Charlton turned in a wretched performance to lose 2-0 to MK Dons on at The Valley on Tuesday evening.
There was a minute’s silence in memory of PC Keith Palmer ahead of kick-off. Thirty of PC Palmer’s former colleagues joined the players on the pitch for the tribute.
Karl Robinson again opted for a midfield diamond, with Joe Aribo coming in for Frederik Ulvestad.
Josh Magennis replaced Lee Novak up front, and Robinson made three changes to the back four. Chris Solly, Jason Pearce and Jay Dasilva replaced Jason Byrne, Jorge Teixeira and Adam Chicksen.
MK Dons were the brighter side all evening and went ahead after just seven minutes. Declan Rudd saved Ed Upson’s effort, but Stuart O’Keefe was on hand to tap home the rebound.
The Dons sewed the points up twelve minutes after the restart, when Harvey Barnes curled the ball beyond Rudd and into the far corner.
Lee Nicholls in the visitors’ goal will scarcely have a more comfortable night, the Addicks failed to seriously test him during the entire ninety minutes.
Things will not get any easier on Saturday when Southend are the visitors. The Shrimpers are chasing a play-off spot and will be a tough nut for Charlton to crack.
The Addicks will need to produce a much improved performance to have any chance of taking something from the game.
Charlton: Rudd, Solly, Bauer, Pearce, Dasilva; Jackson (Byrne 56), Aribo, Forster-Caskey, Aribo, Holmes; Watt (Botaka 75), Magennis.
Subs (not used): Phillips, Chicksen, Crofts, Ulvestad.
Booked: Pearce 50 (foul), Watt 69 (foul).
MK Dons: Nicholls; Baldock, Walsh, Downing, Lewington; Potter; Upson, O’Keefe (Bowditch 90), Reeves (Brittain 89); Barnes, Muirhead (Agard 74).
Subs (not used): Burn, Ngombo, Tilney, Maynard.
Goals: O’Keefe 7, Barnes 57.
Booked: Downing 1 (foul), O’Keefe 45 (foul), Reeves 83 (foul).
Referee: Andy Haines (Tyne & Wear).
Attn: 10,943 (446 MK Dons).
TAGS: Charlton Athletic