Charlton’s U21s got their season off to a flier with victory at Burnley on Monday afternoon.
Tolu Ladapo, Jason Adigun and Jeremy Santos [pictured] all found the net in Lancashire in what was a convincing win for Danny Senda’s side.
The young Addicks raced out of the traps with the opener coming after just two minutes as Ladapo turned home a rebound from five yards after Adigun’s initial shot was well saved.
Burnley pulled level shortly after the half-hour mark thanks to Lewis Richardson who was slipped through one-on-one and finished through the legs of Nathan Harness.
Undeterred, Charlton regained their lead on the stroke of half-time as they began to assert their dominance on proceedings - Adigun took advantage of a slip at the back by a Clarets defender to turn home a cross to ensure the Addicks would lead at the break and they very nearly added a third before the half-time whistle, striking the woodwork moments later.
Euan Williams came close to bagging that elusive third after the restart, firing wide before heading over from close range shortly after.
Santos, however, would make the points safe on 68 minutes with a fine solo effort. Picking up possession in his own half, he made his way through the Burnley midfield and into the box before firing a low effort against the left-hand upright. Santos would, however, show great tenacity to latch onto his own rebound and made no mistake from his follow up, plundering a powerful effort into the net to make it 3-1.
Ladapo very nearly put a gloss on the scoreline when he latched on to Dylan Gavin’s centre, only to fire over from close range, but it mattered not, with the Londoners left celebrating three points on the opening day of the Professional Development League 2 season.
The U21s will continue their campaign with a home clash against Sheffield United on Monday, August 15th (2pm).
Supporters should note that this game will now take place at Sparrows Lane with the game set to be broadcast live on CharltonTV.
Charlton U21s: Harness, O’Connor, Barker, Bakrin, Mitchell, Dench (Oguntayo 75), Adigun, Santos, Williams, Ladapo, Gavin (Viggars 77).
Subs (not used): Molyneux, Toure, Kamara.
Goals: Ladapo 2, Adigun 45+2, Santos 68.
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