Ibrahim Fullah was the hat-trick hero as Charlton’s U18s came from behind to claim a thrilling 4-3 triumph at AFC Wimbledon in the group stages of the Professional Development League Cup.
Fullah opened the scoring on 19 minutes, exchanging a neat one-two with Jadon Yamoah and firing home.
The young Addicks took a one-goal lead into the break, but the hosts equalised five minutes after the restart when Kai Jennings found Tom Wilson in behind and the latter’s effort squirmed past Jude Sadler.
Wimbledon were ahead moments later as Jennings turned scorer, cutting onto his left foot and rifling beyond Sadler.
Micah Mbick emerged from the bench to restore parity, spinning his defender and finding the bottom-left corner with aplomb from 16 yards.
However, the Wombles regained their advantage on 71 minutes through Ed Leach, who bundled home Jennings’ centre.
Charlton produced an immediate response through Fullah, who punished a defensive mix-up after being picked out by Brook Myers.
Fullah completed his treble three minutes from time, drilling a half-volley past the hosts’ stopper with what would be the last meaningful action of a dramatic clash.
That ensured the young Addicks got off to the perfect start in the Premier League Cup, with group games against QPR and Watford to come.
Charlton: Sadler; Brown, Danso, Hunter (c), Okwumo; Safa, Mwamba, Fullah; Yamoah (Berry 75), Sol-Loza (Mbick 55), Myers (Ashburn 90+7)
Subs (not used): Grosha, Cann
Goals: Fullah 19, 72, 87, Mbick 67
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