Charlton's European dream has been dealt a seemingly fatal blow as rock-bottom Bradford finally celebrated their first victory since New Year's Day.

Jim Jefferies' side may be on their way to the First Division, but at least they showed some of the heart which was so prevalent last season when they dramatically salvaged their campaign.

For Addicks boss Alan Curbishley, any hope of his side playing in the UEFA Cup next season was blown away by second half goals from Robbie Blake and Benito Carbone.

But Charlton only have themselves to blame because it was a performance which must rank as one of their worst of the season.

With games against Aston Villa, Chelsea, Ipswich, Sunderland and Liverpool ahead - all teams with their own European aspirations - only respectability surely now remains for Charlton.

For City, there at least seems to be some pride as they ended a run of 11 matches without a win and kept their first clean sheet at Valley Parade since August 26.

But despite five points in their last four games, moving City to within 11 points of Middlesbrough, a return to Division One still looms large on the horizon.

What a difference a year makes. It was on Good Friday last year City were involved in what was arguably the Premiership game of the year, a thrill-a-minute 4-4 draw at home to Derby.

On that occasion the Bantams were deeply embroiled in that never-to-be-forgotten, passionate battle to avoid an immediate return to the First Division, one which they accomplished on the final day of the season.

Twelve months on and the Bank Holiday crowd were primarily forced to endure a game with all the hallmarks of 'typical end-of-season affair' stamped all over it.

The reason, pure and simple, is that Bradford are down, and have been for some time despite all the pre and post-match talk from Jefferies and the players alike regarding mathematics.

Not even Einstein could come up with an equation to save Bradford from their fate, one which has been on the cards since Christmas and which should finally be confirmed before May is in.

It is just a pity Charlton, European aspirations and all, were dragged down to the Bantams' level as they rarely threatened Gary Walsh's goal during a dire first 45 minutes.

Even Charlton defender Shaun Newton, in the stands alongside team-mates Chris Powell and Graham Stuart, gave an indication as to the mind-numbing nature of the match as he chose to read a magazine he had brought with him for the closing 15 minutes of the half.

During the opening period the only moment of note was a reaction save from Walsh, somehow pushing the ball over the bar from Richard Rufus' bullet-like header after connecting with a John Robinson corner.

But with a bore draw looking the most likely result, City then came alive midway through the second period, and it was a clash between Ashley Ward and Sasa Ilic which set the ball rolling.

After a pushing match the Charlton keeper then feigned injury, kicking the ball into touch to gain treatment, but incurring the wrath of the Bradford fans as boos and jeers echoed around Valley Parade.

Bradford then pushed forward, with a first penalty appeal - as Mark Fish appeared to handle Carbone's cross - turned away by referee Peter Jones, while Eoin Jess struck a post with a superb right-foot curler.

Then in the 74th minute, with City in the ascendancy, they gained their reward as Gunnar Halle tangled with Ilic in the area, and this time the penalty was given - albeit courtesy of the linesman.

Ilic managed to get a hand to Blake's spot-kick, but he could only push the Bradford striker's fourth goal this season for Bradford into the roof of the net.

Ilic was then involved in another clash with Ward shortly after, the two colliding as the Yugoslavian had raced out of the area to clear his lines, but the ball spun wide to Carbone.

The Italian, linked with a move to Blackburn and a luxury City cannot afford next season given his £40,000-per-week wages, then showed his mercurial talent.

On the half-volley and 25 yards out, Carbone coolly side-footed home a looping shot which just dipped underneath the crossbar to clinch only the Bantams' fourth league win of the season.

Ward also hit the post just before the final whistle, but the 2-0 scoreline was fully merited, leaving Charlton to contemplate a promising season now petering out into mediocrity.

Teams

Bradford: Walsh, Myers, Jacobs, Molenaar, Halle, McCall, Whalley (Nolan 90), Blake (McKinlay 89), Jess, Carbone, Ward.

Subs Not Used: Davison, Grant, Kerr.

Booked: Ward.

Goals: Blake 74 pen, Carbone 80.

Charlton: Ilic, Konchesky, Fish, Rufus, Todd, Parker (Salako 74), Kishishev (Jensen 68), Kinsella, Johansson, Robinson, Svensson (Bartlett 69).

Subs Not Used: Brown, Caig.

Booked: Rufus, Parker, Kishishev.

Att: 17,511

Ref: P Jones (Loughborough).