Charlton knock holders Chelsea out

Chelsea's season suffered its first serious blemish last night when London rivals Charlton Athletic knocked them out of the League Cup 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.

Skipper John Terry headed the holders in front after 41 minutes only for Darren Bent to equalise before the break with his ninth goal of the season.

Jose Mourinho's runaway Premier League leaders could find no way through during extra time and Charlton punished them with five perfect penalties to reach the fourth round. Goalkeeper Stephan Andersen was the hero for Charlton, saving defender Robert Huth's penalty.

A virtual Manchester United reserve side eased past fourth division Barnet 4-1 to join Charlton in the next round.

United manager Alex Ferguson handed first starts to five players against Barnet with two of them, Giuseppe Rossi and Sylvain Ebanks-Blake, both on target.

Barnet's fate was sealed after just two minutes when their goalkeeper Ross Flitney was sent off for handling outside the area and Liam Miller fired in the free kick.

Kieran Richardson added another free kick before the break with Rossi and Ebanks-Blake completing the rout in the second half. Dean Sinclair grabbed a consolation for Barnet.

Results: Cardiff vs Leicester 0-1; Birmingham vs Norwich 2-1; Bolton vs West Ham 1-0; Grimsby vs Newcastle 0-1; Everton vs M'Boro; Man. United vs Barnet 4-1; Chelsea vs Charlton 1-1 (aet; Charlton win 5-4 on pens).