Forest v Charlton

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Premiership strugglers Charlton face a tough third round FA Cup clash against League One high-flyers Nottingham Forest at The City Ground on Saturday.

Charlton's hopes of avoiding relegation from the top flight suffered a blow on Tuesday when they suffered a 4-0 defeat to Arsenal, leaving them six points adrift of safety.

They will, however, be boosted by the news that boss Alan Pardew was cleared of an improper conduct charge on Thursday by The Football Association, relating to his confrontation with Arsene Wenger, whilst he was West Ham manager, during the Premiership match with Arsenal at Upton Park on 5th November.

As well as missing leading scorer Darren Bent (knee), Charlton also have concerns over defender Hermann Hreidarsson, who has been hampered by a recent tendonitis problem.

The Addicks selection problems have been increased after Liverpool denied them permission to play on-loan goalkeeper Scott Carson, so Thomas Myhre will deputise.

Osei Sankofa will miss the tie following his sending off during the defeat at Arsenal and the club subsequently failed in their appeal against his suspension.

The full-back's ban - which has been extended to two matches after it was considered "frivolous" by The FA disciplinary commission - leaves Charlton short of cover at right-back, as skipper Luke Young remains sidelined.

Matt Holland, who has taken on the captain's role, could be asked to fill in.

Former Forest midfielder Andy Reid is unlikely to be in contention to face his old club because of a niggling hamstring problem, which has kept him out since December 16.

Forest boss Colin Calderwood is hoping that their season hit its lowest point on New Year's Day with the 5-0 defeat to Oldham.

Calderwood's men have taken just four points from their last five games which has seen them slip from top spot in the league to third.

Forest will be without Kris Commons (hamstring), John Thompson (cup-tied) and suspended duo Danny Cullip and Sammy Clingan for the fixture.

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Nottingham F:
Smith, Gary Holt, Morgan, Breckin, Bennett, Southall, Perch, Curtis, Tyson, Agogo, Grant Holt.
Subs:
Pedersen, Dobie, Lester, Hughes, McGugan.

Charlton:
Myhre, Kishishev, El Karkouri, Fortune, Traore, Rommedahl, Faye, Holland, Ambrose, Marcus Bent, Hasselbaink.
Subs:
Randolph, Thomas, Hughes, Diawara, Sam.

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1:0 Agogo (27)

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2:0 Gary Holt (31)

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2-0 Full-time!

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Charlton Athletic's miserable season is going from bad to worse following a surprise 2-0 defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup.

Colin Calderwood's troops were worthy winners with first half goals from Junior Agogo and Grant Holt putting the League One high-flyers into the hat for the fourth round.

Forest made the brighter start and only a fine Jonathan Fortune block halted Nathan Tyson's lengthy run while James Perch headed wide at the near post.

The Premiership strugglers did show signs of life and Paul Smith had to be on guard to tip Marcus Bent's stinging drive from distance over the bar for a corner.

However, Charlton continued to struggle and fell behind on 28 minutes when Perch got the better of Darren Ambrose before squaring the ball for Agogo to slide home.

Things nearly went from bad to worse when Tyson's cross was sliced by Fortune onto his own crossbar, although shortly after - they did.

Nicky Southall's right-sided free-kick was easily headed home in the middle by Grant Holt with Charlton's defence all at sea as another two Forest players were queueing up to score.

Charlton did lift their game following the interval, although Ambrose's tame shot from distance was all the visitors could show for their meagre efforts.

The Addicks should have pulled one back when Bent had a sight of goal, but Smith made a fine one-handed save away to his left to stop Bent's flick.

Forest were content to maintain their shape in the closing stages and avoided any late scares to bag a surprisingly easy win over the Premiership strugglers.

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