Addicks downed by Spurs
Alan Pardew is now preparing for life in the Championship
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Monday, 07, May 2007 10:38
Charlton Athletic have been relegated to the Championship after a 2-0 defeat by European hopefuls Tottenham.
Alan Pardew's Addicks had to eke out a win at the Valley to keep their fight against relegation going until the final day of the season but goals at either end of the match sealed their fate.
Bulgarian striker Dimitar Berbatov hammered the first nail in the coffin with a sublime goal on seven minutes, bamboozling Charlton's Talal El Karkouri in the process.
And the in-form Spurs forward turned provider in the dying moments, setting up former Charlton striker Jermain Defoe for a 90th minute clincher to break the Addicks' hearts.
Spurs fully deserved their victory and the north London side now look well placed to gain a Uefa Cup spot for next season, lying in sixth place with just a game to go.
And the result also means the final relegation dogfight will be between just three clubs - Wigan, West Ham and Sheffield United - with Fulham now guaranteed another season in the top flight.
Charlton rarely looked likely to add their name to that list tonight, despite Darren Bent and on-loan Arsenal midfielder Alex Song going close, and they will now join bottom side Watford in preparing for life outside the Premiership.