A very youthful Charlton U21 side came from behind to claim a 4-2 triumph against a strong Wigan Athletic outfit at The Valley on Monday afternoon.
Patrick Casey, Ryan Huke, Micah Mbick - an U16 - and Kai Enslin were all on the scoresheet as a starting XI consisting entirely of U18s earned victory in the SE7 sunshine.
Luke Brennan gave the visitors a 15th-minute lead, cutting in from the left flank and curling beyond Ahmed Kone.
The young Addicks responded excellently and were level just six minutes later as the prolific Casey finished an outstanding move. Huke showed fancy feet to dance past three Latics players before feeding the advancing Rylah, whose cross-shot was turned home by Casey at the far post.
Rylah was the provider again as Charlton took the lead four minutes before the break, this time racing onto Keenan Gough’s delightful switch and sending in a pinpoint, low cross for Huke, who converted from close range with aplomb.
Brennan netted his and the visitors’ second on 54 minutes, poking home Youssef Chentouf’s centre from a matter of yards.
Charlton responded once more though as Harvey Kedwell’s diagonal ball was cleared by Jack Reilly into the path of substitute Mbick, who poked home to restore the young Addicks’ advantage just eight minutes after his introduction.
Jacob Safa, another U16, was also introduced in the closing stages as fellow substitute Enslin added Charlton's fourth, converting Rylah's precise cross to seal an impressive Valley victory.
The U21s are back in action on Tuesday evening, taking on Welling United at Park View Road in the second round of the London Senior Cup (7pm KO). Click here to purchase your tickets.
Charlton: Kone; Okwumo, Hobden, Danso, Bower (c); Gough, Huke (Safa 87), Kedwell; Rylah, Casey (Mbick 73), Myers (Enslin 73)
Subs (not used): Molyneux, Hunter
Goals: Casey 21, Huke 41, Mbick 81
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.
Click here for more information on how you can become a Valley Gold member.
(Photos: Sam Wheatland)
