Jason Euell's young Addicks fell to a 4-3 defeat to Nottingham Forest in what was a gripping affair at Princes Park on Monday afternoon.
A double from the spot from James Vennings and a goal from Brendan Wiredu made sure that Charlton didn't go down without a fight but it was not enough to stop a rampant Forest side.
A disappointing opening five minutes saw the Addicks trailing by two goals thanks to a quick-fire brace from Will Swan but Charlton battled back when they were awarded a penalty that was coolly despatched by Vennings on 20 minutes.
Just five minutes later and the Addicks were level when Wiredu, who was making his first start after a lengthy spell on the sidelines, was able to slot home to make it all square.
Charlton's hard work to get back into the game would be undone just a minute later when Cafu notched the visitors' third of the game.
The game was far from over, however, and within no time Charlton were back level once again. Junior Quitirna was judged to have been fouled in the box and Vennings stepped up to place home his second penalty of the afternoon.
But Nottingham Forest would go on and ask just too much of the Addicks when they bagged their fourth goal just four minutes after the break, Yassin En-Neyah scoring what would prove to be the winning goal.
The young Addicks now turn their attention to Hull City who they will face on November 2nd.
Charlton: Harness, Taylor (Barker 85), Aidoo, Vennings, Ness, Mingi, Wiredu (Santos 64), Powell (Barton 85), Quitirna, Ghandour, Henry
Subs (Not Used): Osaghae.
Goals: Vennings 20 (pen) 30 (pen), Wiredu 24
(Photos: Tom West)