Charlton's new strike partnership of Carl Leaburn and Clive Mendonca proved too much for struggling Ipswich the high-riding Londoners winning comfortably 3-0.

Town, who had beaten Charlton twice in the Coca Cola Cup this season, went close in the eighth minute when David Kerslake, after swapping passes with Neil Gregory, chipped a long-range shot just over the bar.

But three minutes later, Charlton were in front when Leaburn beat Jason Cundy and headed on for Mendonca to round keeper Richard Wright and side-foot home his 10th goal of the season.

It was Mendonca's seventh goal against Ipswich, his best tally against any club. Leaburn, who has been out of contract for 15 months was causing all sorts of problems to a shaky Ipswich defence and nearly increased Charlton's lead in the 26th minute, his close range shot being blocked.

From the rebound Mendonca hammered another close range effort against a defender's legs. Another goal was not long in coming however with defender Phil Chapple diving in to head home his fourth goal of the season from Mark Kinsella's corner.

Before the break, Ipswich had suffered two further blows when they lost Jason Dozzell, suffering from a virus, and skipper Geraint Williams with a hip injury.

Ipswich showed up better in the second half but rarely troubled Andy Petterson.

The Australian keeper dealt easily with a 25 yard effort from former Charlton striker David Whyte, making his debut for Ipswich.

Substitute Simon Milton went close in the 53rd minute and no one was around to get a final touch to a dangerous low Alex Mathie cross.

Town's best chance fell to Gregory in the 81st minute but he blasted an angled shot high over the bar.

For their part, Charlton gave Wright torrid second half but the England under 21 goalkeeper was equal to the task keeping out efforts from Mendonca, Mathie Holmes, Kinsella, Leaburn and John Robinson.

Wright was finally beaten again in injury time when Leaburn scored his second goal in tow starts, heading home Robinson's cross from 10 yards.