Charlton’s U21s shared the spoils with Cardiff City in a 10-goal thriller at Princes Park on Monday.
The prolific Patrick Casey remarkably bagged all five of the young Addicks’ goals in an afternoon of high drama in Dartford, taking his tally to 22 for the season.
The first of his quintet came after just four minutes, when he controlled Henry Rylah’s cross superbly and finished with aplomb on the half-volley.
The visitors drew level on 18 minutes through Ryan Kavanagh, who converted from the spot after Henry Molyneux had brought down James Crole.
Joel Colwill then netted two goals in as many minutes to give the Bluebirds a 3-1 lead, first sweeping home Raheem Conte’s pull back and then finishing after being picked out by Crole.
Casey halved his side’s deficit on the stroke of half-time, swivelling on the edge of the 18-yard box and arrowing a low, left-footed effort into the bottom-right corner.
Cameron Antwi restored Cardiff’s two-goal advantage 10 minutes after the restart, drilling home following a well-worked corner routine.
Casey had his hat-trick moments later, finishing past Jacob Dennis after being found by Rylah following excellent work from Jason Adigun to retrieve possession.
The young Addicks were level on 67 minutes following a lightning move, which culminated with Adigun crossing for Casey to head home at the far post.
The visitors retook the lead in fortuitous fashion 13 minutes from time as Crole’s cross deflected in off Seydil Toure.
Charlton responded within four minutes and it was Casey again, this time volleying home Toby Bower's corner at the back stick.
There was still time for more drama as Cardiff’s Cian Ashford saw red after lashing out at captain Harvey Kedwell late on.
Charlton: Molyneux; Kedwell (c), Gough (Hand 71), Toure, Bower; Williams (Roddy 46), Anderson, Adigun; Rylah, Casey, Ladapo (Fullah 83)
Subs (not used): Adegoke, Dench
Goals: Casey 4, 43, 59, 67, 81
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