Charlton’s U18s clinched the Professional Development League 2 - South title on Saturday afternoon with a 4-1 victory against Coventry City.
Ryan Huke was on target and Patrick Casey netted a hat-trick to add to his sensational goal return this season.
The young Addicks opened the scoring at Sparrows Lane after 22 minutes. Henry Rylah’s deep cross found fellow wideman Kai Enslin, who squared for the unmarked Huke to convert from close range.
Casey soon doubled his side’s advantage, racing onto an underhit back pass from a visiting defender, rounding the goalkeeper and stroking home.
Casey added Charlton’s third five minutes before the break when he slotted a left-footed effort beyond Coventry’s stopper after being played in by Huke.
The Sky Blues pulled a goal back after the restart, but Jason Pearce’s side restored their three-goal lead on 69 minutes when Casey completed his hat-trick.
The prolific forward shared a neat one-two with Enslin before firing past the advancing keeper to add gloss to yet another win for the U18s, who secured back-to-back PDL 2 - South titles.
Pearce’s side finish the regular league season at Bristol City on Saturday (KO 11am) and will then host Sheffield United, who finished second in the northern division, in the national play-off semi-finals.
Full information on a confirmed date and tickets for the clash will be announced in due course.
Charlton: Molyneux; Asiimwe (Okwumo 46), Hobden, Laqeretabua (Myers 61), Bower (c); Kedwell, Anderson (Danso 46), Huke; Rylah (Mbick 61), Casey, Enslin
Subs (not used): Batt
Goals: Huke 22, Casey 30, 40, 69
Charlton fans can support the academy by signing up to the Valley Gold scheme. Valley Gold enables fans to support the club’s academy in unearthing the talents of tomorrow, as well as giving them the chance to win cash prizes.
For more information on how you can become a Valley Gold member, please click here.