Charlton’s U18s cemented their place at the top of the Professional Development League 2 – south table with an emphatic victory over Swansea City at Sparrows Lane on March 30th.
Jason Adigun fired the hosts in front in the 36th minute when he fired home from close range following a cut-back from the left and Tolu Ladapo doubled the advantage six minutes later, dispatching a powerful header from a corner delivery.
The young Addicks had to wait until the 71st minute for their third with sub Mack Reilly diverting a right-wing cross inside the near post and it was 4-0 by the 77th minute as Richard Chin rounded off an excellent passing move to fire into the top right-hand corner from six yards.
With the points all wrapped up, Chin secured his brace with six minutes remaining. The midfielder took the ball down from a raking pass from the left wing, cut onto his left and sent an unstoppable shot into the top left-hand corner to finish the scoring in style.
The victory leaves Charlton top by four points having played a game more than Ipswich Town in second.
There remains a nine-point gap to Watford in third with the top two receiving a play-off spot for a shot at the national title come the end of the season.
Charlton U18s: Kone, Asiimwe, Garande (Trialist 72), Elerewe, Bakrin (Mitchell 58), Anderson, Chin, Adigun, Santos, Ladapo, Campbell (Reilly 64)
Subs (not used): Leaburn
Goals: Adigun 36, Ladapo 42, Reilly 71, Chin 77, 84
(Photos: Tom West)