U18S REPORT | Charlton 2 Millwall 1

Olly Groome reports

Charlton’s table-topping U18s came from behind to beat local rivals Millwall at Sparrows Lane on Saturday.
 
All three goals came in the second half of a keenly-fought encounter in New Eltham, with the young Addicks netting twice in the final 15 minutes
 
A fairly-even first half saw both sides hit the post with close-range headers, while Jordan Zemura saw an effort saved by the Lions’ stopper one-on-one in the freezing, snowy conditions.
 
The hosts began to get on top after the break, but it was Millwall who took the lead in the 63rd minute when a low corner delivered to the near post caught out Charlton, leaving the visitors’ number nine in space to stroke home from six yards.
 
The Lions nearly scored again when a curling shot from the edge of the box came back off the outside of the right upright, but the Addicks struck a deserved equaliser in the 75th minute through Alex Willis.
 
The striker linked up well with Brendan Sarpong-Wiredu, who bent a delightful first-time pass into his path, which Willis confidently fired across the keeper and into the bottom left-hand corner.
 
With nine minutes left on the clock, Charlton got their winner as Willis sealed his brace.
 
Taylor Maloney’s crunching tackle stopped Millwall moving upfield, leaving Sarpong-Wiredu to play in sub Kareem Isiaka in the box and he pulled the ball back to Willis who dispatched a powerful finish into the roof of the net from 12 yards to secure the points.
 
Charlton U18s: Maynard-Brewer; Bangura-Williams, Pollard, Simpson, Zemura; Maloney, Sarpong-Wiredu, Morgan; Abraham, Willis (Birch 84), Gody (Isiaka 52).
 
Subs (not used): Harvey, Dempsey.
 
Goals: Willis 75, 81