Manchester City side crashed to a heavy defeat on Boxing Day and he was dropped to the bench for the first game of 2001.

The Blues were thumped 4-1 at Maine Road by visitors Charlton Athletic, Goater starting the game up front with strike partner Paulo Wanchope.

The only goal for the home side came from new signing Darren Huckerby, who came off the bench to notch a consolation penalty just before the end.

The defeat plunged City into the relegation zone and left them with the worst home record in the Premiership -- six defeats and three wins from 11 matches.

Charlton were 2-0 up by half-time, Finnish international Jonatan Johannson netting both. Graham Stuart made it 3-0 from the penalty spot and the game was wrapped up with a bizarre fourth -- a defensive clearance striking Claus Jensen and rebounding into the goal.

City boss Joe Royle, used to standing up for his side recently when results have not matched performances, said there was no case for the defence this time.

"It's one of those days but we've had too many,'' he said on the final whistle. "I've thought at time that we've been unlucky but I can't get near that word today.

"It's not an unfamiliar scene for this club. We seem to be that kind of club -- that if there's no trouble we'll find trouble. We were sailing along quite nicely and then we hit a disastrous run. I thought we were getting out of it and then a performance like today comes along.'' Royle demanded a vast improvement from his side for the match at fellow strugglers, Coventry City.

But although they took the lead, thanks to a goal from Wanchope in the second-half, they were pegged back when the home side equalised after a mistake by the Blues' talented 'keeper, Nicky Weaver.

Goater's partnership with the Costa Rican was split up by Royle, with the boss handing new boy Huckerby his first start after his move from Leeds.

The Bermudian international had to wait until the 79th minute before replacing the youngster.

However, by that time the die was cast and City had to make do with one point from a possible six over the festive period.

Said Royle of Coventry's goal: "The ball flew and then it dipped. It was very similar to (David) Ginola's strike when we played (Aston) Villa.

"Nicky is not happy with it, but let us be positive. He has made a couple of good saves in the first half and it was just unfortunate that one went in.

With what he has done for us in the last two years I am certainly not gouing to crucify him.'' Kyle Lightbourne was reduced to watching his Stoke City team-mates from the sidelines over the holiday period.

The transfer-listed Bermudian was named as a substitute in both of City's matches but was not used.

The Potters beat Bristol City at home on Boxing Day 1-0, then secured a 2-2 draw at Notts County yesterday.