Charlton's U15s recently arrived in Abu Dhabi to take part in the Al Jazira International Cup.
The young Addicks are competing in Group B with Le Havre AC, Al Ain and Valencia CF, while Group A includes hosts Al Jazira, Al Wahda, Partizan Belgrade and PSV Eindhoven.
Below is the U15s' take on their opening game in the tournament.
After a long-anticipated wait, Charlton's U15s kicked off their Al Jazira International Cup campaign against Le Havre on Sunday.
A composed, structured and front foot approach allowed Charlton to dominate the first 15 minutes of the game at Abu Dhabi Cricket Ground. The Addicks' opening goal came from outstanding desire from Zach Cooley to track back Le Havre’s winger and win the ball back, before crossing into Chizaram Ezenwata to score a well-directed header into the far post.
Le Havre came back into the game as the first half progressed, but an impressive display from Ruben Cocker and Marley Dawkins at the back, along with an outstanding save from Benjamin Spencer, allowed Charlton to go into the half-time break with a 1-0 lead.
The second half was just as competitive as the first with Le Havre pressuring every Charlton pass.
After 10 minutes of pressure, Le Havre equalised from a second phase of a corner, which bought a different dynamic to the game.
The game then opened up as both teams looked to gain control, with Charlton having many dangerous attacks. A change of the two forwards gave Charlton some fresh legs to apply even more pressure.
After a clever combination from Bradley Tagoe and Raynon Richman, the referee awarded the Addicks a penalty for a foul on Tagoe, which he converted.
Le Havre then looked to throw everything at the game and, wave after wave, Charlton managed to keep the French side at bay.
Le Havre applied even more pressure in the closing stages, leaving their front three forward to try and catch Charlton on the break.
In the last attack of the game, Le Havre attacked down the left-hand side and found a leveller with a shot from outside the box.
A disappointing end to an exciting game with plenty of positives to take away for the young Addicks, who start their campaign with a point and play Al Ain on Monday evening (7pm local time) looking to get their first win.
(Match report written by the U15 team)
View a gallery of images from the match below.
Charlton fans can support the academy by signing up to the Valley Gold scheme. Valley Gold enables fans to support the club’s academy in unearthing the talents of tomorrow, as well as giving them the chance to win cash prizes.
For more information on how you can become a Valley Gold member, please click here.
