An abject performance by the Addicks was compounded by Lawrie Wilson’s first half red card.

The morning rain  stopped at lunch time and the Keepmoat pitch looked in fine condition.

Despite rumours that talks for the sale of Dale Stephens to Brighton were at an advanced stage, Stephens took his place in the centre of midfield alongside Johnnie Jackson, with Jordan Cousins switched to the right.

Chris Powell went for a 4-4-2 formation with Harry Lennon surprisingly preferred to Morgan Fox at left-back. Cedric Evina recovered from his dead leg to take his place on the left of midfield, just ahead of Lennon, to give the youngster some protection.

Yann Kermorgant and Simon Church were the front duo.

Powell’s mantra was again, not to lose, rather than to win. The problem with such a tactic comes if you concede a goal, which happened in the 26th minute.

Johnnie Jackson cleared an effort from Bongali Khumalo off the line, but Doncaster scored from the ensuing corner.

Mark Duffy’s drive was saved by Alnwick with his legs, but Abdoulaye Meite was on hand to prod home from close range.

Worse was to follow ten minutes later. Lawrie Wilson hauled Billy Sharp down in the area and was sent off by referee Paul Tierney. Chris Brown despatched the penalty to double Rovers’ lead.

Midway through the second period, the game was effectively ended as a contest. Mark Duffy sidestepped Richard Wood on the edge of the area to rifle home Doncaster’s third. Cue an exodus from the away end.

Alnwick foiled Billy Sharp in the 77th minute when the striker was was sent clear by Mark Duffy.

There was still time for Rovers to hit the bar from long range in stoppage time.

There was a poignant moment at the end when Kermorgant came over alone to clap the travelling Charlton fans. Make of that what you will.

Powell now has to pick his troops up quickly for the trip to Wigan on Saturday. Before that though, he must negotiate the last days of the
transfer window.

Charlton: Alnwick; Wilson, Morrison, Dervite, Lennon;  Cousins, Stephens (Ajdarevic 79), Jackson, Evina (Wood 46); Kermorgant, Church (Harriott 76).

Subs (not used): Thuram-Ulien, Green, Sordell, Pigott.

Booked: Stephens 74 (foul).

Sent off: Wilson 35 (professional foul).

Doncaster: Turnbull; Tamas (Quinn 77),  Khumalo, Méité, Husband; Coppinger, Keegan, Wellens, Duffy; Brown (Peterson 89), Sharp (Cotterill 77).

Subs (not used): Maxted, Furman, De Val, Stevens.

Goals: Méité 26, Brown 25 (pen), Duffy 67.

Referee: Paul Tierney (Lancashire).

Attn: 7,289 (448  Charlton).