Charlton's U18s were condemned to a narrow 3-2 defeat in the Professional Development League against Brentford on Saturday afternoon.
Ellis McMillan and Edward Thomas were both on the scoresheet for the young Addicks at the Powerday Stadium.
The hosts edged in front ahead of the interval as Adam Poliakov headed home in the 42nd minute. Ollie Shield swung a free-kick in towards the back post for the Bees, where Poliakov was able to escape his marker, nodding back across goal and into the far corner.
Jason Pearce’s side responded well to the setback, drawing level just two minutes after half-time.
A series of knock-ons and neat passes on the edge of the Brentford box saw the ball fall to McMillan who was lurking on the penalty spot, and the in-form forward was able to turn and fire a low effort under the Brentford stopper from close range.
Despite their quick response, the young Addicks fell behind once again just eight minutes later as Shield netted from the spot. The ball struck Jack Belton’s arm, leaving the referee with no choice but to point to the spot, with Shield duly converting his spot-kick.
Brentford extended their lead to two with 16 minutes left of the initial 90 as they were awarded another penalty. Shield stepped up again from 12 yards and fired into the same corner.
The U18s' hopes of a comeback were ignited as McMillan’s inch-perfect lofted pass was met by substitute Thomas, who rifled his strike into the roof of the net from a tight angle.
McMillan threatened once again as he attempted to equalise in the dying embers. Samuel Washington-Amoah drove down the flank, pulling it back across goal for McMillan who forced a vital block from close range, denying a certain goal.
The U18s return to Sparrows Lane on Saturday as they host Bristol City (KO 12pm GMT).
Charlton: Sadler; Burnham, Olatunji (Gokah 46), Dawkins, Ogunnowo (Cooley 70); Belton (c) (Randall 76), Davis, Washington-Amoah; Richman, Peterkin (Thomas 70), McMillan
Sub (not used): Spencer
Goals: McMillan 47, Thomas 81
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