Carlisle United are set to make a swift return to League Two after a 10th defeat in the last 11 games left them 16 points from safety.
They have only 10 games left to play, too, after their latest reversal – a 3-2 defeat at Charlton Athletic.
It was the first time this season that Charlton have been able to put together back-to-back victories.
For Paul Simpson, the Carlisle manager, it was another painful defeat but at least he saw some fight and determination from his side.
He had asked them to show some pride and he was given hope when the Blues took the lead after just 20 minutes.
A volley from Luke Armstrong gave the January signing his second goal for the club but Carlisle couldn’t hold it to the break.
On 37 minutes Alfie May followed up a deflected shot from Daniel Kanu to steer home the equaliser.
Then nine minutes after the restart it was Charlton in front when Kanu thrashed the ball home from short-range.
When Taylor Charters levelled from the penalty spot after 63 minutes it looked as though Carlisle might take something home with them.
Their 800 travelling fans had been pleased with their side’s efforts so it was more heartbreak when they conceded a third goal on 75 minutes.
It was May who scored the winner, nipping onto a weak back-pass from former Charlton defender Sam Lavelle before going round keeper Harry Lewis to steer in his fourth goal in four games.
It was Charlton’s first home victory since November and they are now in the safer environment of mid-table after looking to be heading the wrong way not too long ago.
For Carlisle the end of a dismal season can’t come soon enough.
