Charlton’s U21s suffered a 3-2 defeat against Watford at a gusty Sparrows Lane on Monday afternoon.

The visitors took the lead in fortuitous fashion after four minutes when Charlie Davis’ corner was headed in by James Clarridge, via a deflection off Seydil Toure.

Jonathan Macaulay produced a smart save at the other end to keep out Keenan Gough’s volleyed effort after Lewis Fiorini’s cross had worked its way to the back post.

The young Addicks were given a golden chance to draw level on 22 minutes as Tolu Ladapo’s cross struck the arm of a Watford defender. Patrick Casey stepped up and made no mistake from 12 yards, sending Macaulay the wrong way and slotting into the bottom-left corner.

Captain Gough thought he had given Charlton the lead after 66 minutes when he poked home from close range, only for it to be ruled out for offside.

The Hornets restored their advantage moments later through Laken Torres, who drilled home from just inside the 18-yard box after being picked out by Davis.

Substitute Zak Fraser-Grante added a third on 73 minutes when his deflected effort looped over Adegoke following a Watford corner.  

Ryan Huke pulled a goal back for the young Addicks six minutes from time, receiving the ball from Nathan Asiimwe and turning well before firing into the bottom corner.

However, Watford held on in the closing stages to claim all three points and leapfrog Charlton in the Professional Development League 2 - South standings.

Up next for the U21s is a London Senior Cup quarter-final against Barking at Princes Park on Tuesday, March 5th (KO 7.30pm).

Charlton: Adegoke; Asiimwe, Toure, Gough (c), Enslin; Taylor, Fiorini (Santos 46), Williams (Hand 72); T.Ladapo, Casey, Huke

Subs (not used): Batt, Hunter

Goals: Casey (pen) 22, Huke 84

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