The home side fielded a number of first team contenders, including new signings Kelly Youga and Jonathan Spector as well as established players like Talal El Karkouri and Jonatan Johansson. It was a stark contrast to a youthful Norwich side stretched by injuries to the first team and the senior side’s extra time victory over the MK Dons the night before.
It was South African striker Shaun Bartlett, on the way back from injury, who played a large part in City’s downfall at the Valley, scoring in each half. The first came from a Lloyd Sam cross right on half time, with City keeper Joe Lewis beaten just inside his far post. It was scant reward for the home side’s first half efforts, which had seen the visitors fail to create a chance while Robert Eagle had to clear off the Norwich line.
Chris Martin brought a save out of Swedish international goalie Thomas Myrhe early in the second half, but it was not long before Charlton doubled their lead when Kevin Lisbie headed home from close range.
Bartlett’s second, Glyn Snodin’s side’s third, added respectability for the Premiership side and left the second string Canaries without a goal or a point after two matches.