Charlton's U18s bowed out of the FA Youth Cup at the third-round stage on Wednesday evening, falling to defeat at the hands of Sheffield United at Princes Park.
It was a tough start for Charlton, with the visitors taking the lead with just seven minutes on the clock when Nazir Bakrin was caught in possession midway into his own half. That hesitancy allowed Antoine Hackford plenty of time to finish past James Beadle one-on-one.
The Addicks responded well and looked to get their footing back in the game, applying plenty of pressure on the Blades’ defence for the remainder of the half, with Euan Williams coming closest, firing over from Nathan Asimwe’s cross.
James Beadle was called into action early in the second half, keeping out Daniel Jebbison with a double save, while Williams headed just over at the other end.
But Charlton’s mountain became harder to climb nine minutes after the restart as the visitors doubled their lead.
Hackford laid the ball on a plate for his strike partner Jebbison who tucked away his side’s second, although there was more than a hint of offside during the build-up.
The Blades came close to a third in the 68th minute when Asimwe somehow kept out Andre Brooks’ goalbound effort, while Aaron Henry hooked another off the line second later.
In truth, the Addicks found it difficult to drag themselves back into contention with the visitors coming closest to the next goal - Brooks smacking the crossbar with an angled shot late on.
The final whistle brought to an end Charlton's interest in the competition for another year, with all attention now turning to the remaining league campaign.
Charlton U18s: Beadle, Asimwe (Leaburn 84), Bakrin, Barker, Garande, Henry, Chin, Santos (Anderson 65), Campbell, Wiliams (Gavin 77), Burstow.
Subs (not used): Kone, Elerewe, Hobden, Reilly.
Booked: Burstow 78 (foul on Maguire), Henry 83 (foul on Anderson), Barker 90 (foul)
Sheffield United U18s: Huddleston, Seriki, Anderson, Arblaster, Grant, Cullinan, Brooks, Maguire, Hackford, Ayari, Jebbison.
Goals: Hackford 7, Jebbison 54
Subs (not used): Hampshaw, Williams, Angell, Smith, Marsh, Williams, Osula.
Referee: H Collins
(Photos: Kyle Andrews)