Tony Cottee scored two second-half goals to see Leicester past the substantial challenge of Charlton last night. His trademark close-range finishes came in a remarkable nine-minute spell which produced the tie's three goals and secured a victory which seemed unlikely during a first half dominated almost entirely by the home side.

Recent history did not seem to favour Charlton. Not since 1979 have they progressed beyond this stage of the competition, whereas Leicester won the trophy two seasons ago.

Leicester were almost on the canvas inside two minutes. Keith Jones's astute through-ball allowed Clive Mendonca a clear run on goal but the striker overran the ball and Kasey Keller saved at his feet. Charlton went close again shortly afterwards.

A breathless opening saw Charlton's goalkeeper Andy Petterson called into action only two minutes later as Leicester demonstrated their prowess from set-pieces. Steve Guppy's corner was flicked on by Emile Heskey and Petterson acrobatically kept out Frank Sinclair's header.

Charlton continued to force the pace and when Robinson's goal-bound shot was blocked in the 34th minute, the impressive Mark Kinsella saw his volley saved by Keller.

Yet Leicester emerged from their shell in the closing minutes of the first half, twice going close to an undeserved lead. Guppy forced Petterson to tip over his header from Theo Zagorakis's right-wing cross and from the resulting corner Elliott's far-post header was well saved before Robbie Savage screwed the rebound wide.

Leicester continued in the same vein after the restart. Cottee should have done better than shoot over when put in by Guppy but made amends almost immediately to give Leicester a 51st-minute lead.

This time Muzzy Izzet supplied the left wing cross and, from Heskey's challenge, the ball broke to Cottee who scored with a low shot. The celebrations had scarcely died down when Charlton equalised, Paul Mortimer volleying in expertly from Robinson's free-kick.

But there was a sting in the tail for the home side four minutes later. Neil Lennon released Izzet down the right and Cottee slid in for his sixth goal of the season.

Charlton: Petterson, Mills (Parker 81), Powell, Rufus, Youds, Jones (Lisbie 74), Robinson, Kinsella, Hunt (Bright 81), Mendonca, Mortimer. Subs Not Used: Brown, Royce. Goal: Mortimer 56.

Leicester: Keller, Sinclair, Elliott, Ullathorne, Savage, Zagorakis, Izzet, Lennon, Heskey, Cottee, Guppy. Subs Not Used: Arphexad, Parker, Walsh, Fenton, Wilson. Goals: Cottee 51, 60.

Referee: G Willard (Worthing).