The U23s are still waiting for their first victory of the new season after sharing a 1-1 draw with Hull City at North Ferriby United on September 4th.
In a game of plenty of chances for both sides, Charlton took an early lead through Brendan Sarpong-Wiredu, but were pegged back by Greg Leur’s equaliser shortly after the half-hour mark and neither side could kill the game off when opportunities came their way in the second half.
The Addicks came close in the opening minutes when Aaron Barnes’ dangerous cross-cum-shot flashed across the face of goal and just past the left-hand upright, but it was not long before a smart move unlocked the Tigers’ defence to put the visitors in front after eight minutes.
Reeco Hackett-Fairchild held up play in the middle of the park, turned and picked out a perfect through-ball to send Sarpong-Wiredu clear and the youngster confidently slotted home.
The home side had a great chance to level when Brandon Fleming's cross-field pass found Brian Lenihan on the right and from his cross Greg Olley headed wide of the post.
Hull did eventually restore parity in the 33rd minute, however, when Will Annan got down the left and put in a cross which was helped on by Tyler Hamilton and Luer swept the ball into the net from close range.
The Addicks nearly regained the lead straight from kick-off when Louis-Michel Yamfam cut into the box from the right and tried his luck and sneaking a shot inside the post from a tight angle, but his shot was beaten away by stopper Callum Burton.
Shortly after, Jason Euell’s side should have had a penalty when Sarpong-Wiredu was sent tumbling as he tried to avoid a wild lunge from a Hull defender. The referee, however, opted to wave away the appeals, instead booking the Charlton man for simulation – a decision which seemed more than harsh.
Ashley Maynard-Brewer was called into action seconds into the second period when he was forced into a good save to deny Leur at his near post and Josh Clackstone then went close, but his header from a corner flew wide of the post.
At the other end, there were chances for the Addicks to regain the lead. Hackett-Fairchild adapted well in the box to send a headed effort narrowly wide from George Lapslie’s cross and Yamfam fired wide from the edge of the box, while Sarpong-Wiredu somehow could not find the target from just six yards out.
The hosts were next to enjoy some opportunities with Greg Olley having a decent shot blocked by Maynard-Brewer who held a Robbie McKenzie header shortly after.
Meanwhile, Hackett-Fairchild's left-footed strike forced Burton into a good save low to his left before the keeper had to be alert to keep out substitute Alfie Doughty's shot at his near post, but it was to be another match where Charlton would be forced into a share of the spoils.
Euell’s development squad’s next challenge sees them head to Crewe Alexandra next Monday, September 18th.
Charlton U23s: Maynard-Brewer, Barnes, Yao, Blumberg, Edwards, Maloney, Dijksteel, Lapslie, Yamfam (Doughty 75), Sarpong-Wiredu (Anderson 89), Hackett-Fairchild.
Subs (not used): Beeney, Mascoll, Carter.
Goal: Sarpong-Wiredu 8