Charlton's U21s were condemned to their first defeat of the season as Brentford U21s secured a 6-1 win at Princes Park.
The young Addicks were limited to 10 men early on as Alan Mwamba was shown a straight red card in the 23rd minute for a challenge in the middle of the park.
The visitors opened the scoring inside seven minutes when a neat flick from Isaac Holland saw the ball fall to Ben Krauhaus, who volleyed home.
Henry Rylah came close to levelling the scoring shortly after Mwamba’s dismissal as his thunderous effort was tipped over the bar.
Charlton were knocking on the door and came close once again almost instantly. Kaheim Dixon intercepted a poor touch and threaded a pass across the box for Micah Mbick, whose close-range effort was repelled by the Brentford keeper.
The Bees added their second ahead of the interval through Paris Maghoma.
Mbick was able to pull a goal back for Chris Lock’s side on the cusp of the half-time whistle as he capitalised on a loose pass at the back and slotted home.
Ashley Hay scored Brentford's third ahead of the hour mark.
Just eight minutes later, Hay bagged his brace with a cool finish from six yards.
The forward secured his hat-trick with 15 minutes remaining, firing home on the turn.
Brentford added a late sixth through substitute Iwan Morgan, who curled in from distance to round off the scoring.
Up next for the U21s is a trip to Cardiff City on Saturday afternoon (KO 2pm BST).
Charlton: MacLorg; Hobden, Hunter, Laqeretabua (Toure 46); Rylah (Safa 81), Mwamba, Kedwell (c), Fullah, Bower (Casey 68); Dixon (Enslin 60), Mbick
Sub (not used): Sadler
Goal: Mbick 45
Sent off: Mwamba 23
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