Emmanuel Sol-Loza scored a late winner as Charlton’s U18s claimed a 3-2 victory against Barnsley in south Yorkshire on Saturday.
Jacob Safa fired the young Addicks ahead on 28 minutes, racing onto a loose ball after Patrick Casey’s shot was deflected, rounding Trent Carter-Rogers and stroking home.
The hosts restored parity moments before the interval through Vimal Yoganathan, who volleyed a deep corner beyond Jude Sadler.
Barnsley were then given a golden chance to go ahead, but Sadler sprung to his left superbly to keep out Luke Alker’s spot-kick.
Jason Pearce’s side were back in front after 54 minutes when Micah Mbick received a throw-in from Kai Enslin, spun his marker and crossed for the advancing Harmony Okwumo to smash home.
Alker soon atoned for his penalty miss by bringing the hosts level once more with 19 minutes remaining.
As the clock hit 90 minutes, substitute Sol-Loza produced what would prove to be the match-winning moment. Fellow substitute Alan Mwamba regained possession inside his own half and drove into the Barnsley half before feeding Sol-Loza, who coolly fired into the bottom-left corner.
The U18s, who have now won three games on the spin, are back in action on Tuesday when they host Bournemouth at Sparrows Lane (KO 1pm).
Charlton: Sadler; Hunter (Mwamba 58), Cann, Danso (Wales 78); Okwumo, Safa, Gough (c), Enslin; Myers (Fullah 58); Casey (Sol-Loza 46), Mbick
Sub (not used): Spencer
Goals: Safa 28, Okwumo 54, Sol-Loza 90
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