Cheltenham Town crashed out of the Carabao Cup with a 3-1 defeat to Charlton Athletic, conceding three goals before half-time at Whaddon Road. Nathan Jones' side dominated early, with Matty Godden, Sonny Carey, and Tyreece Campbell all finding the net in a commanding first-half display. Cheltenham pulled one back through George Miller but could not mount a comeback, with their next fixture coming against Crawley Town at home on 2027-02-20, where they sit 19th in the table.
How did Charlton take control?
Charlton opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when Matty Godden charged down a clearance from Robbie Cundy, allowing Sonny Carey to set him up for a finish that bounced in off the post. Carey then doubled the lead almost immediately, firing in from close range. Tyreece Campbell made it 3-0 in the 37th minute, curling a fine shot inside the top-right corner from outside the penalty area after being teed up by Conor Coventry.
Could Cheltenham respond?
Cheltenham pulled one back in the 55th minute when Joe Tomlinson's in-swinging corner was nodded in by George Miller. Will Mannion denied Tomlinson again after Shaun McWilliams' cross in the 59th minute, but Charlton held firm. Substitute goalkeeper Wyll Stanway made two late saves to preserve the scoreline, ensuring Charlton's progression to the second round.
What does this mean for Cheltenham?
The defeat leaves Cheltenham with little to build on ahead of their next league fixture against Crawley Town on 2027-02-20, where they currently sit 19th in the League Two table. Manager Nathan Jones will look to regroup and focus on improving their defensive solidity after a disappointing cup exit.
