A spirited second-half display failed to save the day as Cherries’ return to League One ended in defeat at the Valley today.

Eddie Howe’s men spent much of the opening period on the back foot and were rocked by Akpo Sodje’s goal after 22 minutes.

However, the visitors enjoyed the better of the second half and created a number of presentable chances in their quest to fashion an equaliser.

Cherries’ cause was helped when Charlton were reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of midfielder Jose Semedo for a dreadful tackle on Michael Symes after 61 minutes.

Former Cherries loan man Scott Wagstaff ballooned the first shooting chance high over the crossbar as the Addicks enjoyed the better of the early exchanges.

Shwan Jalal then came to Cherries’ rescue when he smothered at the feet of Sodje and also saved bravely from Pawel Abbott as he looked to convert the follow up.

Although Cherries briefly managed to take the sting out of the hosts, Sodje spurned a gilt-edged chance to open the scoring after 17 minutes.

The big striker, invitingly teed up by Kyel Reid’s inch-perfect cross, contrived to poke his shot over the top from barely four yards with the goal at his mercy.

However, Sodje atoned when he slotted home the opener from close range after Reid had picked him out following another weaving run and probing cross in the 22nd minute.

As Charlton went in search of a quick second, the lively Reid drew a fine save from Jalal after letting fly with a well-struck free kick from 25 yards. In truth, there had been little to cheer for Cherries’ army of travelling supporters during the first half as Charlton dominated for long periods.

A half-time substitution by Cherries saw Symes replace Harry Arter, the striker having regained his fitness following a pre-season groin injury.

Cherries’ appeals for a spot kick fell on deaf ears after Marc Pugh had been sent sprawling, referee Grant Hegley deeming the foul had taken place outside the penalty area.

An encouraging start to the second half for Cherries continued when Liam Feeney forced Charlton goalkeeper Rob Elliott to save his low shot.

The hosts were reduced to 10 men when Jose Semedo was shown a straight red card for an X-rated challenge on Symes after 61 minutes.

Danny Hollands, who had double hernia surgery last month, replaced Marvin Bartley with 68 minutes gone and tried his luck with a long-range drive that flashed wide.

Cherries had another penalty shout waved away after Charlton defender Gary Doherty had appeared to handle an effort from Symes after 76 minutes.

As Cherries continued to press hard for an equaliser, Addicks goalkeeper Elliott was forced to beat away a fierce drive from Pugh.

Alan McCormack then went close to heading Pugh’s free kick past his own goalkeeper before Feeney’s thunderous drive just cleared the crossbar.

Cherries: Jalal, Bradbury (Purches, 76), Cooper, Pearce, Wiggins, Feeney, Robinson, Arter (Symes, h-t), Bartley (Hollands, 68), Pugh, Pitman.

Unused subs: Garry, McQuoid, Cummings, Thomas (g/k).

Booked: Arter, Cooper.

Addicks: Elliott, Solly, Doherty, Dailly, Jackson, Wagstaff (Martin, 72), Semedo, McCormack, Reid, Abbott (Racon, 64), Sodje (Francis, 88).

Unused subs: Mambo, Fry, Smart, Worner (g/k).

Booked: Martin.

Sent off: Semedo.

Attendance: 16,236.

Referee: Grant Hegley (Hertfordshire).