George Jones reports
Karlan Ahearne-Grant and Reeco Hackett-Fairchild scored as Charlton’s U23s earned a 2-0 victory away at Watford on Monday afternoon.
The latter opened the scoring for his side midway through the first half, with Ahearne-Grant adding a second after the break.
The result secured back-to-back wins for Jason Euell’s side and consolidates their position at the summit of Professional Development League 2 South.
Charlton’s first chance fell to Ahearne-Grant when he volleyed into the arms of Hornets stopper Charlie Bannister from the edge of the box.
Anfernee Dijksteel smacked the underside of the crossbar with a powerful shot shortly afterwards and the Dutchman then played a key role in the Addicks’ opener.
He drove forward and linked up with Hackett-Fairchild who, once in on goal, picked out the bottom corner with a crisp finish on the 23-minute mark.
Bannister made a good double save from George Lapslie and Hackett-Fairchild, as Charlton looked to press home their advantage before half-time.
They led 1-0 at the break and doubled their lead eight minutes into the second period.
Lapslie slid in well to win possession and he then played in Ahearne-Grant, who made no mistake with his finish.
The striker tested Bannister again with two strikes – one from 30 yards and the other from a tight angle – midway through the second half but the goalkeeper was equal to them both.
At the other end, Watford hit the outside of the post and, for Charlton, Dijksteel headed into the side netting.
The Addicks held on comfortably to record the points and they are next in action on Friday night when they travel to Fulham in the Premier League Cup.
Charlton: Mitov, Barnes, Doughty, Triallist, Bowry, Dijksteel, Lapslie, Millar, Yamfam, Ahearne-Grant, Hackett-Fairchild.
Subs (not used): Beeney, Yao, Maloney, Morgan, Willis.
Goals: Hackett-Fairchild 23, Ahearne-Grant 53
U23S REPORT | Watford 0 Charlton 2
February 22nd, 2017