SAINTS slipped to their second defeat in a row with a 2-1 defeat at Charlton this afternoon.

The home side were in control for much of the game, particularly in the first half, when their front three and central midfielder Scott Parker always posed a major threat.

It was Parker who gave Charlton the lead on 32 minutes when he waltzed past Anders Svens-son, Wayne Bridge and Michael Svens-son before firing across Paul Jones and into the corner of the net.

Jones had already produced a couple of good saves and was also kept busy in the second half.

Charlton doubled their lead on 50 minutes when Kevin Lisbie flicked Claus Jensen's free-kick into the top corner.

Saints had had their chances, in particular Brett Ormerod and Matt Oakley just before half-time, but didn't manage to get onto the scoresheet until the last minute. Top scorer James Beattie chested and vollied into the net from 20 yards for his 23rd Premier-ship goal of the season but it came too late for Saints to get anything from the game.

FOR FULL MATCH REPORTS, ANALYSIS AND PICTURES SEE TONIGHT'S PINK AND THE DAILY ECHO SPORTS SUPPLEMENT ON MONDAY.