Charlton’s U18s suffered a late, late blow as they fell to an injury-time defeat at the hands of rivals Crystal Palace on March 2nd.
The Addicks made a bright start to the match at the Eagles’ training ground in Beckenham and Kareem Isiaka came close to opening the scoring when he latched onto Eddie Allsopp’s neat back-heel flick, only to be denied by the hosts’ stopper Jacob Russell who raced out to smother the opportunity.
Charlton dominated for large periods of the first half and trialist Charles Claydon was next to worry Palace when he fired over from eight yards following Isiaka’s squared pass.
Claydon and Isiaka combined again shortly after, this time with the former supplying a ball in from the left for the latter, but the Addicks striker was once again denied by Russell, who stuck out a leg to make a last-ditch save.
In truth, Charlton could, and perhaps should, have been a couple of goals up by the time the second half started and the visitors would ultimately be made to pay for those missed opportunities as the Eagles started to claw their way back into the game.
Despite seeing more of the ball, Palace were unable to carve out any opportunities of note with the Addicks rear guard remaining firm until late on.
A warning shot was fired three minutes from time when Martin Onoabhagbe headed a corner against the crossbar and Charlton would be caught cold from their own corner seconds before the final whistle when a quick counter attack provided the hosts with the chance to win the game.
Palace raced forwards before the ball eventually fell to John-Kymani Gordon who took a touch and finished for the winner from 10 yards.
Charlton U18s: Harvey, Barton, French, Keefe, Aidoo, Albon, Vennings, Allsopp (Williams 60), Afrane-Kesey (Gody 70), Isiaka, Clayden (Henry 82).
Subs (not used): Watkins, Kirunda.
(Image: Tom West)