Charlton were crowned Division One champions even though Blackburn did their
best to spoil the party at Ewood Park.
A penalty from Blackburn top scorer Lee Carsley early in the second half
prevented Charlton from marking their championship achievement with a victory
after Mathias Svensson had given them a first-half lead.
But Portsmouth's comeback to earn a 2-2 draw against second-placed Manchester
City at Fratton Park ensured Alan Curbishley's men are champions.
Blackburn, with nothing to play for apart from their pride, were hoping to
record a double over the Londoners following their 2-1 success down at the
Valley.
Striker Ashley Ward, who scored two that night, almost gave Rovers the perfect
start, shooting just too high inside two minutes.
Charlton top scorer Andy Hunt then wasted a couple of chances before the
visitors took a deserved lead after 23 minutes following a glorious five-man
move.
Chris Powell's eventual cross was met by Hunt. His shot was partly blocked by
Alan Kelly only for the alert Svensson to react quickly and dive forward to head
the ball home from three yards.
Charlton should have added to the lead almost immediately, Svensson heading
high when he really should have scored and Mark Kinsella unfortunate when a
goal-bound shot was turned against the post by Kelly.
Blackburn looked brighter following the introduction of substitute David Dunn
who was not far off an equaliser with a shot from distance early in the second
half.
Graham Stuart almost conceded an own goal and Ward was close with a header as
Charlton came under pressure for the first time.
Blackburn's best spell produced the penalty after 63 minutes, a fine run by
Dunn ending when he was fouled by Svensson. Carsley stepped up to power home his
11th goal of the season.
At the other end a fine save by Kelly denied Svensson while Stuart and
substitute Paul Kitson also went close to securing a win.
The game boiled over from time to time with three Blackburn players booked and
Charlton's Steve Brown also getting a yellow card in injury time.
The final whistle produced scenes of jubilation from among a thousand Charlton
fans who had made the trip north.
The Charlton management and staff joined with players on the Ewood Park pitch
in scenes of celebration which continued long after the final whistle.
The Charlton supporters were not for going home in a hurry with Curbishley the
manager stepping forward to accept the plaudits after a tremendous Charlton
effort following their relegation from the Premiership.
The champagne bottles popped and the banners were out in force as Charlton
celebrated in style.
Teams
Blackburn: Kelly, Davidson (Dunn 45), Short, Dailly, Harkness,
McAteer, Frandsen, Carsley, Jansen, Ostenstad (Burgess 73),
Ward (Gillespie 59).
Subs Not Used: Flitcroft, Miller.
Booked: Ward, Carsley, McAteer.
Goals: Carsley 63 pen.
Charlton: Kiely, Barness, Powell, Rufus, Newton, Brown, Stuart,
Kinsella, Robinson (Parker 84), Hunt (Kitson 73), Svensson.
Subs Not Used: Konchesky, Todd, Royce.
Booked: Brown.
Att: 18,587
Ref: K Lynch (Kirk Hammerton).
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