Sam Keefe netted a late equaliser as Charlton’s U18s came from behind to earn a deserved point against Queens Park Rangers in Professional Development League 2 South on Saturday.
Trailing to Dillon De Silva’s 52nd-minute goal, the Addicks hit back through Keefe’s close-range finish to keep themselves within three points of Rangers in the league table.
Following a lively start to the match, the Addicks were denied the opener by a fine save from the QPR goalkeeper when he flew to his left to keep out a corner-bound Richard Chin strike.
Keefe sent a free header wide from the corner that followed and Charlton then had a decent shout for a penalty turned down when Richard Afrane-Kesey appeared to be tripped inside the penalty area.
Ryan Godding headed a James Gody cross over the crossbar a couple of minutes into the second period but it was Rangers who then grabbed the lead.
An inviting cross was sent towards the back post and De Silva did well to keep his finish down and steer it home.
Centre-back Charlie Barker fired a low strike wide, as the Addicks looked for a quick equaliser, and substitute Andre Thompson-Fearon was next to go close for the men in red but his long-range shot was well saved by the QPR stopper.
The Addicks’ leveller arrived eight minutes from time. Isiaka met a free-kick with his head and, after QPR failed to clear the danger, Keefe pounced and swivelled to bury the ball into the corner from six yards out.
Charlton U18s: Harvey, Barton, Keefe, Barker, Aidoo, Godding, Albon (Allsopp 76), Chin, Gody (Thompson-Fearon 56), Afrane-Kesey, Isiaka.
Subs (not used): Whitling, Garande, Buhari.
Goal: Keefe 82
Photo by Ian Randall
