Charlton’s U23s fell to a 3-2 defeat to Watford in an entertaining encounter at Princes Park on Monday.
The Addicks fell behind early on to Joseph Hungbo’s opener. The Hornets’ forward cut in from the right and fired a shot inside the near post, ensuring his side took a one-goal lead into the break.
That lead was doubled on 50 minutes when Hungbo scored his second from the spot after Lucas Ness was harshly adjudged to have committed a foul on an off-balance Watford player in the box, but Charlton got themselves back into the game almost immediately.
Three minutes later, some nice trickery from Junior Quitirna on the right-wing allowed Hady Ghandour to cross for Johl Powell’s, whose shot took a heavy deflection on its way into the net.
Valley Pass subscribers can watch extended highlights from the match in the video below
With 16 minutes left on the clock, Watford restored their two-goal advantage with Hungbo completing his hat-trick with a low shot from the edge of the box.
But the Addicks responded quickly again, this time taking just two minutes to fire back - Charles Clayden with a firm effort into the bottom corner from just inside the box.
That goal set up an interesting final 15 minutes, but Charlton could not find that all-important breakthrough, suffering their first defeat of the season.
Charlton U23s: Harness, Barton, Ness, Taylor (t), Aidoo, Powell, Henry (Quitirna 46), Dempsey, Clayden (Afrane-Kesey 73), Carvalho (t), Ghandour (Asomugha (t) 73).
Subs (not used): Osaghae, Garande.
Goals: Powell 53, Clayden 76
(Photo: Tom West)