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The fact that Brentford did not win the game or threaten to throughout was irrelevant. The 5500 supports who travelled to the game were proud for the players and their manager after a spirited effort. An early goal from Darren Bent made the difference as Brentford could only manage a consolation after conceding three of their own.
Former Arsenal man Isaiah Rankin got himself on the scoresheet after a great recent run of form and the travelling Bees got their reward and were given something to celebrate despite now being fully able to concentrate on the League.
What the manager said?
Martin Allen was obviously disapointed with his sides effort but insisted there was no shame,
"Charlton were the favourites and they rightly won the game."
"Alan and his staff have a fantastic team and I can only wish them luck in this seasons competition"
The boss was pleased with the effort but felt that a better start could have led to a better result,
"The early goal knocked the stuffing out of us. It's disapointing but we'll not dwell on it."
In a short interview with the BBC after the game Charlton Manager and potential England candidate Alan Curbishley said,
"Brentford kept going and they threatened all the way through. We had a game plan to deny them space and really impose ourselfs on their style. I think the goal from Darren early only helped and we built on that"
What the players said?
Goal scorer Isaiah Rankin said,
"Obviously it was a personal thrill for me to score but I'm disapointed we lost the game. We didn;t have that spark today, it was a difficult game and even though the result was convincing we did ourselves no shame"
Goalkeeper Stuart Nelson also spoke of being gutted to have been knocked out of the Cup,
"We came here today with real hopes of a victory and it's a shame we didnt get anything. The key now is how we react and if we can get our initial reaction right then we can definately learn from our mistakes"
What the fans said?
The travelling thousands were obviously delighted with the Bees consolation goal and Steve Andrews from Twickenham said,
"It was a great day. I really felt we had a chance but it wasn't to be."
He added,
"Charlton are a great team full of class player and the game of two division's showed today"
Simon Parkin a Bees fan said,
"I think the result was just about right today, we kept going and that was important. What matters now is that we claim some pride back by winning promotion and not start to become a Cup team."