Charlton’s U21s suffered a 3-2 defeat against Millwall at Princes Park on Monday afternoon.
The young Addicks created the first opportunity of the game after just three minutes through Tolu Ladapo, who cut inside and saw his goalbound effort headed behind by Joshua Stephenson for a corner.
At the other end, Raees Bangura-Williams headed against the post for Millwall before Henry Rylah led a Charlton counter-attack, carrying the ball superbly and squaring for Ladapo, but Ethan Wady produced a smart stop to deny the winger.
The Lions’ stopper had to be alert again moments later, this time repelling Rylah’s shot.
Patrick Casey was next to go close for the young Addicks. Having received the ball from Alan Mwamba, the Irishman turned well and let fly, only to see his strike go just wide of Wady’s left upright.
Abdul Abdulmalik gave Millwall the lead on 33 minutes in fortuitous circumstances as his shot deflected off captain Harvey Kedwell, taking it beyond goalkeeper Henry Molyneux.
The young Addicks were back on level terms just six minutes later when Casey sent Kedwell’s deep corner goalbound and Jason Adigun was there to smash the ball home.
Jack Howland restored the visitors’ advantage on the stroke of half-time, sweeping home George Walker's cross.
Bangura-Williams added a third for Millwall 10 minutes after the restart, converting from close range following a scramble inside Charlton’s 18-yard box.
Toby Bower produced a moment of magic on 72 minutes to halve the young Addicks’ deficit. Rylah’s cross was headed away by a Millwall man but only as far as Bower, who, with his first touch, controlled the ball before drilling a stunning left-footed strike past the helpless Wady with his second.
Wady was on hand to deny Bower and Charlton a leveller five minutes from time, tipping the full-back’s 20-yard free-kick over the crossbar.
Chris Lock’s U21s are next in action on Tuesday, October 24th when they travel to Colchester United (KO 7pm).
Charlton: Molyneux; Hand, Gough, Hunter (Toure 64), Bower; Kedwell (c), Adigun, Mwamba; Rylah, Casey, Ladapo (Enslin 73)
Subs (not used): Adegoke, Danso, Fullah
Goals: Adigun 39, Bower 72
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