappointment but it wasnt to be. Its a shame as i saw The Wothington Cup as our only hope of a sucessful season. We need to win at home and soon otherwise we are in trouble.