Jason Euell’s U23s continued their hot streak with a Premier League Cup Group A victory over Peterborough United at the ABAX Stadium on February 7th.
The Addicks dominated from start to finish and found themselves two goals to the good at the break thanks to the goals of Mikhail Kennedy and Ben Dempsey, while Kennedy secured his brace late on to round up a convincing win in Cambridgeshire.
Jamie Mascoll came close to opening the scoring after just four minutes when he curled a low free-kick narrowly around the post, laying the foundations for some sustained Charlton pressure with Kennedy coming even closer shortly after when his lob bounced just off target.
The Addicks kept knocking on the Posh’s door and a good passing move resulted in a good-looking Taylor Maloney effort from just outside the box which curled just over, before the visitors did eventually take a deserved lead five minutes before half-time.
Mascoll slipped Wassim Aouachria into the left-hand side of the box and the Algerian laid on the assist for Kennedy, who poked home a clever finish from close range.
That lead was extended moments before the break when some firm pressure from Dempsey in midfield saw him win possession before placing a shot into the bottom right-hand corner from 20 yards.
The second period allowed Charlton to cruise somewhat, although trialist keeper Henry Newcombe did need to get behind a couple of long-range Peterborough efforts with the hosts looking to find a way back.
All three points were made safe in the 86th minute, however, with Kennedy netting his second of the afternoon, bundling home from a couple of yards after the keeper had failed to keep hold of Mascolls cross-cum-shot.
The 3-0 victory made it the development squad’s third success on the bounce, in which they had netted an impressive 12 goals.
Charlton U23s: Newcombe, Yao, Cummings, Bowry, Mascoll, Stevenson, Maloney, Dempsey (Odoh 89), Doughty, Aouachria (Ocran 75), Kennedy (Odoh 89).
Subs (not used): Harvey, Birch.
Goals: Kennedy 40, 86, Dempsey 45