A disinterested looking Charlton side went out of the JPT to a far slicker and more committed Brentford side.
The visitors led as early as the second minute. John Sullivan made a fine save from close range to deny David Clarkson, only for Blair Adams to net the rebound.
Charlton only started with five regulars so could be the subject of an enquiry. Mikel Alonso partnered Dale Stephens in central midfield but did not have an impressive start to his Charlton career. It was the Spaniard who conceded the penalty that Kevin O’Connor thumped home to double Bentford’s lead after 24 minutes.
Hughes, Taylor, Doherty and Evina formed the back-four in front of Sullivan and it was Doherty’s poor clearance that led to the opening goal. Charlton were restricted to an effort from outside the box by Hayes that cleared the bar and a free-kick from Green, that was well saved by Simon Moore.
Powell brought Morrison and Euell on for Taylor and Stephens at the break, not moves that were likely to turn the tide in Charlton’s favour. Brentford sealed their richly deserved victory after 61 minutes when Toumani Diagouraga fired home. The goal had a touch of farce about it. The assistant referee on the West Stand side raised his flag for offside but after referee, James Linnington, spoke to him the goal was allowed to stand.
So the Addicks were eliminated from the competition for the second successive season by their West London neighbours. The exit will not have unduly concerned Powell but he will have been disappointed by his team’s performance.
Charlton: Sullivan; Hughes, Taylor (Morrison 46), Doherty, Evina; Green, Stephens (Euell 46), Alonso, Jackson (Kermorgant 63); Wagstaff, Hayes.
Subs (not used): Hamer, Francis.
Booked: Green 82 (foul)
Brentford: Moore; Thompson (Saunders 67), Eger, Llera, Woodman; Bean, O’Connor, Diagouraga; Adams (Wood 59), Weston, Clarkson (Grella 76).
Subs (not used): Lee, Spillane.
Goals: Adams 2, O’Connor (pen) 24, Diagouraga 61.
Booked: Llera 31 (foul)
Referee: James Linington (Isle Of Wight).
Attn: 3,486