10-man Charlton's U18s exited the Professional Development League Cup following a 2-2 draw with Watford at Sparrows Lane on Saturday.
Luke Ashburn got the young Addicks off to a flying start in their third and final group-stage game, flicking home Kai Enslin's inswinging corner after just seven minutes.
However, Jason Pearce's side were soon reduced to 10 men as goalkeeper Jude Sadler was adjudged to have brought down Watford's number nine on the edge of the 18-yard box.
Charlton defended valiantly for the remaining 30 minutes of the first half, but the Hornets bagged two goals within 10 minutes of the restart to change the complexion of the tie.
The young Addicks pushed hard for a leveller thereafter and that moment arrived seven minutes from time when Enslin raced onto Micah Mbick's through ball and coolly stroked the ball beyond the visitors' stopper.
A winning goal ultimately proved elusive though, as Watford held on to progress to the knockout stages having finished top of Group F.
Pearce's U18s are back in action against the Hornets on Saturday, December 2nd (KO 12pm), this time in league action.
Charlton: Sadler; Brown, Danso (c), Ashburn, Okwumo; Berry (Spencer 15), Mwamba, Wales; Yamoah (Fullah 62), Mbick, Enslin
Subs (not used): Ogunnowo, Tagoe
Goals: Ashburn 7, Enslin 83
Sent off: Sadler 15
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