The young Addicks tasted triumph in West Yorkshire as they came back from behind to defeat Huddersfield Town at the John Smith’s Stadium in FA Youth Cup action.
Jason Pearce’s side book their place in the next round of the competition as second-half strikes from Manu Wales and Patrick Casey secured a 2-1 win on Monday evening.
Charlton started the game on the front foot and maintained the majority of possession inside the opening 15 minutes. Micah Mbick came close to opening the scoring after sending a volleyed effort goalwards, saved by Francis Hurl.
In the 37th minute, Henry Rylah forced an important stop from the home goalkeeper once again. A diagonal pass saw Rylah released into space before the winger swung a cross goalwards, forcing Hurl to push his cross against the near post and away from the danger.
Just moments later and the young Addicks had the chance to take the lead once again. The ball fell to Wales in the box but the midfielder lifted his effort over the crossbar and out for a goal kick.
Charlton came out from the interval strong, continuing to pose problems inside the opening minutes. Casey was the first to test Hurl as he sent a curling strike from distance, the shot-stopper yet again pushed the strike onto the post.
As the clock approached the hour mark, Huddersfield took the lead through Bakre. Jude Sadler made a vital save to deny a goalbound header from Tavio Ciccarelli; however, Bakre was there to tap in on the rebound and put the hosts ahead.
The host’s lead lasted just nine minutes as Manu Wales levelled the scoring for the Addicks. Superb work from Kai Enslin down the left flank as he swung a ball into the box, Wales was on hand to fire down the middle of the goal and into the back of the net to draw level.
With 15 minutes remaining of the encounter, Charlton took the lead through Casey. Another sensational delivery from Kai Enslin as he swung a wide free-kick toward the near post for Casey to bullet home with his head.
Deep into stoppage time and Charlton accumulated a series of chances with hopes to snuff out the possibility of a late equaliser. Mbick was the first to test the Terrier’s keeper before Casey attempted an audacious effort from 45 yards, forcing an important tip wide from Hurl in the Huddersfield goal.
A trip to Bristol City awaits in the FA Youth Cup Fourth Round for the young Addicks.
Charlton: Sadler, Okwumo, Gough, Laqeretabua (Safa 80), Rylah (Brown 90+), Mwamba, Fullah (Hunter 58), Wales, Enslin, Casey, Mbick
Subs (not used): Woodham, Ashburn, Danso, Yamoah
Goals: Wales 66, Casey 75
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