NEWCASTLE'S miserable record in London continued down at The Valley where strikers Matt Svensson and Shaun Bartlett inflicted more capital punishment on Bobby Robson's men.

The win propelled Charlton up to seventh place and above Newcastle in the Premiership, extending the Magpie's desperate run on their travels to the South-East.

It is now 24 matches in London without a victory for the Magpies, and this latest setback provided Charlton with a double over Bobby Robson's men.

Newcastle must now wait until next season for their next opportunity to bury the jinx, with yesterday's game their last visit to the capital this term.

Robert Lee, whose £700,000 move to Newcastle from Charlton almost a decade ago helped finance the move back to The Valley, received a rapturous reception from the home fans both before the match and on his second-half departure.

And there as also a cheer for Bobby Robson when he presented Alan Curbishley before kick-off with a memento to mark his 500th match in charge.

But there was no cause for celebrations amongst the travelling support of the Toon Army, and with Newcastle proving very much second best to Charlton, they will be desperate to see Alan Shearer back in a black and white shirt sooner rather than later.

Charlton's first corner brought their first clear-cut chance with Richard Rufus stealing in front of Marcelino to meet Claus Jensen's eighth-minute delivery only to glance his header wide.

Charlton continued to press for the opener, and Radostin Kishishev dragged a left-foot effort off target before Bartlett came close to netting, only for Shay Given's fingertips to divert his header onto the woodwork.

The Addicks refused to be put off by the near miss, and the next time a cross arrowed on to the head of Bartlett they found their reward.

A patient build-up including a cheeky nutmeg by Kishishev on Lee saw Jensen, who evaded a half-hearted challenge by Nolberto Solano, find Powell on the left. His centre was cushioned into the path of strike partner Svensson by Bartlett for the Swede to volley past Given.

Newcastle were struggling to find any rhythm, and further goals from Charlton looked more likely than any equaliser.

And sure enough the 37th-minute opener was followed by a controversial second before the break.

As the Newcastle back line hesitated in the hope of an offside, linesman Graeme Atkins raised his flag, but not for an infringement against the attacking side, rather a handball decision against Aaron Hughes.

Referee Durkin ushered play on, and Svensson returned the compliment for fellow forward Bartlett to slam in with his left foot at the far post after the ball had spun off Warren Barton as the full-back desperately lunged to clear.

Newcastle players surrounded Paul Durkin to protest, but after consulting with his assistant he ruled the goal should stand.

Robson attempted to provide a more attacking edge after the break, with Clarence Acuna replaced by Kevin Gallacher after an hour.

The change seemed to have immediate effects, with Sasa Ilic forced to hold Lee's 30-yard drive in the 62nd minute, and the save was swiftly followed by a more impressive stop from Shola Ameobi.

Ilic, deputising for the injured Dean Kiely, flung himself to his right to touch a shot from the edge of the box around his right-hand post.

With time running out Ilic capped a confident display by keeping out Gallacher, after a fine turn and shot by the Scottish striker