Charlton's U17s progressed to the semi-finals of the Premier League Cup with a 2-1 win against Southampton at the Staplewood Training Ground on Tuesday afternoon.
Ellis McMillan and Reuben Reid were on the scoresheet for the young Addicks, while Adetokunbo Oyekunle netted for the hosts.
It took just 14 minutes for Jason Pearce’s side to edge ahead through McMillan. The versatile forward stood over a free-kick 25 yards out, where he wrapped his strike around the wall, seeing it sneak in at the near post.
The Saints levelled the scoring in the 36th minute through Oyekunle. A corner was swung in towards the back post and after a series of headers, it eventually fell to the forward on the edge of the six-yard box. Oyekunle made no mistake, slotting his strike in from close range to equalise.
With full-time rapidly approaching, Charlton were awarded a penalty and a golden chance to take the lead late on. Emmanuel Sol-Loza stood over the spot-kick and fired a well-placed effort towards the keeper’s left, forcing a superb save from the hosts' stopper.
The young Addicks continued to push for a winner thereafter and received their reward thanks to a mishap at the back. Sol-Loza pressed on a heavy touch at the back, culminating in a loose pass being intercepted by Reid inside the box and he coolly converted with a curling finish to secure Charlton's spot in the final four.
Charlton: Woodham; Valentine, Elliott, Dawkins, Ogunnowo (Davis 45); Belton (c) (Brown 90+2), Reid, Washington-Amoah; Tagoe, McMillan (Burnham 71), Sol-Loza
Subs (not used): Williams, Gokah
Goals: McMillan 14, Reid 79
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