Charlton’s U18s returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Colchester United on February 22nd.
Due to a pair of postponements, the young Addicks have only been in action once since the defeat to Crystal Palace on February 8th and it came in the form of three points against the U’s at Sparrows Lane thanks to goals in each half from Tyreece Campbell and Euan Williams.
After a few half-chances, Charlton broke the deadlock with 38 minutes played. The host capitalised on some sloppy defensive play from Colchester who had the opportunity to clear the ball to safety a number of times before a defender took a poor touch, bouncing into the path of Campbell who was then allowed to run into the box and finish calmly past the goalkeeper to open the scoring.
Charlie Barker had a glorious opportunity to double the lead after the break when a free-kick delivery bounced all the way through a crowded box and on a plate for him at the back post, only for him to blaze his half-volley over the bar from six yards.
The Addicks were very nearly made to rue that missed opportunity when they were almost punished for a mis-placed pass out from the back, allowing a visiting striker to break into the box and take his shot which, thankfully, came back off the inside of the post.
However, Charlton would eventually make the points safe with 10 minutes remaining. Aaron Henry split the defence with a superb through-ball from just inside the opposition half, sending through Williams who rounded it off with a delightful chip over the onrushing keeper to make it 2-0.
The U18s next test sees them take on Watford on Saturday morning. The Hornets currently sit in second place in Professional Development League 2 – South, one point ahead of the Addicks but with one less game played.
Charlton U18s: Harvey, Barton, Aidoo, Barker, Taylor, Henry, Albon, Agyemang (Afrane-Kesey 67), Williams, Santos (Chin 82), Campbell (Buhari 86).
Subs (not used): Watkins, Gavin.
Goals: Campbell 38, Williams 80